Dentons Middle East has brought back banking and finance lawyer Justine Harding as Counsel in its Muscat office, reinforcing the firm’s regional Banking & Finance bench amid rising client demand for financial services expertise.
Harding rejoined Dentons in January 2026 after previously serving in the firm’s Oman banking practice from 2008 to 2024. A New Zealand-qualified barrister and solicitor, she advises on retail and corporate banking, debt capital markets, and related financial services matters. Her background also includes in-house roles with major banks in New Zealand and London. In Oman, her practice extends beyond finance into general corporate and commercial advice and real estate, giving her what the firm described as deep knowledge of the local market.
Stephen Knight, partner and head of Dentons’ Middle East Banking and Finance practice, said Harding’s return strengthens the team’s ability to meet growing client needs across the region, noting that she will support the wider Middle East practice while being based in Muscat. Jamie Gibson, managing partner of the Dentons Muscat office, said her experience and track record on major banking deals positions her to contribute immediately as the firm continues expanding its regional brand. Harding said she is looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and clients and to supporting the firm’s work in Oman and across the Middle East.
Dentons said it operates seven offices in the Middle East—Amman, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat and Riyadh—and has maintained a presence in the region for more than 50 years.
KEY QUOTES
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Justine back to the Dentons family. Having someone of Justine’s standing in the Oman market rejoin us allows us to offer clients an even deeper bench-strength. While based in Muscat, she will continue to support the firm’s wider Middle East Banking and Finance practice in response to growing demand for this expertise we have seen from clients in recent years.”
Stephen Knight, Partner and Head of Dentons’ Middle East Banking and Finance practice
“Clients and colleagues are thrilled at Justine’s return to our busy Banking & Finance practice. Justine’s experience and extensive knowledge of the Oman market and her track record on major banking deals means she can hit the ground running as we continue to expand the Dentons brand in the region.”
Jamie Gibson, Managing Partner of Dentons Muscat office
“It’s great to be back at Dentons and in Oman, my home away from home. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and clients, supporting and strengthening the work we do together in Oman and across the wider region”.
Justine Harding, Banking and Finance Counsel
