Ahmad Al Khalil joins as the Corporate Law Expert in the UAE

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Leaders in Law, the leading platform in its field, is delighted to welcome Ahmad Al Khalil as our exclusively recommended & endorsed Corporate Law expert in the UAE.

Ahmad is a Jordanian national, educated at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom (LLB) and has a Master’s degree in business administration from NYIT in Jordan.

At Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants Ahmad heads up the corporate department responsible for the advisory and transactional side of the firm. In addition to providing clients with legal opinions on their positions and consequences of their acts and omissions, Ahmad drafts, reviews and amends various commercial contracts including, but not limited to, shareholders agreements, risk mitigation agreements, consultancy agreements, distribution agreements and terms and conditions of business. Since joining Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants Ahmad has also be involved in and responsible for litigation matters relating to the UAE courts be it civil, commercial, employment or criminal.

Prior to joining Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, Ahmad was regional counsel for United Technologies Corporation, specifically handling Carrier Air Conditioning, Otis Elevators and their Fire and Security division. Focus was on the GCC region and the Levant area with some time dedicated to the African region as well. Ahmad handled all internal legal matters including employment disputes and employee training on internal policies and local laws, commercial contracts reviewing and drafting, compliance, assistance with regional joint ventures and structuring as well as onboarding and appointing distributors, agents and value-added resellers. While at Al Tamimi & Co, Ahmad was part of the banking and finance department responsible for setting up financial and investment institutions with both the Central Bank and the Securities and Commodities Authority in the UAE. Additionally, Ahmad was seconded to the corporate department and the employment department to provide assistance with project-based matters.

Ahmad also has extensive experience with heading up and conducting internal investigations within corporations whether it relates to retaliatory actions, discrimination, harassment, unfair treatment and/or anti-bribery allegations.

Furthermore, Ahmad has, since 2011, been conducting training sessions for both internal staff as well as external clients and their staff on various topics relating to major issues in contracts, employee rights, ethics, improper payments and bribery and antitrust.

Practice Areas

  • Corporate & M&A
  • Family Law
  • Employment
  • Litigation

Education

  • LLB – University of Bristol, England – 2001
  • MBA – NYIT, Jordan – 2007

Membership

  • Qualified advocate in Jordan – 2005

Firm Description:

Approach to Legal Services & Relevant Experience

Our experience in relation to Litigation, Commercial Drafting, Corporate Structuring, Corporate Governance, Finance, Employment, and Intellectual Property is extensive. The team’s goal is to understand the objectives of the client and thereafter discuss how to achieve the best possible outcome. We analyze each scenario and the consequences it may bring in order to be a step ahead in every situation.

We ensure flexibility when dealing with our clients to provide the most cost-effective service while meeting the client’s needs and desires. Our primary goal is to work hand in hand with our clients and act in their best interest providing honest and transparent legal advice.

As a team, we believe our strength lies in our knowledge of the region and the international community living in the UAE. The standards of the firm are elevated, and this is thanks to the strong relationships we maintain with the governmental authorities and governmental entities. They provide us with the current and updated legal resources to ensure our client is always in harmony with the legal amendments and modifications.

Our approach is articulated around 4 pillars that are the foundation of this firm :

Transparency : we make it our main requirement to be fully transparent with our clients and partners. By always providing accurate legal advice and involving our client every step of the way.

Innovation : as a feedback data driven firm, we make sure to implement the latest technology into the firm’s workflow process to ensure smooth operation and optimize our efficiency.

Trust : we relate to our clients and define together their long term and short-term plan. Being a boutique law firm, our clients are part of the team and have a privileged access to the legal team assigned to their case.

Relationship : the main goal is to build a long-lasting relationship based around honesty & transparency. We always act in the best interest of our clients and anticipate your needs. Because our client’s success determines our own.

As a team, we believe our strength lies in our knowledge of the region and the international community living in the UAE. The standards of the firm are elevated, and this is thanks to the strong relationships we maintain with the governmental authorities & entities as well to the multitude of e-legal platform the firm is part of. They provide us with the current and updated legal resources to ensure our client is always in harmony with the legal amendments and modifications.

