Skip to main content
    About

    Share your ALB moments on social media
    #ALBawards
     

    Welcome to the Inaugural ALB Middle East Law Awards 2021!
     

    ALB'S VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
    Date: Wednesday, 31 March 2021        
                                                                                       

    Thomson Reuters proudly presents the inaugural Middle East Law Awards in March 2021. These prestigious awards will recognise the excellence and outstanding achievements of law firms, in-house legal teams, top deals and dealmakers in the region. 

    As health and safety of our participants are our priority, after careful consideration, the awards will be hosted virtually.

    Continuous connection is especially important in these uncertain times, and we are determined to keep ALB’s commitment in delivering the finest event experience to the legal community.

    Let us celebrate together Thomson Reuters' inaugural virtual awards ceremony of Middle East at the comfort of our homes with our favorite food and drinks! 

     

    Contact Harmony Tam at +852 3462 7767 or harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com for submission inquiries.

    Contact Amantha Chia at amantha.chia@tr.com or +65 6973 8258 for sponsorship opportunities.

     

    CATEGORIES

     

    Deal Categories

    Debt Market Deal of the Year
    Equity Market Deal of the Year 
    M&A Deal of the Year

    Individual Categories

    In-House Lawyer of the Year
    Managing Partner of the Year
    Pro Bono Practitioner of the Year
    Woman Lawyer of the Year 
    Young Lawyer of the Year 

    In-House Categories

    Energy and Resources In-House Team of the Year
    Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
    Middle East In-House Team of the Year

    Firm Categories

    Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
    Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
    Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
    Deal Firm of the Year
    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
    Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
    Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
    Litigation Law Firm of the Year
    Rising Law Firm of the Year
    Egypt Law Firm of the Year
    Israel Law Firm of the Year
    Lebanon Law Firm of the Year
    Saudi Arabia Law Firm of the Year
    UAE Law Firm of the Year
    Middle East Law Firm of the Year

    If you have suggestions for categories to be introduced or you wish to join our mailing list for the latest update on the submission process, contact Caryl on mary.aquino@thomsonreuters.com

     

    Submissions Closed

     

               SUBMISSION INQUIRIES          

    Harmony Tam
    Events Researcher
    Phone: +852 3462 7767
    Email: harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com

     

     

    JUDGING PANEL

    Rania Tadros
    Rania Tadros

    Managing Partner, Ince

    Rania is Managing Partner of the firm’s Dubai office. She joined the firm as a trainee and qualified in London in 2000, before relocating to Dubai in 2013. She became Managing Partner the following year. Rania has over 20 years’ experience in shipping/offshore energy disputes as well commercial support to companies in the shipping and offshore sectors.

    Rania is interested in all contentious and commercial matters with a particular focus on anything with a Middle East flavour. She likes to understand her client’s business so that she can offer first class legal support as and when it is needed. Of particular interest is the energy and offshore industry and she is closely involved with a number of the world’s largest providers of offshore support services She also specialises in issues arising in construction contracts and has advised on numerous related disputes.

    Rania’s experience extends to regularly advising clients on matters arising from utilisation of vessels and offshore structures, limiting and excluding liability, contractual disputes and providing general legal support to companies operating in the maritime field.

    She has also recently been involved in numerous significant debt collection cases leading to bankruptcy applications being made before UAE Courts under the UAE Bankruptcy Law.

    Mark Hultum
    Mark Hultum

    Head of Legal MEA, Deutsche Bank

    Mark leads Deutsche Bank’s regional legal function as the principal manager of legal risk across all of its activities in the Middle East & Africa region, advising the bank’s Corporate Bank, Investment bank and Private Bank business units, as well as its Regional Management and Infrastructure Functions. He is regularly recognised as one of the region’s most influential in-house counsel, including as a member of Legal 500’s GC Powerlist Middle East. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Mark worked in Clifford Chance’s M&A and Private Equity teams in both London and Hong Kong.

