Ahmad Al Khalil

/in /by
Leaders in Law endorses Ahmad Al Khalil as our exclusively recommended Corporate Law expert in the UAE. If you wish to get in touch with Ahmad, please use the contact information provided above.

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.

 

Harikrishnan Ravindran

/in /by
Leaders in Law endorses Harikrishnan Ravindran as our exclusively recommended Commercial Law expert in the UAE. If you wish to get in touch with Harikrishnan, please use the contact information provided above.

Harikrishnan is a legal consultant with Lutfi & Co since June 2009.  His background prior to joining Lutfi & Co was in counsel practice. Harikrishnan’s expertise and practice focus are in the areas of corporate and commercial law as well as commercial dispute resolution.  He is a key member of both the transactional and the dispute resolution teams.  This experience has assisted him in developing a deeper understanding of the practical implications of specific contractual terms in the context of potential dispute resolution proceedings.  He has considerable expertise and experience in International Trade law particularly pertaining to dispute resolution proceedings.

Harikrishnan is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has expertise in Domestic commercial and real estate arbitrations in the UAE and in International Commercial Arbitration. He has inter alia advised clients in domestic arbitrations administered by DIAC and Ad Hoc arbitrations in the UAE supervised by the Courts.  He has also advised parties to International Commercial Arbitrations under the ICC rules and UNCITRAL rules.  He is familiar with arbitration rules and procedures of most major arbitration institutions.

In addition to the above, Harikrishnan has recently advised clients in transactional matters and dispute resolution proceedings in the following areas of law:

  • Real Estate (Advising on real estate projects, representing both purchasers and developers in arbitration and litigation)
  • Employment law (UAE Federal Law and DIFC Law representing both employer and employee)
  • Civil law ( claims of compensation for harm, construction claims between contractors, employers and sub contractors)
  • Commercial law (commercial transactions, commercial disputes and claims)
  • Company law (dispute resolution between shareholders of companies – civil, on shore and free zone)

Firm Description:

Lutfi & Co is located in Business Bay and is regulated by the DLAD.  Lutfi & Co is providing a professional and highly experienced service to national and international clients throughout the UAE.  Lutfi & Co also relies on the services of highly experienced and skilled external counsel who work with us closely on matters that fall within their area of expertise.

The skill and experience of the lawyers ensures that Lutfi & Co is able to meet the critical business needs and demands of clients in a flexible and responsive way. Our team is committed to providing high value added service and on achieving client satisfaction. Establishing long term relationships with clients is a priority.

Practice focus

  • Arbitration
  • International Commercial Arbitration
  • Commercial law
  • Company law
  • Joint Ventures, Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Employment Law

Services provided by Lutfi & Co include:

  • UAE corporate and regulatory matters
  • Litigation in the UAE courts
  • Domestic arbitration in the UAE
  • International commercial arbitration
  • Construction and engineering
  • Facilities management
  • Insurance and risk management
  • Property development
  • Project and structured finance.
  • DIFC Wills and probate
  • Representation before the DIFC Courts
  • DIFC Corporate and company practice

Essam Al Tamimi

/in /by
Leaders in Law endorses Essam Al Tamimi as our exclusively recommended Banking & Finance Law expert in the UAE. If you wish to get in touch with Essam please use the contact information provided above.

In 1989, Essam Al Tamimi established what is now the largest law firm in the Middle East, Al Tamimi & Company and currently holds the position of Chairman at the firm. Essam has over thirty four (34) years of experience in litigation and arbitration in the UAE and the GCC countries covering almost all fields of law, both private and public law, including matters relating to corporate and commercial law, banking and financial law, real estate and property law, across several industries and sectors.

He has been involved in drafting laws and regulations and has assisted federal and local governments in drafting laws and regulations relating to a range of sectors. These have included the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Dubai Internet and Media City free zones, the Abu Dhabi government in privatization of water and electricity and played a major role in drafting the privatization and ADWEA laws and regulations, assisted the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry in drafting the Federal Industrial law and implementing regulations, contributed to the drafting of the relevant laws for establishing several Free Zones in the UAE, assisted Dubai International Financial Centre Authority in drafting number of laws and regulations relating to the DIFC Authority, the DIFC Court and the DIFC Arbitration Centre and have been actively involved in commenting and reviewing most of the federal laws including the Arbitration law, Commercial Companies law and the Consumer Protection law. He has extensive experience in regulatory matters and has assisted local and federal governments on regulatory issues.

Essam’s principal place of practice is Dubai, United Arab Emirates but he also has extensive experience in advising and assisting clients throughout the Arab region where he has worked and advised and attended to projects in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq.

In addition to his role as counsel in numerous arbitration matters, Essam has also acted as an expert witness in a wide array of litigious matters. Essam has also been appointed as an arbitrator and chair of arbitral tribunals in arbitration proceedings under ADCCAC, CRCICA, DIAC, LCIA, ICC and PCA Rules.

