Nita Maru, a Solicitor (England & Wales), TEP and Managing Partner of TWS Legal Consultants
Nita Maru, a solicitor (England & Wales), TEP and Managing Partner of TWS Legal Consultants.
In 2009, Nita Maru, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to legal excellence, recognised a significant gap in the UAE’s legal landscape, an opportunity to address unmet needs within the industry, particularly for expatriates in the domain of Estate Planning and Family Matters.
“When I moved from London, I realised that expatriates were largely unaware of the implications of UAE/Sharia law on their Estate, Family Matters, and Succession Planning in the UAE,” Nita recalls.
“I noticed a distinct lack of awareness and knowledge among business owners and individuals about the importance of these issues. Through further research, it became evident that no law firm in Dubai specialised in Wills and Succession Planning and Family Matters, despite the complexity of local Sharia laws. Recognising this gap, I felt compelled to bridge it.”
Passionate about helping expatriates secure their families and assets in the UAE, Nita set out to establish a family-run law firm in Dubai to address the unmet legal needs of expatriates, particularly in Wills, Succession, and Family Matters. As a mother of three children herself, Nita’s motivation was deeply personal, ensuring that others could protect their loved ones and legacies just as she had for her own family. Today, with the next generation actively involved, including her son Shan Maru, the firm continues to build on this legacy, combining experience, innovation, and a long-term commitment to clients across the UAE
In 2009, amidst a challenging economic environment and the global recession, Nita embarked on her entrepreneurial journey to establish TWS Legal Consultants, which would become a trusted, family-run law firm in the UAE.
“Starting my own law firm was no easy feat. As a British female entrepreneur/UK-qualified solicitor looking to establish a legal entity in Dubai, I encountered numerous obstacles, red tape, stringent regulations, and a mountain of paperwork. It was overwhelming, but I was resolute,” she shares.
Her tireless efforts eventually paid off when she received her license from the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department. “When I received the license, it felt like a major victory, personally and professionally. It was a culmination of months of hard work, frustration, and perseverance. That moment marked the beginning of something truly special.”
As a Registered DIFC Wills Draftsman, Nita Maru has been at the forefront of the UAE’s evolving Wills drafting landscape for expats. With her extensive legal expertise, she has not only played a pivotal role in establishing the DIFC Courts Wills Service but has also been instrumental in developing and contributing to the DIFC Courts Wills Service rules. Her involvement in the working group, which began at the inception of the DIFC Courts Wills Registry, continues to this day. Nita’s contributions have helped shape the legal framework that empowers expatriates, non-Muslim residents, and foreign nationals to safeguard their estates and ensure their wishes are honoured under UAE law.
Nita is also a member of The Law Society of England and Wales, signifying her affiliation with one of the most esteemed legal professional bodies in the UK. Her expertise in Family Inheritance and Succession Planning is further validated by her full membership with The Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), a prestigious worldwide association.
Under Nita’s leadership, TWS Legal Consultants has registered a remarkable volume of DIFC Wills, making it one of the most trusted law firms in the region for such matters. The firm has not only focused on drafting Wills but has also excelled in the seamless Execution and Administration of Estates for individuals who have passed away. TWS Legal Consultants has developed an impeccable track record in managing the Estates of its clients, ensuring that the instructions laid out in their DIFC Wills are followed with precision and care.
Led by Nita, TWS Legal Consultants has expanded beyond Wills and Estate Planning to become a trusted authority in Family Law, Property Matters and DIFC Foundations. The firm assists clients with a wide range of Family Matters, including Divorce, Child Custody, Financial Settlements, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, and Guardianship Arrangements. Her deep expertise in UAE Family and Inheritance Laws, combined with the firm’s multidisciplinary approach, enables TWS to seamlessly integrate Family Law with Estate Planning, DIFC Foundations, and Corporate Structuring.
Nita’s long-standing commitment to advancing the field of Succession and Inheritance Planning in the UAE is a testament to her dedication to improving the legal landscape for expatriates and non-Muslim individuals, while also fostering a sense of security for families in times of loss.
Over the past fifteen years, under Nita’s visionary leadership, TWS Legal Consultants has transformed from a modest firm into a dynamic, comprehensive legal powerhouse. The firm now excels in multiple areas, including Wills & Estate Inheritance, Family & Divorce Law, DIFC Foundations, Property Conveyancing, UAE Residency, Corporate and Company Incorporation.
TWS has expanded its services through its sister firm, TWS Corporate Services DIFC.
TWS now operates as a dual-strength firm, combining legal expertise with DIFC
registered agent services, including DIFC Foundations, Legacy and Succession
Planning, and a wide range of DIFC Corporate Services.
TWS Legal Consultants’ commitment to quality, personalised service, and innovative solutions has earned the firm a reputation as a trusted resource for individuals and businesses seeking legal counsel.
Nita’s unwavering dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she was honoured with the Leading Individual Award at the WealthBriefing MENA Awards 2025, a recognition that celebrates exceptional leadership and contribution within the region’s private client advisory sector.
Under her leadership, TWS Legal Consultants has once again been recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026, with rankings in both Private Wealth Law and Family/Matrimonial in the UAE. This internationally respected recognition reflects the firm’s expertise in Wills, Estate Inheritance, Succession Planning, DIFC Foundations, Family & Divorce Law, and its ability to advise international private clients on complex cross-border matters involving DIFC regulations, Sharia principles and the UAE legal system.
The firm has also been listed by Legal 500 as a leading law firm in the UAE. In addition, Nita herself has been featured in Legal 500, the world’s premier guide to law firms, where she shared insights on how TWS continues to deliver exceptional legal solutions in Private Client, Family Law, and Succession Planning for international families and businesses.
She has one again been recognised as a Top Recommended Probate and Wills Lawyer for by Spear’s 500 in 2025, following her earlier recognition in the 2024 edition, a prestigious accolade that cements her status as a leading legal expert in the UAE.
Moreover, Nita is now a recommended attorney with Global Law Experts, a distinguished international network of top-rated legal professionals. This recognition enhances her standing on the global stage, reflecting her expertise and commitment to providing the highest level of legal counsel.
View Nita Maru’s full profile here
Nita’s family has always been her strongest source of inspiration and motivation. She credits her husband, their three children and her team for providing the unwavering support that has driven her throughout her career.
Nita’s journey to success was not without its challenges, but her perseverance and passion have been key to her achievements. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and legal professionals is simple yet powerful: “Believe in yourself. Never let failures or frustrations stand in the way of your dreams. Keep your pureness of spirit; never give up”.
As Nita Maru continues to lead TWS Legal Consultants & TWS Corporate Services DIFC, she remains deeply committed to providing legal solutions that empower individuals and families in the UAE. Her passion for helping clients navigate complex legal challenges in Wills, Inheritance, Family Law, and Corporate Matters fuels her ongoing success. With a forward-thinking approach and a dedication to excellence, Nita is determined to continue making a lasting impact on the UAE’s legal landscape.
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