New legal director at CMS Dubai

CMS Dubai is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Smith as a legal director in its Real Estate team. Smith joins CMS from Afridi & Angell, where he spent four years as a senior associate advising real estate companies, government entities, retail operators, insolvency practitioners and high net worth individuals in relation to all aspects of real estate including investment, development, retail and distressed real estate.

Smith brings with him a wealth of experience across the UAE Real Estate market, having acted on a number of high profile developments including acting for Union Properties PJSC in the sale of Dubai Auto Mall, MotorCity for AED525 million, acting for the developer of a mixed use residential and hotel tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai and acting for the seller of portfolio assets in Dubai worth over AED2.2 billion. Geoff is a recommended practitioner in Legal 500 EMEA.

Commenting on Smith’s appointment, Mark Heighton, CMS’ head of real estate, said, “This is an exciting time for our real estate practice as we continue to develop opportunities across the globe. The recent announcement of our combination with Nabarro and Olswang adds to our impressive offering and gives us critical mass across the EMEA region, ensuring that we can respond to our clients’ global needs. Geoff’s significant experience working with investors, developers and government entities will ensure that we are well placed to maximise on opportunities across the Gulf. We are delighted to welcome Geoff to the team.”

Geoff Smith adds, “I am delighted to be joining CMS.  This is an exciting time for CMS and the global reach of the CMS platform will provide fantastic opportunities for me to grow the real estate offering in the Middle East.”