Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie were delighted to attend the prestigious Spear’s Magazine Summit in Abu Dhabi — an invitation-only gathering which brings together leading private-client professionals from across the region. Representatives from wealth management, law, private banking, philanthropy, luxury, and property sectors met to exchange perspectives, build connections, and consider the issues shaping the lives of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The Summit offered a valuable opportunity to meet influential members of Spear’s global network and to engage in thoughtful discussion on key themes including family offices, succession planning, and the challenges surrounding wealth transfer within the GCC. These topics continue to hold increasing relevance for family practitioners, particularly where they intersect with cross-border financial dispute resolution.
Maria and Niamh were also pleased to meet Edwin Smith, Editor-in-Chief at Spear’s, whose insightful interviews drew out noteworthy commentary on developments anticipated within the UAE.
Chambers is grateful to Spear’s Magazine for hosting such an informative and well-organised event.
Maria Scotland practices exclusively in family law with a specialism in high-end/ big money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work.
Maria is recognised in Spears' 500 Guide (2023 & 2024): as a Top Recommended Family Law Barrister within the exclusive guide. Maria is also an author at Spears', with her recent article on Divorcing in Dubai: Should wealthy Expats worry about new UAE family laws? can be accessed here. Maria is ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners in family law (including divorce & financial remedy). She is one of the leading family law juniors and is the joint head of the Family Team at 5SAH.
Niamh Wilkie practices exclusively in family law. Prior to joining the Bar in England, she worked as a Barrister and in other legal disciplines in the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, and the USA. Niamh holds a specialist qualification in international arbitration.
Niamh is recognised in the Legal 500 for Family Law. Niamh is instructed in public and private law children cases. Niamh also represents clients in family finance cases. Niamh’s experience and expertise of family law in both England and Ireland ensures she is regularly instructed on matters involving cross-border issues between both jurisdictions in financial proceedings and Children Act proceedings.
