Unprecedented Legal Search In the Middle East

Local knowledge

Global reach

About Us

We constantly meet the expectations of our clients, earning us a reputation for total focus, integrity and excellence.

EWS is a retained-only legal search firm.

Throughout, we alone maintain control of every aspect of a search. Thus we do not outsource any aspect of our research or candidate origination. During our initial and subsequent contact with candidates, we measure each candidate’s suitability to living and working in the Middle East. We ensure your organisation is accurately represented.

EWS has second to none knowledge and experience of the Middle East in-house legal market. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, government departments, multinationals, regional conglomerates, banks and not for profit entities.

EWS has surpassed its client’s expectations time and again. It has earned a reputation for being the region’s ‘go to’ search firm for senior in-house legal roles.

EWS was established in 2010 after its founder, Elizabeth Williams had spent seven years living and working in the UAE. Her aim was to set a new benchmark for professionalism, dedication and reliability rarely seen in the executive search industry.

Elizabeth is recognised as one of the region’s leading legal recruiters. She has delivered on hundreds of mandates throughout her career. Now based in London, she continues to focus on senior legal mandates for her Middle East clients. She is frequently commended for her integrity, honesty, sense of humour and gritty determination to bring each search to a successful conclusion.

Our Offering

A Solid Track Record

Since its incorporation, EWS has placed over 100 lawyers. Of these, the majority of are at general counsel (or equivalent) and senior legal counsel level. Each candidate is interviewed in depth and a detailed report written on all shortlisted candidates.

A Transparent Fee Structure

We offer a competitive fixed fee based on the complexity of the search and how much time commitment and effort we think it will take to fill a position. A large portion of our fee is based upon us giving you results. We are competitive because we are niche, nimble, keep our overheads low and think a fixed fee structure is a fair way to work with our clients.

Absolute Commitment

We only undertake searches we feel really confidently about being able to close. When you engage EWS, you get one hundred per cent of us. We are relentless when searching for the best talent and known for leaving no stone unturned and pivoting to a different emphasis if the search mandate requires it .

Longevity & Credibility

We have 24 years’ legal search experience in both London and Dubai. Elizabeth is also a qualified lawyer. This combination means we understand what lawyers do, understand the region, ask the right questions, listen to what our clients need and leave no stone unturned in finding the best candidates for you to interview.

A Global Reach

Our search mandates have included headhunting in every major common and civil law jurisdiction across North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia Pacific, North Africa and the Middle East. We are accustomed to conducting local, regional, and global legal searches and our reputation in this regard is well known.

Testimonials

EWS were relentless in their pursuit and assessment of candidates. We were not disappointed. Their commitment to the mandate was second to none.
Shaun Tarr, Head of Human Resources & General Administration, Abu Dhabi Capital Group

EWS has such a unique exposure and long tenure in the Middle East and they intrinsically understand a lawyer’s skills, abilities, motivations and expectations.

Yazid Tamimi,
VP Legal, Majid Al Futtaim

From the outset, EWS stood out from the crowd. I have no hesitation in recommending EWS, not only to candidates but also to employers who will have their interests represented to the highest order.
Dean Sheehan, Vice President, Legal – Africa, Middle East & South Asia (AMESA), PepsiCo, Dubai

For both us and the candidates Elizabeth was a blessing. I have no hesitation in recommending EWS if you want a true recruitment partner ensures your needs are met with utmost professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
Zayd Alathari, Partner, Head of IP, Riyadh at Norton Rose Fulbright, formerly Director and Senior IP Counsel, SABIC, Saudi Arabia

EWS knows the legal market more thoroughly than anyone else and Elizabeth has a real talent for investing time in getting to know her clients, understanding their requirements and assembling a truly tailored shortlist. All of this saves a great deal of time and therefore, in the long run, money.
Anil Mehta, former Group General Counsel Al Qattara Investments Abu Dhabi

Track Record

Role / Sector / Jurisdiction

General Counsel, Education, Qatar
General Counsel, Sovereign Wealth Fund, UAE
General Counsel, Private equity, Abu Dhabi
General Counsel, Aviation, Abu Dhabi
General Counsel, Asset manager, Dubai
General Counsel, Family office, Dubai
General Counsel (3), Education, Dubai
General Counsel, Investment banking, Dubai
Chief IP Counsel, FMCG, Dubai
Chief Legal Counsel, Mining & metals, Dubai
Chief Legal Counsel (Upstream), Mining & metals, Dubai
Head of Legal, Conglomerate, Dubai
Head of Legal, Hospitality, Dubai
General Counsel, Shipping & ports, Sharjah
General Counsel, Healthcare, Qatar
General Counsel, Regional bank, Kuwait
Deputy General Counsel, Transport & logistics, Dubai
Senior Patent Attorney (4), Manufacturing, Riyadh
Senior Business Counsel, Manufacturing, Riyadh
Senior Legal Counsel, FMCG, Riyadh
Senior Legal Counsel, Hospitality, Abu Dhabi
Senior Legal Counsel, Real estate, Abu Dhabi
Senior Legal Counsel, Aviation, Abu Dhabi
Senior Real Estate Counsel, Media, Abu Dhabi
Senior Real Estate Counsel, Real estate, Abu Dhabi
Senior Media Counsel, Media, Abu Dhabi
Senior Legal Counse, Hospitality, Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel, Investment banking, Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel (3), FMCG, Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel (2), Real estate, Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel, Private equity , Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel, FMCG, Dubai
Senior Construction Counsel, Real estate, Dubai
Senior Legal Counsel, Media, Dubai