    Khaled Ghazy
    Khaled Ghazy

    General Legal Counsel, Egypt and UAE
    CEMEX

    Khaled Ghazy is General Legal Counsel for Egypt & UAE at CEMEX. He enjoys over 23 years of diversified experience in legal practice in Middle East & Africa. Before joining CEMEX, he was the Head of Legal Affairs at Sinai White Cement Company. Prior to this role, he was the Head of Legal Affairs at Dar Petroleum Operating Company.

    Before joining oil industry, Khaled was a Regional Legal Advisor at the International Red Cross. Previously, Khaled spent nine years at the Egyptian judiciary where he held various positions including senior prosecutor and presiding judge. Before joining the judiciary, Khaled started his career life as a private international law teaching assistant at Cairo University.   

    Khaled co-edited a guide on training judges published by Kuwait Institute for Legal and Judicial Studies. Khaled obtained LL.B (1997) from Cairo University and M.A. (2005) from the American University in Cairo.

    Rawd Al-Sayed
    Rawd Al-Sayed

    Group Head of Legal and Compliance, Obegi Chemicals Group

    After obtaining her Master of Laws degree, L.L.M, from the University of London – in 2005, Rawd worked for seven years for the United Nations Development Programme, and was in charge of a portfolio of strategic projects related to legal reforms in general, and legal investment framework reforms, Trade laws reforms, accession to the World Trade Organisation in particular.

     

    In 2013, Rawd joined Obegi Chemicals Group, established in 1905, and being a leading chemical distributor across the Middle East and Africa, as the Group Head of Legal and Compliance. Rawd is specialized in drafting and negotiating complex agency and distribution Agreements involving different jurisdictions, negotiating settlement agreements, and in general is experienced in all corporate and compliance related matters.

     

    Nadim El Haj
    Nadim El Haj

    General Counsel, Abu Dhabi National Hotels

    A no nonsense, result driven and strategic thinker with a demonstrated history in launching and turning around businesses in the Real Estate Development, Hospitality, Retail, TMT and Education industries. In-depth expertise in negotiating and closing mega transactions, including the structuring, development and acquisition of prime/trophy hospitality projects, real estate developments, retail, TMT and education projects in the MENA Region and on an international scale.

    Extensive experience working both in the Government and private sector in the UAE as General Counsel/Board Secretary and ExCo. member.

    Nadim was ranked by “The Legal 500” as one of the most influential in-house counsels in the Middle East in recognition of his major successes during his tenure at ADNH including the steering of the negotiation and closing of AED 2.2 B acquisition of 5 EMAAR hotels in Downtown Burj Khalifa in a record 3 months’ time and was therefore featured in the “Legal 500 GC Powerlist Middle East 2019.” The aforesaid strategic acquisition is considered as one of the biggest local M&A deals in the hospitality sector.

    He strongly believes that teamwork and collaborative success are key to laying down solid foundations for success and sustainable growth. Nadim is a strong advocate of a “people first” corporate culture as detrimental to transformational change in any organization. 

    Tarek Nakkach
    Tarek Nakkach

    Regional Legal Counsel, UKIMESA
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise

    Tarek heads the Middle East legal team for Hewlett Packard Enterprise based in Dubai. He is a member of the UKIMESA legal team and Country Leadership team.

    He has been chosen as one of the most influential General Counsels in the Middle East by the Legal 500 GC Powerlist and has over 15 years of experience working in the region.

    He is a member of the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law and the UAE/GCC Data Protection & Security Working Group. He also sits on the advisory Board of many technology startups such as NTMY Inc., and Neurovation Solutions and is a regular speaker at law and technology conferences.

    Zaid Gardner
    Zaid Gardner

    General Counsel, Property Finder

    Zaid Gardner is a senior international lawyer with extensive experience in providing legal counsel, corporate and legal risk management advice and targeted growth strategies for leading multi-nationals operating in emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. His previous roles have been as Chief Legal Officer for Yum! Brands responsible for the KFC and Pizza Hut brands across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey as well as launching WeWork in the Middle East where he was Head of Legal.  His current role is General Counsel for Property Finder, a high growth Tech company based in Dubai, UAE.

