Kiersten is a partner in Stephenson Harwood’s Middle East employment team and is one of the most pre-eminent international employment advisers in the region, garnering widespread recognition for her expertise. She advises internationally on complex contentious and non-contentious employment matters arising under the UAE Federal laws, the laws of specific UAE freezones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and under English law.

Kiersten has extensive experience providing operational and strategic advice to clients internationally across a wide range of industries on the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment and HR matters arising under the UAE Federal laws, the laws of specific UAE freezones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and under English law. Particular areas of specialism include: restrictive covenants and the protection of confidential information; assisting with complex and sensitive investigations, including whistleblowing disclosures; preparing employment contracts and policies; advising on incentives arrangements and innovative means of providing for, and structuring, end of service payments and employee savings/benefits; the employment law implications of financial services regulatory obligations/contraventions; the interplay between data privacy and employment law; and employee exits and disputes (including high value multi-jurisdictional litigation – she is a registered DIFC Court Practitioner).

Clients describe Kiersten as “the star of the UAE employment team” and “a highly experienced counsel with deep knowledge of local DIFC employment law, providing context to her advice based on her multi-jurisdictional experience.” Additionally, she is acknowledged for being “an exceptional lawyer” when advising clients on their matters.