Our Process

We promise to keep you updated on the progress of your case. If at any time you have a question or concern, simply contact a member of our team and we’ll sort it out. After all, we’re here to serve you and believe you should be kept in the loop.

We understand that no two cases are the same. Our holistic approach is designed to ensure we cover all angles when it comes to protecting your interests. Solid advice and sound legal solutions for every client, 100% of the time!

Our legal team is here for you. Together, clients work with our legal team to devise a legal strategy that meets all of their specific needs and requirements. Our legal strategies are custom-tailored to each case to ensure clarity and success every step of the way.

 

New Member – Ziad El-Khoury joins as the Corporate Law Expert in Saudi Arabia

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Leaders in Law, the leading platform in its field, is delighted to welcome Ziad El-Khoury as our exclusively recommended & endorsed Corporate Law Expert Witness expert in Saudi Arabia.

Ziad El-Khoury is Chief Executive Officer at BLK Partners, a prominent and unique legal platform based in Riyadh.

With a reputation as a leading legal expert in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, El-Khoury’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the corporate and business landscapes have solidified his position as a trusted authority in the field. His prowess extends beyond routine legal matters, encompassing complex cases involving corporate, healthcare, technology, real estate, construction and infrastructure. He also has a good handle on stand-alone projects.

Ziad’s remarkable leadership abilities enable him to spearhead high-stakes projects with finesse. His keen insights and exceptional guidance have earned him the trust of major corporations and influential clients across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and globally. Governments in the region have sought his counsel on significant undertakings, benefiting from his strategic guidance. Under his leadership as CEO, and despite the pandemic, the firm grew five folds in the last 5 years, a remarkable achievement by all measures.

Firm Description:

Mohamed Ali BEN LADEN LAW FIRM – BLK Partners® offers its clients a full legal service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its team of specialist experts combining international experience with deeply rooted knowledge of local legal regimes, customs, and markets. Through its office in Riyadh, BLK Partners® is a unique legal platform of client-centric professionals, gathered around our “Glocal” concept and committed, all the way, to building the best legal platform.

We are GLOCAL. At BLK Partners®, we have global standards and are committed to providing quality service, every time.

We go beyond delivering an end result to focusing on the quality of the journey. We pride ourselves in the consistency and quality of our service. We are a uniquely structured firm with a robust infrastructure, which creates a culture in which exceptional client service and quality legal work are internally valued and rewarded.

 

The Search is on for 2023’s Future Legal Mind

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If you’re an aspiring lawyer or solicitor, then you’ll likely know just how competitive getting into this industry is. There are over 160,000 practising solicitors in the UK, which shows just how big this sector already is and with roughly 18,000 new law graduates in 2022, it may be more difficult than ever to get your foot in the door at one of the top firms around the country.

This could lead to you looking for new ways to stand out and showcase a greater CV than others. Some of the options include completing extra courses online or being an unpaid intern to get the necessary experience an employer wants. However, one of the best ways to stand out is to take part and win the National Accident Helpline Future Legal Mind 2023 competition.

Not sure what that is? We’re here to help you understand what it’s all about, how you can enter, and what you can win. Read on to find out more.

What is the Future Legal Mind competition?

Held by National Accident Helpline, this is one of the UK’s leading essay competitions and encourages law students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to answer a law-related question. Competitors can use up to 1200 words to answer and this is designed to help top law students get the recognition they deserve.

This year’s question is:

Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls, has said there is a “real possibility that AI may become more intelligent and capable than humans” and that robots could even one day help resolve court disputes.

To what extent do you believe AI could ever replace the role of human judges? And what would be the benefits or potential drawbacks of integrating artificial intelligence in this way?

How can I enter?

Entering is simple. Just register your interest before the 31st of July 2023 and submit your essay before midnight that day. Participants must be over the age of 18 and studying/studied a law degree at an institution in the UK.

What are the prizes?

Should you go on to win this brilliant competition, then you’ll receive the following:

  • £1500 prize fund
  • A mentoring session with one of the National Accident Helpline’s experienced in-house lawyers
  • Announced as National Accident Helpline’s Future Legal Mind and feature in publicity if desired

Why should I take part?

