The ADGM Courts, recognized globally as the independent judiciary of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, have announced the appointment of Sir Nicholas Patten as a Judge of the Court of Appeal, effective October 3, 2024. Sir Nicholas takes over from Sir Peter Blanchard KNZM, who recently announced his retirement. A formal swearing-in ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Commenting on Sir Nicholas’ appointment, the Right Honourable Lord David Hope of Craighead KT, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts said, “Sir Nicholas Patten brings to our Court a distinguished career spanning five decades. He has extensive experience as Queen’s Counsel in property, trust, company and partnership disputes, including insolvency. During his judicial career as a judge of the English High Court (Chancery Division) and Court of Appeal, he dealt with a wide range of cases, including contractual and property disputes; company litigation, insolvency proceedings; claims concerning the tracing of assets against former directors and other fiduciaries; and the administration of trusts and estates.”
The Chief Justice of ADGM Courts added, “We are confident that his appointment will strengthen our ability to provide the highest calibre of judicial services, especially to ADGM’s community and the global financial institutions and companies that have selected ADGM as a base for their operation. His wealth of experience will further enhance the Court’s global standing, attracting greater investor interest.”
Distinguished legal career
Sir Nicholas began his legal career when he was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 1974 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1988. From 1988 to 2000, he served as Chairman of the Chancery Bar Association. Moreover, in 2000, he became a judge of the High Court (Chancery Division) and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2009. Throughout his career, he also acted as a judge of the Patents Court, where he managed cases related to various facets of intellectual property law.
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Leadership roles and contributions
As a High Court judge, Sir Nicholas held the position of Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster, responsible for organizing chancery and mercantile sittings in Northern England. Most recently, he served as Treasurer of Lincoln’s Inn.
Commitment to innovative legal system
The ADGM Courts are dedicated to promoting an innovative, efficient, and accessible legal system, leveraging the expertise of their exceptional judiciary to integrate advanced digital solutions seamlessly. Notably, ADGM is the only jurisdiction in the region that applies English Common Law directly, establishing the foundation for ADGM Courts. These guiding principles not only enhance legal certainty and efficiency but also solidify ADGM’s position as a leading international financial center.
Successful conclusion of the Virtual Career Fair
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has successfully wrapped up its 2024 Virtual Career Fair, organized in collaboration with eFinancialCareers, a prominent global job platform. The event attracted over 10,000 candidates from around the globe, enabling businesses to utilize ADGM’s extensive international reach, vibrant ecosystem, and innovative spirit.
A showcase of leading institutions
Taking place on October 10, 2024, the Virtual Career Fair showcased more than 41 prominent financial institutions, startups, law firms, and tech companies based in ADGM. This event provided businesses with a streamlined recruitment process, effectively eliminating geographical constraints.
The partnership with eFinancialCareers facilitated connections between companies and job seekers worldwide, contributing to the creation of a dynamic workforce crucial for fostering innovation within ADGM’s business landscape. This initiative also aligns with the UAE’s broader economic development goals.
Attracting top-tier talent
During the fair, companies engaged in screening and interviewing a diverse pool of candidates from various countries, including the UAE, U.K., U.S., India, Singapore, and Australia, among others.
The event underscored ADGM’s capacity to attract high-caliber talent, reinforcing its status as one of the region’s fastest-growing international financial hubs.
A rich business ecosystem
Moreover, the fair highlighted ADGM’s rich business ecosystem, where candidates explored opportunities in prestigious sectors such as asset management, accounting, banking, family offices, fintech, real estate, legal services, insurance, and technology. This further cements ADGM’s role in promoting innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
Participants included a wide array of companies, such as HSBC Bank PLC, Brevan Howard, BNP Paribas, Citco, and Shorooq Partners, among others from various industries, making the event a resounding success for all involved.
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