Law Firm Highlights – September 2015

• Holman Fenwick Willan has announced a formal law alliance (FLA) between its Singapore office, Holman Fenwick Willan Singapore LLP, and Singapore law firm AsiaLegal LLC. The alliance, which has received approval from the Singapore Attorney General's Chambers came into effect from July 1, 2015 and will operate under the name HFW AsiaLegal. The formation of this alliance is a significant new strategic development for HFW, enabling the firm to undertake work through the alliance which requires expertise in both English law and permitted areas of Singapore law. Many of the developments in the firm's capabilities in Singapore are as a direct result of the evolving business environment within Singapore itself and, as such, the firm has been able to extend its capabilities now encompassing dispute resolution, transactions and regulatory expertise, in line with client needs.
• Continuing the momentum Dentons has created with the introduction of NextLaw Labs, its innovation platform, the combination with 大成, and the addition of new talent worldwide, the firm today announced that the merger between Dentons US and McKenna Long & Aldridge, creating the new Dentons US LLP, is now effective. "All of our clients will benefit from the new Dentons US," said Elliott Portnoy, Global Chief Executive Officer. "We are focused on reflecting and supporting our clients' ambitions as they develop their businesses across many borders-whether they are clients outside the US looking inward, or US clients looking to do business internationally." Dentons' expanded US team comprises 1,100 lawyers and professionals and brings together the exceptional talent of the two firms into one US powerhouse offering clients even greater expertise in more locations throughout the world's largest legal services market.
• On July 21 2015, the Dubai office of international law firm Clifford Chance relocated to Burj Daman in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai’s renowned financial district. Clifford Chance will occupy the major part of the 15th floor of Burj Daman. The new address and contact details are Level 15, Burj Daman, Dubai International Financial Centre, PO Box 9380, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The switchboard number will be: +971 4 503 2600 and the fax number will be: +971 4 503 2800.
• Al Tamimi & Company has won two awards at the prestigious World HRD Congress in Mumbai, in recognition of its ongoing work and excellence in training and employee development schemes. Al Tamimi is the only firm in the region to have its own internal training academy, known as the Centre for Legal Training, which provides structured development opportunities for lawyers and support staff at all levels within the firm.
• Jimmy Haoula, managing partner of BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, will appear in a US court later this month to give expert testimony on the interpretation and practical application of the UAE Commercial Companies Law and associated free zone regulations. This high value case may have far-reaching implications for family businesses in the region. The case involves two brothers who are shareholders and directors of a UAE free zone entity which, through one of the brothers acting in his capacity as the manager for the free zone company, has initiated an action against a US incorporated company, owned by the other brother. Haoula’s expert testimony will bear witness to the legal powers and capacity of a “manager” of the free zone company.  This is a prime example of the type of complications that can arise in family businesses and the reason that careful planning and corporate structuring are so important for both family businesses themselves and for the companies doing business with them. 
• Clyde & Co is expanding its trade mark and patent filing capabilities in the Middle East, with the addition of a new direct filing office in Bahrain. Opened on August 9, 2015, this new office enables Clyde & Co to provide cost effective and high quality support on intellectual property matters in Bahrain. Through its affiliated entity, Clyde IP Services, Clyde & Co has opened an office in the capital of Bahrain, Manama, just minutes from the Bahrain Trade Mark and Patent Offices. This provides Clyde & Co’s clients with access to an efficient and cost effective direct filing capability in Bahrain.