He is on the ICC Court, serving as Vice-Chair of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Paris, former Chair of the ICC UAE Commission on Arbitration and ADR, now member of the Steering Committee of the ICC UAE Commission on Arbitration and ADR, served as Chairman and is Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is the Founder and Patron of the UAE Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, member of the International Bar Association, served as member of the LCIA Court, served as President of the LCIA Arab Users Council. He has served a number of years as member of the board of The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). He is actively involved in development of arbitration laws in the region and for the training and development of arbitration in the UAE and the region. His practice focuses primarily on local and international clients in shipping, banking, intellectual property, commercial agency, joint venture, construction and commercial litigation. Essam has published a number of articles and books on litigation and arbitration in the UAE and setting up business in the region. He has received Gulf Legal Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to the Gulf Legal Market. He is on the editorial advisory board of the ICLR and GAR, former Co-Chair of the IBA Rule of Law Forum, member of the Review Committee of Energy Arbitrators List, member of the Advisory Board of IBA’s Eyewitness to Atrocities, member of the Advisory Board of the BCDR International Arbitration Review, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DIFC  Arbitration Institute (DAI), member of the FIAA Board of Trustees, member of the American Law Institute(ALI), member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), received Lifetime Achievement Award from International Financial Law Review (IFLR), is a member of the Arab Arbitration Group of the ICC,  member of the SIAC Users Council and is a fellow and faculty member of the International Dispute Resolution Academy (IDRA).

Thought Leadership

Professional memberships, publications and speaking engagements

Essam Al Tamimi’s international expertise has been enhanced and recognised through membership of key regional and international arbitration panels including:

  • GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre, Manama, Bahrain
  • Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
  • Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR), United Kingdom
  • International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration, Paris, France
  • UAE Representative of the International Chamber of Commerce
  • Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) 2009-2012
  • Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA)  2017-2020
  • Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) 2014-2017

Essam is the author of a number of leading UAE dispute resolution publications including Arbitration Law in the United Arab Emirates (1997), A Practical Guide to Litigation and Arbitration in the UAE (2003), United Arab Emirates Court of Cassation Judgments 1989-1997 (2003) and United Arab Emirates Court of Cassation Judgments 1998-2003 (2005). He is also the author of The Practitioner’s Guide to Arbitration in the Middle East and North Africa (2009) and has written extensively on arbitration matters in leading international publications.

Languages

  • Arabic
  • English

Education

  • 1984 – LL.M., Harvard School of Law
  • 1983 – LL.B., Al Ain Law School

Firm Description:

With 17 offices across 9 countries, we are a full-service commercial firm combining knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure our clients have access to the best legal solutions that are commercially sound and cost effective.

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Founded in 1989, we are the leading corporate law firm in the UAE and throughout the Middle East & North Africa with more than 450 legal professionals in 17 offices across 9 countries. We’re determined to use our knowledge, experience and intellectual rigour to find innovative solutions to overcome complex business challenges. We actively encourage diversity and inclusion, enabling us to attract and retain the best talent, to ensure our clients succeed.

 

Mary Barton

/in /by

Wide ranging experience in international private and public law family issues.  I specialise in all matters where issues arise out of ‘family’ relationships, such as:

Breakdown of relationships, separation and divorce as well as cross-border, residence and contact disputes in relation to children and finance and property issues.

I also help couples looking to prevent difficulties arising in the future by entering into Nuptial Agreements.

I have the experience to not only litigate in the appropriate forum but to also utilise Collaborative Law principles and offer mediation as an alternative.  It is essential to remember that reaching agreement always works best, rather than enduring the additional emotional distress and financial expense of litigation.

Formerly based in London and Essex, latterly in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and now in Bulgaria I have  a global client base.  Not only do I have extensive  experience of representing individuals before Courts, but I also have extensive experience as an individual party’s appointed expert witness and as a single joint expert witness, providing written reports or Affidavits and giving oral evidence to Courts in various jurisdictions.  My experience and expertise in UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc) family law, is recognised at The Academy of Experts, London and in my accreditation as a Member of that body.

I am an energetic parent and grand-parent who came to the legal profession ‘by accident’. In 1992 I graduated from the impressive Law Department of The University of Essex, where my tutors included the late Professor Sir Nigel Rodley, Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton and Professor Francoise Hampson (to name but a few). I then worked as a Paralegal with a local law firm in Essex until my youngest child reached an age where I could travel to complete the Academic Stage of my training, which I did in 1997. After completion of my Solicitor’s Training Contract in London (and taking numerous further examinations to complete my post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice) I was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors on 1 February 2000.

Marwa Al Siyabi

/in /by

Marwa Al Siyabi’s experience includes advising the ministries of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates on various legal matters including structuring and implementation of government initiatives as well as advising on the legal implications of strategy reforms.

