U.S. law firm Akin has welcomed Andrea Dougall, formerly a partner at Morgan Lewis, and Marie-Sophie Bandeira Vieira, formerly a partner at White & Case, in its investment management practice in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively.
The pair, who previously worked together, will help expand Akin’s full-service alternative investments offering in the region and strengthen its globally integrated investment management practice, the firm said.
Abu Dhabi-based Dougall has worked in the region for more than 12 years. She advises sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and other institutional investors on funds, managed accounts, co-investments, joint ventures and bespoke structures across alternative investments.
Dubai-based Bandeira Vieira advises sponsors on structuring, forming and operating private investment funds across asset classes, from regulatory licensing to launch and compliance. She also advises sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and other institutional investors on fund investments, co-investments, managed accounts and bespoke platforms.
In a statement welcoming the duo, Akin co-chair Abid Qureshi said: “The addition of Andrea and Marie underscores our long-term commitment to growth in the Middle East. Their arrival marks an important step in the continued expansion of our investment management platform, enhancing our ability to deliver a full-service alternative investments offering in the region.”
Added Daniel Quinn, co-leader of Akin’s investment management practice: “Andrea and Marie have worked together for a number of years and bring complementary strengths and deep relationships across the Middle East investment management market. Marie’s sponsor-side work and Andrea’s long-standing relationships with leading institutional investors create a combination few firms can rival. ”
Fellow co-leader Barbara Niederkofler noted: “Andrea and Marie reinforce Akin’s position as a premier destination for private funds and deepen our capabilities for both GP and LP clients, where each is highly regarded in the region.”
Akin now has six partners in Abu Dhabi and eight partners in Dubai.