    Sebastien Bernard
    Sebastien Bernard

    Head of Legal Middle East, Project Development & Project Finance
    EDF Renewables

    After one year working for a financial institution in Jersey (Channel Islands) and seven years working as in-house counsel for a couple of European based companies, including Thales, a leading group of companies in the field of defense, aerospace and security systems, Sebastien joined the headquarters of Dalkia in 2007 (at that time a joint venture between Veolia and EDF) as Senior International Counsel for Middle East and Asia. In 2009, he then became Special Advisor to the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary of Veolia Environnement, a world leader in the field of environmental services.

    At Veolia Environnement, Sebastien has been deeply involved in some major investment projects. He also carried out some strategic M&A transactions including transfer of securities and sale of non-core assets within the framework of a program launched by the group aimed at reducing its net financial debt. 

    Early 2010, he rejoined Dalkia and moved to Dubai to take over the position of General Counsel for META and India regions, before getting his perimeter also extended to Asia. Deals and transactions Sebastien has been involved while at Dalkia include Saadiyat Island District Cooling project in Abu Dhabi (the first district cooling in the Middle East structured as a PPP), securing and closing a RMB 387m increase of capital in China and successfully closing the sale of Dalkia’s former operations in India, Macau and Malaysia.

    Following the take-over by Veolia of Dalkia’s international operations at the end of July 2014, Sebastien became Head of Legal, Project Structuring & Financing Operations of Veolia Middle East, covering the GCC and the neighborhood countries. In his role, Sebastien has been deeply involved in the structuring and development of the main IWPs and ISTPs tendered by the major offtaker of the region, including projects such as Salalah IWP and Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP which both reached successful financial close.

    Early 2021, Sebastien joined EDF Renewables, a world-renowned player in the development, construction and operations-maintenance of renewable energy power plants, including solar plants and wind farms. At EDF Renewables, Sebastien is the Head of Legal Middle East | Project Development and Project Finance.

    Sebastien has an extensive experience in the field of renewables, conventional power, water and waste water infrastructure projects, especially in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Asia. He has also developed strong skills in non-recourse project finance transactions and M&A deals (including asset and share-based transactions). Sebastien has a dual citizenship French and British.

    Ahmad Al Aseh

    Ahmad Al Aseh
    Head of Legal - Middle East
    CEVA Logistics

    Ahmad is the Middle East Head of Legal at CEVA Logistics in Dubai. Prior to his current position, Ahmad served as the Legal Manager of the Middle East at CEVA Logistics in Istanbul. In his current role, Ahmad oversees all legal matters across 15 different legal jurisdictions in the Middle East region.

    Ahmad has over 12 years of experience as an in-house and private practice lawyer working across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Previous positions include being the Legal Head for a prestigious perfume French company, and a Legal Advisor at Christopher & Lee Ong; a member of Rajah & Tann Asia, Malaysia Office.

    Ahmad's international experience ranges over Corporate Governance; Corporate Law; Intellectual Property Law; Shipping & Logistics Law; dispute resolution; and contract law at both Common and Civil law systems.

    Mohamad Al Darwish
    Mohamad AlDarwish

    Regional Legal Director, Carrier

    Mohamad is a Lebanese lawyer with over 17 years of experience in Litigation, M&A, IPOs, and commercial law. Mohamad started his career as an attorney in Lebanon, then moved to Saudi Arabia advising clients on major merger and acquisitions, IPOs, and corporate restructuring. Currently, Mohamd is the regional legal director for Carrier, the leading HVAC manufacturer, and based in Dubai. Besides his LLB, Mohamad holds an EMBA from Hult International Business School, and has several publications.

