Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth - United Arab Emirates
Band 1
What the Team is Known For
Expatriate Law is well regarded for its family law practice, which focuses on expatriates living in the UAE.

High Net Worth Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Expatriate Law
Ranked Band 1 in the UAE by Chambers HNW, Expatriate Law advises UHNW and high-profile international families from offices in London and Abu Dhabi.
Expatriates, business owners, landed families and internationally mobile UHNW individuals with assets spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Byron James is the only foreign lawyer permitted to advocate before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, enabling seamless representation across both the English Family Court and UAE proceedings.
Provided by Chambers
Expatriate Law is well regarded for its family law practice, which focuses on expatriates living in the UAE.
Provided by Chambers
The support team responded quickly, stayed on top of everything and never needed reminding, which made the whole process far less stressful. Their strong connections within the Abu Dhabi court system helped the case move smoothly and efficiently. Overall, the firm operates as a highly professional, well‑organised team that genuinely supports you at every stage.
Expatriate have a remarkable understanding of the UAE jurisprudence on family law, and they have a resourceful team who are very proficient with handling family law matters.
Expatriate have great responsiveness, proactive communication and support. They are very attentive to client needs and provide solutions.
Expatriate Law are distinguished by the depth of their knowledge and expertise in the subject matters.
One of the department’s greatest strengths is the sense of genuine teamwork and collective ownership of the case.
Provided by Chambers
Alexandra Tribe advises high net worth clients in the UAE on family matters and has a strong reputation for this work.
Alexandra is a super specialist with years of experience in handling critical cross-border private international law matters involving parties who are sometimes distressed and also usually based in multiple jurisdictions.
Alexandra is top-notch.
Alexandra is a delight to work with or against.
Byron James is a partner and head of Expatriate Law's team in the UAE. He specialises in all aspects of family law and represents expatriates across multiple jurisdictions.
Byron's professionalism, client care and ability to handle complex issues gave me real confidence throughout a difficult process. He truly understands you as a person. He is empathetic, patient and always willing to help or answer questions.
Byron is extremely knowledgeable of case law internationally and locally. Most importantly, Byron is able to see the best position for his client and deliver the outcome with professionalism and accuracy.
Byron is an exceptional partner who has consistently exemplified outstanding client service, sophistication and commercial awareness throughout our collaboration. He has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to client satisfaction.
Throughout my case, Byron demonstrated a deep mastery of the law, absolute clarity in his advice, and an unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcome. He is meticulous, persuasive and calm under pressure, yet also genuinely empathetic and supportive at moments that were personally very difficult.
His professional background and longstanding expertise allow him to deliver highly competent, knowledgeable and carefully thought-through legal advice on complex transnational family law matters.
Provided by Expatriate Law
Alexandra Tribe
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