Alongside the fantastic prizes, this is also a brilliant opportunity to showcase your legal skills and knowledge, which may boost your career prospects further.  Jonathan White, the Legal & Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline says that “many of our past winners have gone on to excel in their professions, and this competition provides a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd in a competitive field”, which shows just how great winning this competition can be.

 

New Green Perspectives to be Considered by French Public Purchasers

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Law No. 2023-175 on the acceleration of renewable energies deployment dated 10 March 2023 introduces new contracts available to French public purchasers.

Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) are long-term contracts allowing direct sales of electricity produced from renewable energy sources from the producer to the consumer. PPA contracts represent an efficient way to support the production of green energy without further impinging on the State’s budget.

One of the main obstacles to the development of PPAs for public purchasers was article L.2112-5 of the French Public Procurement Code. It provides that all contracts need to be established for a duration that considers the nature of the services and the necessity for a periodic competitive tender procedure. The obligation to consider a renewed bidding of the contract probably held public purchasers back from using long-term PPAs.

Article 86 of the law introduces the possibility for French public purchasers to conclude PPAs.

Such contracts will be governed by the provisions of the French Public Procurement Code, and as such, shall be signed after having been awarded following a tender procedure.

The concrete implementation of such possibility will however raise different questions from a public procurement perspective.

The impossibility for public purchasers to select a locally based electricity provider should be favourable to bigger producers who will be able to offer energy on a more competitive scale. Moreover, the duration of these long-term contracts is not entirely specified, and it seems difficult to conclude PPAs for a specified duration of 8 or 12 years, without having any guarantee from the administrative judge or the French Authorities regarding the compliance of such duration with the French Procurement regulations.

For the Law, please see here.

“Responsible Purchase” Guide issued on 14 April 2023 by the State’s Purchases Department

Implementing the use of public procurement contracts as a ladder towards sustainable development, the French State’s Purchases Department, related to the Ministry of the Budget, published the 3rd edition of its guide on responsible public purchase for public purchasers.

This guide comes after the amendments that were made in May 2022 to article R.2152-7 of the French Public Procurement Code, which will require the award of public procurement contracts on criterion considering the environmental aspects of the offer from 21 August 2026. This reform lacked in precisions regarding what should be understood behind the notion of “environmental aspects” (for a more in-depth article, see here).

The document prompts public purchasers to take into consideration the diversity of environmental, sustainable or social criterion at every stage of the tender process, from their needs’ definition to the selection of their co-contractor.

Pursuant to the Guide, environmental and social requirements shall be explicitly laid down in the procurement contract documentation. These requirements need to be realistic, applicable and measurable during the contract’s performance.

It gives examples of requirements that can be used while preparing for the contract’s negotiation and performance (for example: requesting for environmental labels for certain sensitive products; equal pay for women and men within the company; etc…), thus helping public purchasers see what notions like “environmental” or “social aspects” could entail.

It also warns public purchasers about “greenwashing” behaviors, when operators present an environment friendly policy while in reality not enforcing certain standards.

Although these precisions can be useful, the Guide is still very broad and generic, relying on technical notions that public purchasers are not always well equipped to implement. Publishing specific guides for the different sectors concerned by public procurement contracts could be a concrete way to help public purchasers see how they could implement these broad principles.

The current “Green Industry” draft bill which intends on accelerating the public procurement reform towards climatic transition should be a mean for the government to define more detailed obligations that public purchasers will need to follow when awarding their contracts.

Still in development, the draft aspires to create environmental labels that companies can use to rationalize public purchasers’ selection processes, in particular by implementing one “Triple E” environmental standard. It also intends on allowing for the exclusion of companies from public tenders if they do not comply with environmental transparency obligations.

Allen & Overy Advises Action and its Sponsor 3i on Action’s EUR3.625bn Amend and Extend Financing

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Allen & Overy has advised Action and its sponsor 3i in connection with the amendment and extension of Action’s debt facilities. The transaction was well received by the market and strong investor demand allowed Action to upsize and raise a new EUR2.5bn TLB (September 2028 maturity) priced at the tight end of price talk.

