Addleshaw Goddard Appoints New Partner To Strengthen Mideast Employment Practice

Addleshaw Goddard, an international law firm with over 2,600 employees across 19 global offices, has announced the appointment of Rachel Hill as a partner in its regional employment practice. This follows the recent addition of Anna Zeitlin from PwC to develop a Fintech practice. Hill, a UK-qualified lawyer, joins from Hadef & Partners, where she significantly contributed to the growth of their employment practice.

With over 16 years of experience in litigation and employment, Hill has spent the last decade in the Middle East providing strategic advice on employment law and immigration procedures. At Addleshaw Goddard, she will focus on Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and UAE onshore employment laws.

Hill's extensive understanding of the UAE court system has enabled her to develop a unique capability in filing litigation before the Dubai Labour Courts, a notable achievement for a non-Arabic speaking lawyer. Her familiarity with employment regimes in other regional jurisdictions brings valuable insight to Addleshaw Goddard's Middle East offices and clients.

Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, expressed enthusiasm about Hill's appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Rachel to further strengthen the employment partner team alongside Gorvinder Pannu. Increasing our specialist capabilities will enable us to grow our market share at a time when the region’s economies are diversifying and expanding."

Hill's career includes positions at McCartan Turkington Breen Solicitors, DLA Piper Middle East, Al Tamimi & Company, and Hadef & Partners. She also has robust experience with the Common Law Courts of both DIFC and ADGM. In her new role, Hill will advise multinationals, UAE-based companies, government entities, and financial institutions.

Commenting on her new role, Hill stated: "It’s an exciting time to join AG, especially following a period of significant growth for the business across the Middle East. The firm has clear ambitions to continue to grow and I'm very much looking forward to playing my part, working with a really talented team to attract a greater share of more complex, higher value work."

Addleshaw Goddard operates more than 20 partners across four offices in the Middle East.