    Stuart Paterson
    Stuart Paterson

    Managing Partner - Middle East
    Herbert Smith Freehills

    Stuart is the Managing Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills in the Middle East and the head of Middle East dispute resolution. Stuart has extensive experience of arbitration, litigation, corporate crime and ADR, as well as conducting investigations. He specialises in disputes in the financial services sector and is increasingly active in oil & gas matters. He often works on JV and shareholder disputes, regulatory matters and disputes involving bribery and corruption. He is a solicitor advocate with rights of audience in the English and DIFC courts and regularly acts as advocate for clients in international arbitration.

    Gregory Man
    Gregory Man

    Partner, Bird & Bird

    Gregory is a partner in Bird and Bird's Dubai Finance & Financial Regulation team. He is also the global head of Islamic finance.

    Gregory has experience advising clients across a range of jurisdictions including the Middle East, the UK, Turkey, Africa and Asia. He advises on Islamic and conventional banking and finance transactions and on the full range of debt capital market products, including corporate and sovereign bonds and sukuk, medium term note and sukuk programme, securitisation, structured products, liability management, regulatory capital issuances, projects bonds, and sukuk and asset finance. He also provides restructuring advice, having acted on some of the most high-profile restructurings in the Middle East, and advice on financial regulatory matters.

    Girgis Abd El-Shahid
    Girgis Abd El-Shahid

    Managing Partner, Shahid Law Firm

    Girgis Abd El-Shahid is the managing partner of Shahid Law Firm in Cairo, which has grown to become one of the leading international law firms operating in Egypt and the region since its inception in 1987. With a vision of wanting to create an institution orientated law firm, Girgis recently took over the day-to-day running of the firm by developing an adaptive strategy that ensures competitiveness and includes regional growth and even global diversification beyond Egypt.

    Girgis specializes in dispute settlement, with a particular focus on energy-related disputes; mergers and acquisitions; corporate and commercial agreements; joint venture arrangements; banking and finance; securities offerings; telecommunications; and intellectual property. Prior to specializing in dispute settlement, Girgis was a transactional and project finance lawyer, and regularly assist his colleagues in these practices.

    He is one of the youngest Egyptian lawyers to be appointed to tackle some of the most difficult arbitration cases in Egypt and the Middle East. He is thus identified amongst the world’s leading and Egypt’s youngest arbitration practitioners in Who’s Who Legal: Future Leaders 2018 and Who’s Who Legal: Energy 2018 “as being among the world’s leading energy lawyers”.

    Girgis is also recognized by Legal 500 as “extremely personable, [having] vast knowledge of Egyptian law”, “extremely responsive and having a unique international outlook” “smart, articulate, knowledgeable and business-oriented,” and “simply excellent, very bright and entrepreneurial” with advice that is “always spot on”. He is also featured as a notable practitioner in the Chambers Dispute Resolution guide, recognized as “impressive – very driven and very business-oriented”. According to Who’s Who Legal, clients have said that Girgis Abd El-Shahid "has, time and time again, proved himself able to successfully, and swiftly, navigate the complexities and challenges that Egyptian law routinely poses".

    Girgis is a member of the International Court of Arbitration, the world’s leading arbitral institution serving a 3 years term. He is also a regular panellist and speaker in many local and international conferences on arbitration, energy & infrastructure projects.

    Girgis sits on the board of directors of various subsidiaries of multinational companies operating in Egypt, along with the board of directors the State-owned Silicon Waha Company, under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

    David Charlier
    David Charlier

    Managing Partner, Ashurst Middle East

    David is managing partner of Ashurst Middle East based in Dubai. He specialises in the development, financing and acquisition of energy and infrastructure assets and has over 20 years' experience advising sponsors, lenders (including Islamic banks and export credit/multi-lateral agencies) and government institutions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

    Damian Crosse
    Damian Crosse

    Partner, Pinsent Masons

    Damian is head of the Commercial Litigation and Compliance team in the Middle East region. He is based in the Dubai office but is regularly instructed on disputes across the region.

