(London, UK)—Andrews Kurth Kenyon (UK) LLP is pleased to announce that noted energy transactional lawyer James Comyn has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in the Business Transactions section.

Mr. Comyn, who previously served as managing partner of Shearman & Sterling LLP’s Abu Dhabi office, has an extensive practice guiding clients through complex, international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and minority investments. In addition to significant experience in the energy sector, Mr. Comyn has provided wide-ranging representation in the healthcare and real estate sectors. His portfolio of services includes advising many of the Middle East region’s government-owned entities on transactions with foreign partners, and foreign partners investing in the countries of the Arabian Gulf.

"James will be a significant addition to our client service team because he is an English-qualified lawyer who practices around the world," said Bob Jewell, the firm’s Managing Partner. "His experience in energy transactions, specifically oil and gas, will help our clients who are active in that industry sector. In addition, his knowledge of the Middle East and the complexities of that market can aid our clients who are looking to capitalize on opportunities in the region."

Mr. Comyn’s work has included representing ADNOC in its upstream and midstream joint ventures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and other areas. He also represented the Abu Dhabi Global Market in a variety of matters, including its establishment as an international financial center in the United Arab Emirates and the drafting of its "Companies, Commercial Licensing and Takeovers Regulations" and related materials. 

"James is a fantastic addition to our London office and fits perfectly with our energy focus," said Melanie Willems, London Office Managing Partner. "He offers outstanding transactional expertise in the energy sector, fitting neatly alongside the existing and well-established international dispute resolution team. We look forward to continuing to grow our oil and gas transactional practice with James."

Ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers Global 2014-2016 for cross-border M&A in the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Comyn also led the team that was awarded “Corporate Team of the Year” at the Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards 2015.

"I am looking forward to working with the excellent team at Andrews Kurth Kenyon," Mr. Comyn said. "The firm’s strengths in international business transactions, project development and intellectual property, particularly in the energy sector and the Middle East, complements my practice."

Mr. Comyn earned his law degree from The London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree from Université Laval.

Andrews Kurth Kenyon (UK) LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in Texas, USA, and is authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Registration No.598542).

As released by the former Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP