The optimistic lawyer
This February 2024, we get to know Anders Nilsson, Managing Partner and Head of Middle East at Bird & Bird. Anders brings two decades of legal expertise. Originally from southern Sweden, he now lives in his favorit city, Abu Dhabi where he oversees client services, growth, and talent development. Under his leadership, Bird & Bird earned accolades like the International Law Firm of the Year. Anders dreams of reconciliation in Lebanon while envisioning a future split between Beirut, Sweden, and northern Italy.
Bird & Bird is a leading international law firm with a global network of 30 offices, including locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With over 1,350 legal practitioners worldwide, they specialise in a wide range of legal services, catering to industries such as automotive, aviation & defence, energy & utilities, financial services, life sciences & healthcare, retail & consumer, media, entertainment & sport, and tech & communications. Their UAE practice is deeply rooted in the region's laws and customs, offering tailored legal advice across various sectors, regulatory matters, dispute resolution, and investigations.
Hej SBC Member!
Who is Anders Nilsson?
I was born and raised in a little small town in the south of Sweden called Ronneby. Not the most exciting place but probably a good place to grow up in the 70s and 80s when the “Swedish model” reached its peak. I have lived in the UAE for 10 years with my wife and two kids 13 and 17 years old. I am a Big Abu Dhabi fan - the emirate and the city it has really progressed in as a place to live and work during the last 10 years.
As the Managing Partner for Bird & Bird , can you explain a bit more about your role and what is your current focus?
My role is to ensure that we deliver the quality of advice to our clients within the same high standards as in any of our other 32 offices. Looking into potential areas of growth and were to find the best talent is an important part of my role, and more importantly to see that our organisation is a place where this talent wants to stay. And in between all the above I also try to find time to do some legal advisory....
Like SBC, you are celebrating an anniversary this year with 20 years with Bird & Bird UAE. What do you see are the most significant differences between working as a lawyer in Sweden and in the UAE?
The Middle East and especially the GCC, is a region under great change, both in relation to its economy but some countries also socially. I cannot think of a place in the world right now with more interesting opportunities. Operating in Sweden as a lawyer was good for gaining technical skills since its a more mature legal system, but the UAE and the GCC is more rewarding due to the constant change and the fact that I think that clients need your help to navigate the systems more.
Anders meets a Security Officer in Tokyo
In December last year, Bird & Bird won the award for International Law Firm of the Year at The Oath Legal Magazine Middle East Legal Awards! A prestigious award like this one doesn't come easy and a lot of hard work would be behind it. What do you think makes a great team?
As you indicate it really is a team effort. I think that having a diverse team in terms of legal background, nationality, social and cultural heritage, but that shares a common work culture and ethic is key. In the UAE it’s not difficult to find people, but finding the right people may take time. A tip is to go slow and wait for the opportunity and don’t rush into a recruitment.
During your 20 years, what are some of the proud initiatives you have driven during these years?
Being part of building up our Middle East offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the latest addition, Riyadh is definitively something I’m proud of. To be one of the law firms that was appointed to draft and advice on the legal framework for NEOM (which is much more than a line shaped city…), is also up there in the top.
Looking into the future what is your dream in life?
I have still not given up that the situation in Lebanon will be sorted. My wife is half Lebanese and we have families and friends there. Splitting the time between Beirut, Sweden and perhaps northern Italy would be a dream scenario. You need to be an optimist!
Thank you Anders for sharing your story with us! We wish you all the best on your exciting projects!
Anders Nilsson, Managing Partner and Head of Middle East at Bird & Bird
Email: Anders.Nilsson@twobirds.com
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