    Damian is a senior litigation partner with over 20 years' dispute resolution involving a number of local and international courts as well as various arbitral institutions including LCIA, ICC, DIFC-LCIA, DIAC and UNCITRAL. He has been acting for Gulf-based clients for over 15 years on both regional and international disputes. He advises on a broad range of commercial disputes including M&A and finance disputes, fraud and asset tracing, shareholder and joint venture disputes, insurance disputes including claims and coverage disputes, professional liability claims, engineering claims, IT and Telecoms disputes and sports law (both contractual and media related). He is a registered lawyer before the DIFC courts and is experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution including mediation. He is an accredited mediator.

    Damian is experienced in advising on corporate governance and economic crime issues including under the Bribery Act and has undertaken several investigations arising out of regulatory non-compliance. He provides advice to Gulf Families Family Businesses on issues such as governance, transparency and succession planning. 

     

    and many more...

     

    FINALISTS**

    Back to top

    INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

    In-House Lawyer of the Year
    Craig Brook, Qatar Petroleum
    David Galea, International Maritime Industries Company
    Fatema Fathnezhad, Virgin Mobile
    Karim Hamdy Serour, Al Ghurair Construction
    Manoj Kumar, ISON Group
    Maria Kavaratzis, The Entertainer
    Shadi Mallah, Dow
    Yosr Hamza, Gartner

    Managing Partner of the Year
    Atef Yassin ElSherif, ElSherif Law Firm & Consultants
    Chadia El Meouchi, Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm
    Jasmin Fichte, Fichte & Co
    Joey T. Shabot, Greenberg Traurig
    Mac Fadlallah, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
    Mohamed Khodeir, Khodeir and Partners
    Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Al Suwaidi & Company
    Najib Hage-Chahine, Hage-Chahine Law Firm
    Ragy Soliman, ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Tim Casben, Gowling WLG
    Zeyad Khoshaim, Khoshaim & Associates

    Pro Bono Practitioner of the Year
    Barney Almazar, Gulf Law
    Chadia El Meouchi, Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm
    David Galea, MentorMeet
    Yosr Hamza, Gartner

    Woman Lawyer of the Year
    Asal Saghari, King & Spalding
    Chadia El Meouchi, Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm
    Fatema Fathnezhad, Virgin Mobile
    Jasmin Fichte, Fichte & Co
    Malak Khalil, ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Meira Ferziger, Greenberg Traurig
    Rachel Armstrong, Gowling WLG
    Sara Koleilat-Aranjo, Al Tamimi & Company
    Yosr Hamza, Gartner

    Young Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
    Akshay Narula, Flash Entertainment
    Craig Brook, Qatar Petroleum
    Fivos Athos Sarelis, SEDCO Holding
    Shadi Mallah, Dow
    Yosr Hamza, Gartner

    Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
    Abdulla Abu Wasel, Wasel & Wasel
    Ahmed Kotb, Khodeir and Partners
    Daniel Xu Yongji, King & Wood Mallesons
    Ibrahim Shehata, Shehata & Partners
    James R. Stull, King & Spalding
    Johann Strauss, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
    Laura Voda, Fichte & Co
    Mohamed Abdelgawad, ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Najib Hage-Chahine, Hage-Chahine Law Firm
    Rachel Armstrong, Gowling WLG

     

    Back to top

    IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES

    Energy and Resources In-House Team of the Year
    DNV
    Saudi Aramco

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
    Careem
    Flash Entertainment
    Gartner
    ISON Group
    The Entertainer
    Uber
    Virgin Mobile

    Middle East In-House Team of the Year
    Al Ghurair Construction
    Careem
    DNV
    Flash Entertainment
    Gartner
    Saudi Aramco
    SEDCO Holding
    Uber

     

    Back to top

    FIRM CATEGORIES

    Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Baker McKenzie
    Dentons
    Hage-Chahine Law Firm
    Khodeir and Partners
    King & Wood Mallesons
    Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy
    Stephenson Harwood
    Tadmor Levy & Co.
    Wasel & Wasel

    Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Baker McKenzie
    Dentons
    Taylor Wessing
    The Bench

    Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
    Dentons
    Hage-Chahine Law Firm

    Deal Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Khoshaim & Associates
    King & Spalding

    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
    Dentons
    Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy
    Shehata & Partners
    Stephenson Harwood

    Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Gowling WLG
    The Bench

    Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Amereller
    Dentons
    Greenberg Traurig
    Stephenson Harwood

    Litigation Law Firm of the Year
    ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Al Suwaidi & Company
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Dentons
    Hage-Chahine Law Firm
    Khodeir and Partners
    King & Wood Mallesons
    OGH Legal
    Shehata & Partners
    Tadmor Levy & Co.
    Wasel & Wasel

    Rising Law Firm of the Year
    ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Gowling WLG
    Kalantar Business Law Group
    OGH Legal
    The Bench

    Egypt Law Firm of the Year
    ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners
    Al Tamimi & Company
    ElSherif Law Firm & Consultants
    Khodeir and Partners
    Shehata & Partners

    Israel Law Firm of the Year
    Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.
    Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co
    Greenberg Traurig
    Lipa Meir & Co.
    Naschitz Brandes Amir
    Tadmor Levy & Co.

    Lebanon Law Firm of the Year
    Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm
    Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons
    Hage-Chahine Law Firm

    Saudi Arabia Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Dentons
    Khoshaim & Associates

    UAE Law Firm of the Year
    Al Suwaidi & Company
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Amereller
    Dentons
    Fichte & Co
    Gowling WLG
    Taylor Wessing
    Wasel & Wasel

    Middle East Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company
    Amereller
    Baker & McKenzie
    Dentons
    Fichte & Co
    OGH Legal
    Taylor Wessing
    Wasel & Wasel
     

    Back to top

    DEAL CATEGORIES

    Debt Market Deal of the Year

    Government of Egypt's Sovereign Deal
    Law firms: Baker McKenzie; Dentons
    Banks: Emirates NBD; FAB

    Islamic Development Bank's Issuance of Sustainable Sukuk Programme
    Law firms: Clifford Chance; Dentons
    Banks: Citi; Crédit Agricole CIB; Emirates NBD; GIB; HSBC; ICD; Natixis; Société Générale; Standard Chartered

    Issuance of Perpetual Tier 1 Capital Certificates
    Law firms: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; Clifford Chance; Maples Group; Mutlu Law Firm
    Banks: HSBC

    Kuwait Finance House Bahrain's Issuance of Islamic Securitization Sukuk Programme
    Law firm: Al Tamimi & Company

    Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia's Shariah Compliant Financing to Saudi Electricity Company
    Law firms: Baker McKenzie; Clifford Chance

    Riyad Bank's Issuance of Sukuk on London Stock Exchange
    Law firms: Allen & Overy; Khoshaim & Associates; Linklaters

     

    Equity Market Deal of the Year

    Fiverr International's NYSE Public Offering and Subsequent Senior Notes' Private Offering
    Law firms: Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co; Latham & Watkins; Meitar; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
    Banks: BofA Securities; Citi; JMP; Needham & Company; Oppenheimer; UBS

    Ormat Technologies' Bonds Offering
    Law firms: Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co; Norton Rose Fulbright

    Public Offering of Industrial Buildings Corporation Shares and Transfer of Publicly Traded Debt
    Law firms: Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co; M. Firon & Co.

    Saudi Aramco's IPO
    Law firms: Khoshaim & Associates; Latham & Watkins; White & Case

    Sharjah Asset Management's Investment in Hamriyah Independent Power Plant
    Law firms: Allen & Overy; King & Spalding

    Western Union's New Shares Subscribion of STC Pay
    Law firms: CMS; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; King & Spalding
     

    M&A Deal of the Year

    Acquisition of Phoenix Holdings
    Law firms: Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co; Gornitzky & Co.; White & Case

    ARKO's Business Combination
    Law firms: DLA Piper; Ellenoff Grossman & Schole; Greenberg Traurig; Gornitzky & Co.; S. Friedman & Co.
    Banks: BMO Capital Markets; Cantor Fitzgerald; Citi; Morgan Stanley; Nomura; Stifel

    H&F's Acquisition of Checkmarx
    Law firms: Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

    Investment in ADNOC's Gas Pipelines in UAE
    Law firms: Al Tamimi & Company; Ashurst; Clifford Chance; Latham & Watkins; Maples Group; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
    Banks: BofA Securities; FAB; Mizuho Securities; Moelis & Company

    KKR's Acquisition of 1-800 Contacts
    Law firms: Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

    Masraf Al Rayan merger with Al Khaliji Commercial Bank
    Law firms: Clifford Chance; K&L Gates; Maples Group
    Bank: J.P. Morgan

    Merger of Jerusalem Economy Ltd. with Industrial Buildings Corporation
    Law firms: Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co; M. Firon & Co.

    Occidental Petroleum Corporation's Sale of Business in Mozambique to Total
    Law firms: Dentons; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; King & Spalding; Weil, Gotshal & Manges

    Oman Arab Bank's Takeover of Alizz Islamic Bank
    Law firms: Addelshaw Goddard; Dentons

    Saudi Aramco's Acquisition of SABIC
    Law firms: Clifford Chance; Khoshaim & Associates; White & Case

    Silver Lake's Investment by Mubadala
    Law firms: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

    TPG's Takeover of Abraaj Growth Markets Health Fund's Management
    Law firms: Al Tamimi & Company; Appleby; Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton; Debvoise & Plimpton; Dechert; Sidley Austin; Stephenson Harwood

    Uber's Acquisition of Careem
    Law firms: Al Tamimi & Company; DLA Piper; Herbert Smith Freehills; Morrison and Foerster; Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    XIO Group's Sale of Lumenis
    Law firm: Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.

     

     

    **COMPLETENESS AND ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

    Please note that the inclusion of banks and legal advisors in the transactions essentially reflects the information provided by nominating organizations. Therefore, any omission of a party involved in any of these transactions should not be taken as a commentary on the role assumed by that party. For queries about the shortlist, please email Harmony at harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com

    * The above list will be regularly updated until final. 

    Back to top

    WINNERS


    INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES


    In-House Lawyer of the Year
    Maria Kavaratzis, The Entertainer

    Managing Partner of the Year
    Chadia El Meouchi, Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm

    Pro Bono Practitioner of the Year
    Barney Almazar, Gulf Law

    Woman Lawyer of the Year
    Fatema Fathnezhad, Virgin Mobile

    Young Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
    Shadi Mallah, Dow

    Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
    Najib Hage-Chahine, Hage-Chahine Law Firm


    IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES


    Energy and Resources In-House Team of the Year
    Saudi Aramco

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
    Careem

    Middle East In-House Team of the Year
    Flash Entertainment


    FIRM CATEGORIES


    Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
    Baker McKenzie

    Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
    Dentons

    Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
    Dentons

    Deal Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company

    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
    Dentons

    Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company

    Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
    Stephenson Harwood

    Litigation Law Firm of the Year
    OGH Legal

    Rising Law Firm of the Year
    The Bench

    Egypt Law Firm of the Year
    Khodeir and Partners

    Israel Law Firm of the Year
    Naschitz Brandes Amir

    Lebanon Law Firm of the Year
    Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm

    Saudi Arabia Law Firm of the Year
    Khoshaim & Associates

    UAE Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company

    Middle East Law Firm of the Year
    Al Tamimi & Company


    DEAL CATEGORIES


    Debt Market Deal of the Year

    Government of Egypt's Sovereign Deal
    Law firms: Baker McKenzie; Dentons
    Banks: Emirates NBD; FAB

    Equity Market Deal of the Year

    Saudi Aramco's IPO
    Law firms: Khoshaim & Associates; Latham & Watkins; White & Case

    M&A Deal of the Year

    Uber's Acquisition of Careem
    Law firms: Al Tamimi & Company; DLA Piper; Herbert Smith Freehills; Morrison & Foerster; Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

     

     

    MELA quote banner

    Thomson Reuters is proud to present the inaugural edition of the ALB Middle East Law Awards. Due to extraordinary circumstances happening this year, ALB is putting together a unique platform by which it will still be able to fulfill its long-standing commitment to pay tribute to the Middle East's finest and brightest legal minds. On 31 March 2021, a virtual awards ceremony will be enjoyed by finalists and special guests in the comfort of their own homes.