Marwa is an Omani national and fluent in Arabic.

Firm Overview:

For more than 160 years, Winston & Strawn LLP has served as a trusted adviser and advocate for clients across virtually every industry. In that time, through careful growth and thoughtful fiscal management, we have built a law practice with tremendous breadth and a global reach. We are proud of the many accolades we have received over the years—a tribute to our lawyers’ creativity, flexibility, depth of experience, and commitment. The most meaningful accolade to us, though, is the continued trust and confidence of our clients.

Amanjit K. Fagura

/in /by

Leaders in Law endorses Amanjit Fagura as our exclusively recommended Transaction Law expert in the UAE. If you wish to get in touch with Amanjit please use the contact information provided above.

Amanjit Fagura brings international experience and a global perspective to her work on finance and debt capital markets transactions. Fluent in Punjabi and with a law degree from the University of Cambridge, Amanjit assists regional and international clients on matters such as Sukuk and bond issuances and conventional and Islamic financings, refinancing’s, and restructurings.

Firm Overview:

At Morgan Lewis, we work in collaboration. We work around the clock and around the world—always ready, always on—to respond to the needs of our clients and craft powerful solutions for them. From our 30 offices* in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, we work with clients ranging from established, global Fortune 100 companies to enterprising start-ups.

We provide comprehensive litigation, corporate, finance, restructuring, employment and benefits, and intellectual property services in all major industries, helping clients address and anticipate challenges across vast and rapidly changing landscapes. And we approach every representation with an equal commitment to first understanding, and then efficiently and effectively advancing, the interests of our clients and arriving at the best results.

Dr. Theodor Strohal

/in , , /by

Leaders in Law endorses Dr. Theodor Strohal as our exclusively recommended Company Formation Law expert in Myanmar, Singapore and the UAE. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Strohal please use the contact information provided above.

Education and Experience:

  • Graduated from Theresianische Akademie in 1968, from Vienna University School of Law in 1974; twice awarded a scholarship for outstanding academic records
  • Admitted to the Bar in 1979 (cum laude)
  • Founder of the chamber in Vienna 1979
  • Admitted as foreign lawyer in Singapore 1994
  • Admitted as a legal consultant in the United Arab Emirates 2005
  • Opening a law firm in Yangon, Myanmar, 2011
  • Resident in the UAE and Thailand

Main Areas of Activity

  • Real Estate
  • Corporate Law
  • International Taxation

Lectures: 

  • Keynote speaker at seminars on property law, corporate taxation and international tax law
  • Retired lecturer at the post-graduate Academy of Journalism , Vienna
  • Lecturer at Dubai University for company formation and business setup
  • Professor at Modul Dubai University, teaching business law and intellectual property law

Languages: 

Fluent in German and English; knowledge of Spanish, French  and Indonesian

Strohal Legal Group:

Our Services

We are always up-to-date on all changes and developments in business and tax laws at each of our locations. We counsel our clients in any legal questions for their day-to-day business. We understand to analyze any individual case and aim to achieve our clients’ goals.

We offer a network of legal consultants, tax advisers and management consultants to support clients in finding the right solution of every individual query. We understand to work transparently and therefore guarantee an efficient and cost-effective investment. Here are the answers to your questions:

What to do when outside capital is required?

We have an efficient network that also comprises international financial advisors. In collaboration with our legal knowledge and investment counseling we understand to find the best solutions for your company. We understand to analyze our client’s needs and collaborate with advisors and investors.

What liabilities could be involved?

Did you know that owning a limited liability company doesn’t automatically exclude personal liability? Something as simple as a shareholder or associate liabilities can differ from contractual form and country. We counsel our clients to prevent personal damage. Our expertise lies in:

  • Business law
  • Corporate law
  • Business formation
  • Insolvency law
  • International tax law
  • Immigration law
  • Labor law
  • Real Estate law
  • Legacy law
  • International contract law
  • European law

Legal advice should be cost-effective. The fees for our legal consultation depend on the service. We believe that every individual case is to be financially adjusted – to the advisory and the client. Options include: billing by the hour, lump sum agreements or a combination of both. We are flexible in finding the appropriate billing method in the first consultation, which is free of charge.

 

Jimmy Haoula

/in /by

Jimmy is the Managing Partner of the firm and is based in Dubai. He specialises in corporate, commercial and real estate transactions and has over a decade of experience in the region. Jimmy’s specific expertise lies in local, regional and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, local IPOs, and real estate projects and developments.

After five years with Clifford Chance Dubai, Jimmy joined BSA as Managing Partner, focusing on developing BSA’s practice areas with an emphasis on corporate, commercial and real estate.

