Global law firm Clyde & Co has hired tax expert Janet Gooi as a partner in its Dubai office. Janet is joining Clyde & Co’s Global Corporate & Advisory practice and will lead the firm’s Middle East tax offering.
Janet is a highly regarded tax lawyer with a broad practice advising regional and multinational corporations, private equity groups, investment funds and high net worth individuals on a range of tax issues with a particular focus on international tax structuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) tax and tax disputes across the Middle East. She is renowned for being at the forefront of shaping and contributing to the development of the tax landscape in the UAE and the Middle East region.
Sara Khoja, partner and chair of Clyde & Co’s Middle East and Africa board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Janet to the firm. As international tax matters become increasingly complex for businesses in the region, Janet’s deep expertise will be of great value to clients seeking high-quality tax advice.”
Ray Smith, partner and head of Clyde & Co’s global tax practice commented: “Tax continues to be an evolving area of law in the Middle East since the introduction of VAT in the GCC countries in 2017 and corporation tax coming into force in the UAE in June 2023. Janet’s appointment allows us to support clients who are seeking practical and forward-looking advice on how to navigate their tax requirements.”
Janet Gooi comments: “Clyde & Co’s established reputation and reach in the Middle East provides a strong platform for building a comprehensive tax offering. With tax becoming an increasingly central consideration for businesses in the region, I look forward to leading the development of an integrated tax practice that delivers commercially focused advice and strengthens the firm’s full-service capabilities.”
Globally, the firm provides specialist taxation advice to domestic and international organisations, using its global network to ensure guidance and support reflects local legislation and practice.
Over the past three years, Clyde & Co has strengthened its corporate practice in response to the growing demand for sophisticated cross-border M&A and corporate legal services. The firm’s regional growth includes the hire of leading partner Elias Matni and legal director Maha Lawson in Qatar. The partner appointments of Mohamed Barakat, Mostafa Elsakaa and Sameh Dahroug in Cairo following the opening of an associated office. In Saudi Arabia, Clyde & Co announced the promotion of its first Saudi female partner, Shahd Makhafah, and the launch of a new office in Jeddah led by corporate partner Mohammed Almarzouki.
With over 35 years of experience in the Middle East, Clyde & Co’s on-the-ground team consists of 59 partners and over 150 lawyers. The firm’s continued commitment to supporting both multinational and public sector clients has been evident with the addition of 14 new partners in the last 12 months.