In conversation with Paul McViety

Paul McViety, a Legal Director in DLA Piper's Dubai office, has participated in two New Perimeter pro bono projects - including a legal research project on child marriage laws for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, and an economic development project for the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

For the project in Timor-Leste, Paul has been a key member of the team that is currently advising the government on economic development.  Timor-Leste became independent in 2002, making it one of the world's newest countries.

In January 2013, Paul was part of a small team that travelled to Dili to meet with senior government officials.  During this visit, the team held an interactive workshop to discuss strategies for the government's ambitious plans for economic development.

“We are thrilled that Paul was able to be part of this project and travel to Dili with the team” said Lisa Dewey, Director of New Perimeter.  “Paul has a wealth of experience in the projects and finance arena, and his knowledge of trade and investment laws and practice in the Middle East brought valuable insight to the discussions.  Both the team and the project have really benefitted from his involvement."

Paul is a key member of DLA Piper's Finance and Projects team in the Middle East. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in Islamic finance and is recognized as one the world's leading Islamic finance lawyers. He advises on a broad range of financing transactions including bilateral and syndicated financings, co-financings, project finance transactions (including complex multi-sourced financings), the financing of real estate development, asset finance, debt restructurings and debt capital markets (including sukuk).

New Perimeter thanks Paul for his commitment to fostering economic development in Timor-Leste and to pro bono generally.

About Paul McViety

Paul is a partner in DLA Piper's Dubai office.

Full bio

"Being involved in these kind of New Perimeter projects has given me a fantastic opportunity to use my legal and analytical skills to make a real difference outside of the corporate legal world. It has really opened my eyes to some of the challenges that people face on a day-to-day basis in developing countries, and how law and regulation can actually help. It also gave me an opportunity to meet and work collaboratively with new people from quite different backgrounds; bringing together different perspectives towards achieving a common goal. I am now more conscious than ever about other people's priorities, and how to work more effectively as a team. It has been a genuinely rewarding experience for me, and has strengthened my personal commitment to pro bono activities."