Jimmy was one of the legal pioneers who led the development in the regulatory framework of the real estate sector in Dubai. He has advised and assisted on many projects and developments; including the first long-term lease real estate project, two developments in Dubailand and many projects within Emaar Real Estate Developments. In addition, Jimmy contributed to the development and improvement of the Strata regulations in Dubai and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS:

Our M&A specialists regularly represent purchasers as well as sellers in both domestic and regional M&A transactions, utilising the experience of our specialists in government contracts, intellectual property, environmental law, real estate, and labour/employment to provide a full array of services for clients involved in either the purchase or the sale of a company or business unit.

We assist our clients with all aspects relating to an M&A transaction, from structure and strategy to negotiation and documentation, providing cost-effective due diligence investigations in diversified industries. Our M&A experience includes representation of parties on either side, in the following types of transactions:

  • Mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures
  • Stock and asset purchases and sales
  • Management buy-outs and disposals
  • Corporate recapitalisations, reorganisations and restructurings
  • Strategic alliances

 

Omar M. A Obeidat

/in /by

Partner, Regional Head of Intellectual Property

Education

Yarmouk University, Jordan – LLB degree              1996

University of Georgia at Athens, USA – LL.M. degree      1997

Admission Details/Call to Bar

Jordan Lawyers Bar Association 1997

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic

Experience

Omar Obeidat is a Partner in Al Tamimi & Company and the Head of Intellectual Property Department and enjoys over 18 years of experience in this field.

Omar obtained his LL.B degree in 1996 from Yarmouk University, Jordan, and his LL.M. degree in 1997 from the University of Georgia at Athens, USA. His main field of specialisation is in Intellectual Property, Competition, Media, Data Protection, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, Consumer Protection. In the UAE and also in the Arab region.

He has extensive experience in IP Audit Due Diligence having managed the entire IP Audit for Qatar Rail, Emaar Malls and Meraas Holding IPO.

Omar helped his clients protect their managing intellectual property rights in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq, by way of managing trademark portfolios and advised on protection of IP rights, and enforcing trademarks and copyright throughout the region whether through Customs authorities for in-bound and out-bound shipments or through local police and administrative authorities in respect of offending goods in-market. His experience in the field of intellectual property enabled him to train judges, police officers and custom officials on the laws and practice of enforcement and prosecution of rights.

Omar is also particularly strong on pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and acted for the main organisation and members of the pharmaceutical organisation (PhRMA) on challenging unauthorised marketing approvals. Omar also advises tobacco clients on standards and specifications conformity and also in acting against Contraband and illicit trade. Omar further advises on Marketing Campaigns and Promotions and clearances for advertisements. Omar also took on high profile cases of defamation in favour of major broadcasters and advises on false advertisement and unfair commercial practices.

On the legislative side, Omar assisted in drafting or commenting on Trademarks Regulation, Industrial Property (Design & Patent) Law, Trade Secrets Draft, Competition draft, Cyber Crimes Law, Plant Varieties Law, and E-commerce Law.

Omar has spoken at tens of seminars, conferences, round tables on mostly intellectual property and, is regularly hosted on Televised programs including BBC’ World; Middle East Business report, Dubai TV, One TV and Abu Dhabi TV and has extensive publications.

Omar is member to many organisations locally and internationally including Dubai Quality Group, Board member of Brand Owners Protection Group (BPG). Jordan Bar Association and International Trademarks Association. (INTA) and chaired and sat on various committees with INTA.  Omar is on the editorial board of the Trademark Lawyer Publication.  He is also a Trustee and Board member to the Dubai Advisory Board for Intellectual Property.  This Board advises the Dubai Government on high level matters and strategies in relation to Intellectual Property. In addition to be a member of the Advisory Board for the Middle East North Africa Franchise Association (MENAFA).

Omar is ranked Band 1 in Chambers and Tier 1 in Legal 500, The World Trademark Review ranked Omar as Gold and states “IP head Omar Obeidat is the star of the show; he is strongly endorsed for his anti-counterfeiting know-how and his in-depth understanding of IP law”. Omar was also a Winner of the Client Choice Awards 2015 under the practice Intellectual Property-Trademarks. He was also chosen by Managing Intellectual Property in the IP Stars Handbook of 2014 and 2015.

 

Hassan Saeed

/in /by

Qualification

Hassan Saeed graduated with a Master of Laws in International and European Community Law (LL.M), in Paris 10, Nanterre University in 1994. He obtained a Master of Laws in English and North American Business Law (LL.M) from Paris 1, Sorbonne University in 1995. He holds a Diploma of Japanese Culture and Civilization from Shimane University, Matsue, Japan, 1999.

Professional Experience

Hassan Saeed has acquired significant experience in prominent French and American law firms as well as in the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.

Specialties

Corporate & Commercial Law, Arbitration, International Contracts, Property and Rental Disputes, Investment Law, IP/IT, Medias

Languages

Arabic (native), English (fluent), French (fluent), Italian (fluent)