Freshfields has issued an apology after leaked email comments about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth investors sparked backlash, with the global law firm seeking to reaffirm its commitment to clients across the region.
The firm expressed its regret in a statement released Monday, saying it “apologise[s] unreservedly” for the remarks and clarified that they do not reflect the position or beliefs of the firm or those involved in the exchange.
The controversy stems from an internal email discussion between Alan Mason, the firm’s global managing partner, and Ethan Klingsberg, co-head of its US corporate practice, regarding plans to spin off its legal technology arm, Freshfields Lab, into a standalone entity open to external investment or an IPO.
According to reports, Klingsberg suggested targeting “sophisticated” investors respected for their leadership, adding that this would “probably” exclude “Middle Eastern sovereign wealth money.” The email chain was accidentally forwarded to a wide internal list by Mason, though some recipients had already captured screenshots before the recall.
“We apologise unreservedly for a comment made about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth investors… the comment does not reflect the position or beliefs of the firm or those participating in that email exchange, and we sincerely regret the offence caused,” the firm said.
Freshfields emphasized its long-standing ties to the region, noting offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Manama, and highlighted past advisory roles for major sovereign funds including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.
“We hold our clients across the Middle East in the highest regard and deeply value the longstanding relationships and trust we have built in the region,” the statement added.
The comments have drawn criticism from regional legal professionals. Karim Youssef, founder and managing partner of Youssef + Partners, said: “Based on what was reported in these emails, I am personally offended, as I am sure many others in the region are. I am also confident that many of my friends at Freshfields do not share these views.”
According to local reports, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds continue to grow in global influence, representing key clients for top-tier law firms vying for regional business.