Who I am
I have over twenty years in professional services, sixteen of them in-house at law firms including Freshfields, Hogan Lovells, Al Tamimi and Squire Patton Boggs, in London, Singapore and Dubai. I have been based in the UAE since 2014.
For sixteen years I worked alongside the partners who had to win the work as well as do it, helping them decide which clients and markets to go after, and then making sure it happened. I know how little time partners have to think about growing their business. Now I give leaders the experience they would normally only get from a senior in-house team, without having to hire one full-time.
My legal education means I understand how lawyers think. My communications background, and years of experience, give me the skills that complement theirs.
What clients say
Chris gave us an objective view of what we could offer internationally and how we were going to sell it, and that has been instrumental for our health and life sciences team. His research and planning gave us a clear focus for the Gulf, and his knowledge of the region and network of contacts there are a real strength.
Carly Caton, Partner and International Healthcare Lead, Browne Jacobson
Chris brought a fresh and objective perspective to the business. He took the time to understand our practice, ask the right questions and challenge our thinking in a constructive way. We came away with a stronger understanding of where to focus our time and resources, and a more structured approach to achieving our long-term objectives.
Alan Dorgan, CSP Group
I would recommend Chris to founders and professional services leaders looking for strategic clarity, commercial focus and practical support in developing their growth plans.
Nick Davies, SBL International
Chris is able to provide a simple, but effective approach to a complex matter. I would recommend Chris to law firms and corporate services providers, especially those who are looking to expand their presence.
Darren Bradshaw, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Working with Chris brought much-needed clarity and direction to our approach. We became more intentional in how we approached BD, with a clearer commercial focus and a more structured way of engaging opportunities and building relationships.
Ahmar Irfan, Business Development Manager, Hussain Lootah & Associates
Chris brings … a clear understanding of how law firms actually win work, helping us refine our message, showcase our expertise more effectively and connect with the right clients …
Clotilde Iaia-Polak, Yungo Law
Recent work
- Gulf strategy for a UK law firm’s international health and life sciences team. Market research, competitor analysis and a partnership plan that gave the team a clear focus for the Gulf.
- UAE market entry for an international law firm. Launch strategy for a Private Capital and Funds offering across DIFC, ADGM and onshore.
- Business development strategy for a UAE law firm. A strong network and reactive business development turned into a structured way of converting relationships into work.
- Growth Focus Day for a regional tax and accounting practice. A practice head who had lost confidence in a stretch target left with a credible plan, and went on to recommend the wider partnership work with me too.
Muhami
I also founded and run Muhami, a legal knowledge platform and lawyer directory for the UAE and the wider Middle East. Every lawyer on it is verified first. If you know a firm that wants to be found in the region, that is a short conversation.