Andrew Wingfield has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement award at the Middle East Legal Awards 2026, celebrating an exceptional legal career at Simmons & Simmons spanning more than four decades and four international jurisdictions.
Andrew joined Simmons & Simmons in London in 1983 as an Articled Clerk before moving to Hong Kong in 1985, where he later became a partner and Head of the Corporate & Finance team. He subsequently served as Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office before relocating to Doha in 2005.
Over the following 20 years, Andrew played a central role in establishing and growing Simmons & Simmons’ presence in Qatar, serving as Managing Partner of the Doha office as well as Regional Head and Head of Corporate for much of that period.
During his time in Qatar, Andrew advised on a number of landmark and first-of-their-kind matters. These included advising the Qatar Investment Authority on its USD1 billion joint venture with NYSE Euronext to operate the newly established Qatar Stock Exchange, advising International Bank of Qatar on its merger with Barwa Bank, the first bank merger in Qatar, and leading the team that produced the first ISDA netting opinion for companies established in the Qatar Financial Centre.
His contribution extends well beyond individual transactions. Over two decades in Qatar, Andrew developed longstanding relationships across the country's legal, business and regulatory communities, becoming a trusted adviser to many of the market's leading institutions. His career has also been characterised by a longstanding commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of lawyers.
Commenting on the recognition, Andrew said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. I have been fortunate to have had a career that has taken me across four very different jurisdictions and given me the opportunity to work alongside some outstanding colleagues and clients. My 20 years in the Middle East have been particularly special, and I am immensely proud of what we have built here. This award reflects the support, friendship and trust I have received from so many people throughout my career, and I am very grateful to them all.”
Muneer Khan, Middle East Regional Head, commented: “Andrew’s contribution to Simmons & Simmons and to the legal market in the region has been extraordinary. Over the past two decades, he has played an integral role in building our presence and reputation in the region, developing relationships that have endured for many years and advising on matters that have helped shape the market. Just as importantly, Andrew has been a generous mentor and trusted colleague to many across the firm. This recognition could not be more deserved, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate it with him.”
Andrew retired from the Simmons & Simmons partnership in 2025 after 42 years with the firm and continues as a consultant, advising longstanding clients in Qatar.
Throughout his career, Andrew has received significant recognition for his contribution to the profession, including being named British Businessman of the Year by the Qatar British Business Forum and receiving the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for Qatar from Chambers & Partners.
The Middle East Legal Awards recognition provides a fitting celebration of an international career defined by client service, leadership, mentorship and a lasting contribution to Simmons & Simmons and the legal profession in Qatar.
