Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi
Admitted: Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales (2003); Legal Affairs Department of Dubai (2014)
Memberships: Law Society of England & Wales; Family Law Specialist; Legal Affairs Department of Dubai

About Dee

Dee Popat is the Head of Family Law and Senior Legal Consultant at James Berry & Associates, bringing over 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of cross-cultural family law. Admitted as a Solicitor in both England & Wales and Dubai, Dee provides internationally informed, compassionate, and strategic advice on all aspects of family and divorce law.

Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, Dee supports clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that every case is handled with cultural sensitivity and clarity. Her practice reflects her core belief that every family matter deserves empathy, precision, and care.

Experience & Expertise

With a career spanning two decades across the UK and UAE, Dee has developed extensive expertise in both domestic and international family law. Her key areas of focus include:

• Divorce and family breakdown (UK and UAE jurisdictions)
• Children’s matters including custody, residence, and contact
• Financial settlements and high net worth divorces
• Freezing injunctions and overseas asset protection
• Marriage processes and requirements in the UAE
• Islamic marriage contracts and cross-border marital issues
• Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
• Statutory declarations for international adoptions
• Independent legal advice for UK mortgages, loans, and guarantees
• Commissioner for Oaths – certification and witnessing services

Dee also advises on UK immigration law, providing holistic solutions for families navigating multiple jurisdictions.

Approach & Philosophy

Dee’s compassionate approach sets her apart. She recognises that family disputes are deeply personal and often emotionally complex. Her mission is to empower clients with understanding, calm guidance, and effective legal strategies. Combining empathy with technical expertise, she works to achieve resolution with dignity — whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.

Education & Career

• LL.B. (Hons) – London Guildhall University
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) – Thames Valley University

Dee began her legal career at a London-based firm where she quickly specialised in family law. In 2010, she became a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, a recognition of her expertise and professional excellence.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Beyond her legal work, Dee is a recognised voice in the UAE legal community. She:

• Writes for leading UAE publications and BrideMeClub.com, offering family and matrimonial advice.
• Conducts a fortnightly Matrimonial Clinic at James Berry & Associates to provide free guidance and support to those facing family challenges.
• Is an active member of the International Business Women’s Group (Dubai).
• Has contributed to community initiatives, including the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children.

Why Clients Choose Dee

Clients trust Dee for her blend of professionalism, empathy, and multicultural awareness. Her dual qualification in England & Wales and Dubai enables her to deliver comprehensive cross-border family law solutions with clarity and care. Whether handling a complex financial case or guiding a client through the emotional turbulence of divorce, Dee ensures every client feels supported, informed, and confident in their decisions.