Proceeds will be used to refinance in full its existing EUR2.285bn 2025 TLB, with the surplus credited to cash. A new EUR500m RCF (June 2028 maturity) was also secured to replace Action’s existing EUR125m 2024 RCF. Alongside Action’s existing EUR625m 2027 TLB, Action’s total senior debt facilities will increase to EUR3.625bn.

With an aggregate of EUR3.125bn of TLB facilities, Action is one of the largest euro denominated TLB issuers in the European leveraged finance market.

Action is the fastest growing non-food discounter in Europe, operating 2,263 stores across 10 countries at the end of its 2022 financial year. It achieved net sales of EUR8.9bn and an operating EBITDA of EUR1.205m in its 2022 financial year, representing growth of 30% and 46% respectively compared to 2021.

The A&O team in London was led by Leveraged Finance Partner Neil Sinha, with support from senior associate Alex Charles, associates Fraser Jackson, Daniel McCarron, and trainee Sidhant Jadeja. The Amsterdam team was led by finance Partner Andrew Thomas and senior associate Luke Whibley, with support from associate Bibi van Gijzel and paralegal Leon Zebeda.

 

Gowling WLG Welcomes New Montréal Partner Mathieu Lévesque

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Gowling WLG is pleased to announce the arrival of Mathieu Lévesque as its newest partner.

Mathieu is a partner in the Commercial Litigation Group in Gowling WLG’s Montréal office. He is also a member of the firm’s Financial Institutions & Services and Restructuring & Insolvency groups.

Mathieu joins Gowling WLG from a national law firm, where he worked for nearly 20 years as a trusted adviser to the leading financial institutions in the Canadian market.

As an experienced lawyer whose practice focuses on a range of complex banking litigation, which includes the defense of class actions, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency, and financial restructuring, Mathieu brings practical sector knowledge and a strategic business perspective to all his client engagements.

Working closely with financial institutions and consulting firms, Mathieu advises litigation groups and special account managers on a broad array of issues. He also represents banks in payment system-related matters and in litigation involving fraud, fraudulent transfers and misappropriation of funds. Additionally, Mathieu is a sought-after adviser to the Canadian Bankers Association, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to provide valuable insights.

“We’re thrilled to have Mathieu join Gowling WLG, and I know his experience working with Canada’s leading financial institutions, in particular, is going to be a big asset for our clients,” said Pierre Pilote, firm managing partner of Gowling WLG’s Montréal office. “His combined skillset and industry acumen will be a great addition to our financial services practice, complementing the strengths and breadth of our team.”

About Gowling WLG’s Commercial Litigation Group
As longstanding legal advisers to corporate Canada – from public and private companies to startups, national corporations and other market participants – we’ve handled some of the most challenging, high-profile litigation files in recent years and know what it takes to get you the best result. Learn more about our Commercial Litigation Group.

Clifford Chance announces new Head of Global Asset Finance Group

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New York: Clifford Chance announced today the appointment of partner Zarrar Sehgal as Head of the firm’s Global Asset Finance Group. Sehgal will lead the 125-strong international team of asset finance lawyers who work alongside the firm’s global corporate, tax, insolvency, litigation and regulatory practices to provide full-service advice to clients.
Assuming the role from William Glaister, Sehgal is also co-head of the Global Financial Markets group in the Americas, and head of Clifford Chance’s Global Transport & Logistics sector group. Chambers USA 2022 ranked Sehgal Band 1 in Transportation: Aviation: Finance (Nationwide), and he has also been inducted into Legal500’s Hall of Fame in the United States for Transport: Aviation and Air Travel – Finance. Considered one of the foremost experts on a wide variety of international asset finance transactions, Sehgal’s experience includes acquisition financing, leveraged leasing, secured lending, structured financing and export credit agency-supported financings.Global Head of Financial Markets Emma Matebalavu offers, “Zarrar is renowned industry-wide for his knowledge and expertise, having worked extensively on some of the most complex asset finance transactions in the market globally. I am delighted to announce his appointment to lead the Asset Finance group which is a core element of our world-leading, award-winning international finance practice. I am confident that Zarrar will build on the stellar legacy of our brilliant global assets team by leading with absolute focus and dedication to our clients globally and I really look forward to working with him in his new role.”Sehgal shares, “With thanks to William Glaister for his many years of contributions, I step into this role to lead an incredibly ambitious and successful group. I am excited for us to continue to leverage what makes us so unique – an unrivalled level of experience and insight, supported by access to a truly integrated global network. We remain the law firm of choice for complex asset finance transactions.”

Clifford Chance’s Global Asset Finance group advises on market-leading transactions across multiple jurisdictions, including:

 

Eversheds Sutherland advises Medequip on its acquisition of Ross Care

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Eversheds Sutherland has advised long-standing client Medequip, the UK’s leading provider of community equipment services, on the acquisition of Ross Care, a wheelchair services specialist, from Millbrook Healthcare Group.

The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Medequip’s scope and range of services offered nationwide, with the in-house ability to provide solutions across community equipment and now wheelchair services.

Eversheds Sutherland advised on all legal elements of the transaction. The team was led by partner Robin Skelton and principal associate Russell Naglis who were supported by partners Paul Castle (banking) and Colin Askew (tax), principal associate Charlie Markillie (competition), senior associates Gillian McKechnie (corporate), Matt Cummings (tax) and Amy Franks (banking) and associates Robyn Thompson and Danielle Gibbon (both corporate). The core team was further supported in due diligence by colleagues from our commercial contracts, data protection, intellectual property, environmental health & safety, employment, pensions, insurance and compliance teams.

The synergy between Medequip and Ross Care is already proven as both have existing partnerships in place. The two organisations have already worked together to offer combined community equipment and wheelchair service contracts for some years.

Robin Skelton, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“We have had the pleasure of advising Medequip for many years, getting to know and fully understand their business and strategic objectives. We are thrilled to have been able to apply that knowledge in order to help them to successfully deliver this most recent transaction, enhancing the services they’re able to provide across communities. We look forward to continuing to build on our successful relationship with Medequip and supporting them on future opportunities.”

Commenting on the deal, James Ibbotson, CEO of Medequip said:

“This is a notable transaction – one that will expand our existing service portfolio to better meet the increasing needs of the communities that we already support. Eversheds Sutherland has been fantastic throughout – a trusted legal advisor that never fails to provide us with consistently high quality advice and results. We look forward to continuing our work with them.”

 

Allen & Overy Advises One Equity Partners on the Acquisition of Kirey Group

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Allen & Overy has advised One Equity Partners, an international middle market private equity firm, on the acquisition of Kirey Group, an Italian IT systems integrator and proprietary technology solutions developer, from Synergo Capital SGR, an independent asset management company specialised in alternative investment funds focused on Italian SMEs, and TECM.

The transaction was completed in the context of a limited sale process.

Founded in 2017 through a management buyout, Kirey Group is an Italian digital transformation consultant that supports its customers with strong experience in leading-edge technology solutions and a strong expertise in the banking and insurance sectors. Kirey Group employs more than 950 people across 16 offices in nine countries and has over 400 clients around the world.

The Allen & Overy cross-department and cross-jurisdiction team was led by partner Paolo Nastasi, supported by associates Davide Biasotti, Marta Avara, Nicolò Baruffi and Giovanna Sottoriva and trainee Houda Latrech. The team comprised also senior associate Margherita Banfi on IP-related matters, counsel Luca Amicarelli and associate Stefania Casini on public law aspects, partner Emilio De Giorgi and associate Arianna Fletcher on antitrust matters, partner Livio Bossotto together with associates Elena Cirotti and Federica Melegari and trainee Chiara Magliulo on employment and data protection matters, partner Francesco Guelfi with counsel Elia Ferdinando Clarizia and associate Simona Simone on tax matters, associate Alessandro Carta Mantiglia on banking matters and senior associate Martina Rossi on litigation matters.

A&O acted on the transaction with a team in Germany comprising partner Nils Koffka, senior associates Jan Holst and Marcus Mackensen and associates Maria Heilmann and Jonas Schuck, a team in Spain composed of associates Eneko Marin, Enrique Diaz-Maurino, Marta Villar, Sergio Ochagavía and trainee Blanca Lopez-Grueiro, and a team in the Netherlands with partner Sophie Roozendaal, senior associate Aziz Bouhbouh and associates Pauline van der Hijden and Eveline Jansen.

