Law Firm Highlights December 2015
· Dentons, the Chinese firm Dacheng, the Singapore firm Rodyk & Davidson, and the Australian firm Gadens, are considering a combination that would secure the position of the world’s largest law firm as the dominant global leader in the Pacific Rim. Recognising clients' needs for seamless, integrated and in and of the community representation in today's global economy, the partners at Dentons, Dacheng, Gadens and Rodyk see the potential value in a combination that will support better client service globally. Following transformative combinations in China and the United States, the proposed combination represents a key step in Dentons' pivot to the Pacific Rim as it establishes a greater presence in locations that continue to grow in importance for international commerce."This combination is about capturing talent for the benefit of our clients, and doing so in a way that complements the polycentric approach and innovative spirit on which our firm was built," said Elliott Portnoy, global chief executive officer, Dentons. The proposed combination would bring Gadens and Rodyk the ability to follow their clients across the world, and enhances each firm's ability to service their clients from Asia Pacific.
· Al Tamimi & Company brought together experts from across the field of arbitration to discuss the legal framework around arbitration, with a particular focus on Bahrain, the challenges and opportunities associated with this growing practice area, as well as the enforcement of arbitral awards in the region. At a session organised in Bahrain, Al Tamimi’s arbitration specialists discussed various clauses and forms of arbitration, as well as enforceability issues across the region, and the different arbitration institutions in Kingdom. The firm has an established arbitration practice which has provided representation at the highest level across various industries in the region. Earlier this year, the Bahraini Government passed a new law on arbitration (Law No. 9/2015) which stipulates that Bahrain will now follow international arbitration standards, and allows foreign companies to have foreign legal representation in arbitration proceedings conducted in Bahrain. Commenting, Foutoun Hajjar, head of Al Tamimi & Company’s Bahrain Office, said, “The popularity of arbitration in the Middle East continues to grow, bringing with it significant opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in dispute resolution in the UAE and the wider region, Al Tamimi is well placed to advise around these topics. The seminar provided a great opportunity for us to meet new and exciting industry players, and share our insights and expertise around this important field.”
· Dentons recently hosted a gathering in Dubai of banking, projects and construction specialists from across a number of industries to consider both the opportunities and challenges facing major projects across the region. Michael Kerr, managing partner, Middle East at Dentons, commented, "While there may be clouds on the horizon with governments reassessing support for some projects, the region has seen a steady increase in the number of project financings so far in 2015. The strong pipeline of major projects in place across the wider region and pressure on government budgets could lead to more Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and greater reliance on private funding." The forum considered the new opportunities presented by the new PPP laws in both Dubai, which comes into effect this month, and Kuwait, which came into effect earlier this year. Speakers included Dentons partners Ian Dalley and Udayan Mukherjee, former English High Court Judge and current arbitrator Sir Vivian Ramsey QC as well as barrister Lucy Garrett of Keating Chambers.
· Fichte & Co Legal Consultancy announced that their managing partner Jasamin Fichte was conferred the Maritime Standard Woman in Shipping Award by The Maritime Standard Awards held on November 9, 2015 at the Atlantis The Palm. The 2nd Maritime Standards Awards have been held to acknowledge and celebrate the successes and achievements of outstanding key personalities and decision makers in the market. Awarded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Maritime Standard Woman in Shipping Award further highlights Fichte's significant contributions towards the UAE's shipping landscape.
· Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mullaco-hosted a seminar in Dubai on November 25, 2015 with JLL, focusing on getting deals done in the Hotels, Resorts & Tourism sector in the UAE. The event highlighted the pressure points to consider and legal pitfalls to avoid when negotiating hotel deals in the UAE, against the backdrop of current market trends. The interactive discussion was led by JLL's Chiheb Ben Mahmoud, executive vice president, head of Hotels & Hospitality Group, Middle East & Africa, together with Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla's head of Hospitality, Steven Henderson, Céline Abi Habib Kanakri (counsel) and Keri Watkins (associate).
Participants comprised senior representatives from leading hotel owners and developers, as well as financial institutions. Topical considerations included ownership and operating structures in the UAE, risk allocation and financing agreements.
Steven Henderson, who heads up Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla's Real Estate and Hospitality practices in the UAE, commented, "The hotel industry is undergoing unprecedented change at present and, now, more than ever, the importance of having a commercial and workable hotel management agreement with an operator that strikes the right balance between control and incentivising the operator is important."
