Nigel Hartridge
Partner, Dubai
Nigel Hartridge
Partner, Dubai
Nigel Hartridge is a partner in Cohen & Gresser’s Dubai office. An English Solicitor and Avocat au Barreau de Paris, he brings more than four decades of international experience, including over 17 years based in Dubai and earlier work across Bahrain, Egypt, and France. His dual common law (UK) and civil law (France) qualifications provide him with a distinctive perspective that is particularly valuable in the Gulf region.
Nigel’s practice focuses on connecting international business needs with practical legal solutions. He regularly advises foreign clients and multinational groups from Europe and Asia on entering and operating in the UAE and wider Middle East, whether by establishing new structures, navigating regulatory frameworks, or acquiring existing businesses. His work spans complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, fund structuring, project development, and corporate and commercial contracts, particularly within the DIFC and ADGM jurisdictions. He advises clients across a wide range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, real estate, construction, and financial services.
Nigel has led and built several international practices throughout his career. Before joining Cohen & Gresser, he was managing partner of the Dubai office of LPA Law Avocats, where he expanded the firm’s Middle East platform. He previously held senior leadership positions at Cotty Vivant Marchisio & Lauzeral and was a founding partner of Brandford-Griffith & Associés. He began his career with leading international firms including Norton Rose Fulbright, CMS Cameron McKenna, and SNR Denton, gaining extensive cross-border experience in Europe and the Middle East.
Fluent in English and French, Nigel combines legal expertise with a multicultural outlook, enabling him to serve as a trusted adviser to clients navigating the complexities of cross-border business.
Nigel Hartridge is a partner in Cohen & Gresser’s Dubai office. An English Solicitor and Avocat au Barreau de Paris, he brings more than…
Education
College of Law, London; University of Manchester (LL.B., with honors)
Bar Admissions
Paris; England & Wales
Financial Services & Investment Structures
Advised a Bahamas-based private banking group on regulatory compliance matters for a bank authorized by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), including licensing and operational requirements.
Advised an ADGM-registered investment fund on regulatory guidance for fund structuring and compliance within the ADGM framework.
Advised an ADGM holding company on initial capital raise documentation and the formation of a holding company intended to sponsor a regional investment fund.
Advised a Kuwaiti-owned trading group on capital raising and structuring initiatives for its Dubai-based polymer products distribution business, including a variety of commercial agreements.
Advised a German family investment office on incorporation, restructuring, and governance matters for its ADGM entity.
Advised a Chinese-sponsored hedge fund authorized in the DIFC on its set-up, authorization process, drafting of policies and agreements, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Advised a DIFC-based asset management subsidiary of a Zurich private bank on restructuring, drafting policies and agreements, and compliance matters.
Advised a DIFC-based asset management firm owned by a Bahamas holding group on regulatory compliance, including review of policies and procedures.
Advised an ADGM-registered venture capital firm on updating corporate documents, shareholders’ agreements, and issuance of convertible preference shares.
Advised an ADGM-authorized private equity firm on its acquisition of a DIFC asset manager, joint venture agreements, referral arrangements, and regulatory advice.
Energy & Industrial
Advised a UK-based clean energy technology group on joint venture agreements, letters of intent, and preliminary documentation for a proposed NASDAQ listing, involving technologies such as thermal water systems, small modular nuclear reactors, and hydrogen innovation.
Consumer Goods & Distribution
Advised a global wine and spirits conglomerate on distribution agreements for the Middle East region, ensuring compliance with local commercial laws and brand protection.
Advised a French cosmetics group on restructuring its UAE presence among multiple subsidiaries.
Advised a Syrian/UK family-owned hotel procurement and project management group (with Italian minority ownership) on group structuring, holding company resolutions, and commercial agreements for various projects.
Advised a Dubai-based commodity trading firm on a variety of commercial agreements.
Professional & Advisory Services
Advised the Abu Dhabi subsidiary of a French management consultancy on the acquisition of a Dubai consulting company with branches in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Iran.
Nigel is a dual-qualified English Solicitor and Avocat au Barreau de Paris with more than 40 years of international experience, including over 17 years based in Dubai and earlier work in Bahrain, Egypt, and France. His unique background in both common law (UK) and civil law (France) provides a valuable bridge for clients navigating the legal systems of the Gulf/GCC region.
Nigel advises multinational corporations, investment funds, and family offices—primarily foreign clients and multinational groups from Europe and Asia—on cross-border corporate transactions, fund structuring, regulatory matters, and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience guiding international clients as they enter and expand in the UAE, whether through establishing new structures, meeting regulatory requirements, or acquiring existing businesses. His work spans a wide range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, real estate, construction, and financial services.
Nigel has built and led several international legal practices, including founding the Dubai office of LPA Law in 2016. His career also includes senior roles at CVML, Brandford-Griffith & Associés, Dentons, Veil Jourde, and CMS, where he gained deep experience across Europe and the Middle East. Recent matters include regulatory advice for ADGM and DIFC entities, acquisitions, and fund formation.
“Nigel’s deep knowledge of the UAE legal market and his international perspective make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Lawrence T. Gresser, the firm’s global managing partner. “His experience aligns perfectly with our strategic goals and enhances our capabilities in the region.”
Johannes Jonas, managing partner of Cohen & Gresser’s Dubai office, added: “Nigel is highly respected in the Middle East legal community. His addition strengthens our transactional and regulatory offerings and supports our continued growth in the region.”
Nigel commented: “I am excited to join Cohen & Gresser and contribute to the firm’s dynamic international practice. The firm’s collaborative culture and global reach are a perfect match for my clients and my professional goals.”
Cohen & Gresser’s Dubai office advises multinational corporations, investors, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of corporate, commercial, and dispute resolution matters across the Middle East and North Africa.
Cohen & Gresser was founded in 2002 in New York and expanded internationally in 2014 with the opening of its Paris office, followed by Washington, D.C. in 2016, London in 2018, and Dubai in 2025—each established with a focus on trusted leadership, selective hiring, and alignment with the firm’s core values and global practice strengths. This international network enables Cohen & Gresser to deliver seamless, high-caliber legal services to clients worldwide.