Bella Chandler

Bella is a paralegal in the firm's International Energy Transition, Infrastructure and Projects ("ETIP") team based in the Dubai office, covering projects in the Middle East and Africa, as well as assisting the ETIP teams in the UK offices.

Bella's role includes preparing proposals for power, water and infrastructure sector bids in the region and assisting with the drafting of project and financing agreements for large-scale renewable energy, desalination and infrastructure projects. She also attends Energy and Projects conferences in the Middle East and Africa, helping build relationships with new and existing clients. Bella has recently been appointed as a committee member of the Future Leaders Network ("FLN") of the International Project Finance Association ("IPFA") for the Middle East and Africa.

In her role to date, Bella is currently in the team advising a leading Fortune 500 company on their bid for a large-scale IWP project in KSA, and recently acted as the sponsor's legal advisor on the successful financial close of five residential communities in KSA's NEOM project. In Africa, she is advising on solar and battery storage projects in Malawi and Kenya, and assisted a renewable energy company in standardizing and implementing their contract templates for future projects across the continent.

Prior to joining Gowling WLG, Bella completed her combined Graduate Diploma in Law with a Master's qualification at the University of Law. In her undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Globalisation: History, Politics and Culture, Bella conducted an independent study into the sustainability of Dubai and the importance of renewable energy in greening the economy. Before university, she worked in the environmental sector as a team project manager for Emirates Marine Environment Group, translocating millions of corals in preparation for the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi. Her passion remains focused on helping create environmental solutions for the modern world.

Bella is currently studying for the Standard Qualifying Exams (SQEs) in the UK and looks forward to qualifying as a solicitor next year.