Freshfields apologises for Middle East comments in leaked email

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Global law firm Freshfields has apologised unreservedly after comments about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth investors were inadvertently leaked internally.

Ethan Klingsberg, co-head of the US corporate team at Freshfields, a global law firm, made comments about Middle Eastern investors in an email chain with global managing partner Alan Mason discussing expansion of the firm's legal AI unit. Klingsberg said the venture would require investment from 'sophisticated investors that are respected by the rest of the investor community for their leadership', adding that this 'probably' ruled out 'Middle Eastern sovereign wealth money'.

Alan Mason accidentally forwarded the email to a large internal distribution list, causing the comments to be widely seen within the firm. Freshfields responded with a statement on Monday apologising 'unreservedly' for the comment, saying it 'does not reflect the position or beliefs of the firm or those participating in that email exchange'.

The firm emphasised its commitment to the region, stating it holds Middle Eastern clients 'in the highest regard' and deeply values 'the longstanding relationships and trust' it has built. Freshfields operates offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Riyadh, and has managed significant deals across the region in recent years.

How it is being reported

• Leading law firm apologises after comments about Middle East in leaked emailSenior staff members at Freshfields inadvertently leaked the emails to a large internal distribution listThe Independent · 19 Oct, 18:11
• Freshfields apologises ‘unreservedly’ over Middle East comments in email leakPartner at firm had said need to approach ‘sophisticated investors’ to back its AI lab ‘probably’ ruled out region’s ‘sovereign wealth money’Financial Times · 19 Oct, 12:09

In this story: Freshfields · Ethan Klingsberg · Alan Mason · Middle East

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