How To Protect Yourself Against Domestic Violence

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Domestic violence is one of the most alarming issues across the globe. According to reports, one in three women and one in four men have experienced abuse in their lifetime in the US alone. In other parts of the world, these issues may remain unreported.

Domestic violence is repeated abuse and mistreatment in any relationship to gain control over another person. It includes any act that inflicts harm physically, sexually, emotionally, economically, psychologically, and technologically. Although the statistical report shows more women and girls experience domestic abuse, this tragedy can happen to anyone regardless of gender.

Here’s a helpful guide on protecting yourself against domestic violence.

  1. Create A Safe Escape Plan

One common misconception about domestic violence and any form of abuse is the victim can easily fight back or leave the relationship. Many victims may try to remove themselves from the situation and find themselves coming back due to coercion and manipulation. Therefore, creating an escape plan is difficult.

Creating a plan to safely end domestic violence may take weeks, months, and even years, especially within marriage or parent-child relationships. If you can, contact a domestic violence lawyer for help. In the meantime, here are the things you can do:

  • Identify the Triggers: Abusers aren’t violent all the time, especially those who use manipulative tactics to convince you to stay. However, some situations trigger their aggression, and identifying them can help you stay on guard.
  • Create Safe Spots at Home: Creating a safe hiding spot to isolate yourself is crucial to avoid injury. Choose a room you can lock from the inside and stay there until the outbursts are over. It’s also best to have a phone inside your safe space to call for help. Avoid the kitchens and other areas where the abuser can quickly grab something to hit you.
  • Memorize Emergency Contacts: Knowing who to call during a crisis is imperative to remove yourself from the situation safely. Memorize all the emergency contacts instead of saving them on your phone, especially if the abuser has access.
  • Change Passwords Frequently: Abusers utilize everything they can to control you. It may include your phone and social media accounts. Frequently changing your passwords can prevent them from stalking you online or tracing your calls.
  • Find Excuses to Leave Home: If abuse happens at home, find excuses to leave frequently. You can visit a friend or family and ask for help.
  • Save Money Discreetly: Domestic violence can be in the form of economic abuse. The abuser may withhold money to keep you at home. In these cases, discreetly saving money is best to have ample financial resources when you finally leave.

Leaving an abusive situation can make you anxious and even doubt your judgment. Remember, no one deserves to be mistreated. You have the power to protect yourself.

  1. Contact Authority

As you manage to leave the house or get isolated from the abuser, take every opportunity to contact authority. Call your local helpline and tell them about your situation to get a safety guide on leaving the abuser.

When contacting the police during or after a violent encounter, telling the whole story as detailed as possible is crucial. Get the case number of the police report for future reference. You can also request to connect you with a local crisis center to have a temporary shelter to stay in.

  1. Seek Professional Help

Repeated violence can cause trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Even after safely leaving the abusive situation, you may still fear for safety and experience sleeping difficulties. When experiencing distress, remember that recovery is possible.

Seeking professional help is one of the first crucial steps toward healing from abuse. Undergoing psychotherapy can help you learn healthy coping strategies to manage the effects of trauma. You can also gain coping skills for anxiety and depression and get the necessary medication.

Abuse can cause scars not only on your body but also on your mind. Getting professional help enables you to regain your self-worth and reclaim your life. Recovery can also help you spot signs of domestic abuse, learn to protect yourself and others, and break the cycle.

  1. Join A Support Group

Joining a support group is a helpful way to thrive in your healing journey. You can learn from others’ experiences and be inspired by their courage, strengthening you to strive for better.

Furthermore, support groups can help give you a sense of belonging to a community. Experiencing abuse can make you feel isolated, so regaining and rebuilding social connections is crucial to healing.

  1. Maintain Zero Contact

Abusers can be persistent. Some will continue trying to find and contact you to get a hold of you again and promise to be a better partner, parent, brother, or sister. In these situations, stand firm and maintain zero contact. Rebuilding the bridges between you may only lead to further violence. Instead, focus on healing independently to protect yourself.

Conclusion

If you have experienced domestic violence, remember it’s not your fault. You can protect yourself against abuse by reclaiming your strength and courage and getting the help you need. You have the power to survive and thrive.