     Let's get to know some of the finalists and their best practices that make their teams resilient and responsive and in the face of the global health crisis.

    ibrahim shehata

    mohamed khodeir

    Chadia El Meouchi

    raghwendra verma

    Zaid Mahayni

    Najib Hage Chahine

    Atef Yassin ElSherif

    Nabeel Mansour

    David Galea

    Akshay Narula

     

    BOOK YOUR TROPHY/CERTIFICATE

    Asian Legal Business congratulates all the winners and finalists of the ALB Middle East Law Awards 2021. 

    Official items are now available for purchase

    For more information on the items, please contact 

    Krupa Dalal krupa.dalal@thomsonreuters.com /+91 8779677503

     

     

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

     

    ELIGIBILITY 

    How do I know if I am eligible to make a submission? 

    We highly encourage all firms, individuals and in-house teams to submit, as we have numerous award categories to choose from. We welcome both past participants and newcomers to join the submission for the awards. 

    Is self-nomination permitted?

    Yes, we accept self-nominated submissions. We also accept third-party submissions, should you wish to nominate an external party or vice versa.

    Is there a fee required to make a submission in the law awards?

    No, there is no fee payment required for you or your firm/team to make a submission. 

    TIMELINE OF EVENTS

    When will the finalists and winners be announced?

    The shortlist of finalists will be released around 4-8 weeks prior to the awards ceremony. The winners will be exclusively announced at the virtual awards ceremony in Mar 2021.

    NOMINATION PROCESS AND ASSESSMENT 

    How are the finalists chosen?

    Asian Legal Business will compile all of the submission entries, and the ALB editorial and research teams will extensively review each submission to ensure the criteria are met in order to advance to the shortlist of finalists. We stress that this process is fair, impartial and not subject to external influences. 

    How are the winners chosen? 

    Once the shortlist of finalists have been announced, an independent judging panel will review and select their top three choices for the award categories they are assigned to. The scores for each award category will be tabulated, and the individual/firm/team with the highest score will be announced as the winner. 

    What are the award categories that I can take part in?

    Any law firms, in-house teams or individuals may take part in multiple award categories if appropriate. The researchers reserve the right to move entries from one category to another if they feel it appropriate. The researchers’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 

    Who will be on the judging panel for ALB Middle East Law Awards? 

    There will be an independent judging panel of at least 25 senior and expert legal industry leaders to review the submission materials. The judging panel will be selected on the basis of their expertise and knowledge, and will be comprised from various sectors to correspond to the diverse list of award categories. A partial list of judges’ names will be released prior to the awarding ceremony, and the remaining judges will be revealed on the evening of the awards. 

    What will my contact information/my client’s information be used for?

    All contact information provided will not be disclosed to external parties; and will only be seen by our ALB research team and the judges panel. We keep the information on record internally, in case we need to contact you or your client regarding any questions or discrepancies in the submission form. 

    Where will my name/firm name/team name be published if we are a finalist or winner?

    As a finalist and/or winner, your firm/team/individual name will be published in ALB awards materials and print magazine. For more information, please contact us.

    Is my submission confidential?

    Any information you submit will only be reviewed by the ALB team and independent judging panel, whose names will be published. The material submitted will only be disclosed to the above; if there is any information that is strictly confidential, please mark clearly on the nomination form. Though we do our best to maintain the security of the information you provide, any information you transmit to us is done at your own risk and Thomson Reuters is not responsible for any unauthorized transmission of information.  

    SPONSORSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND OTHER 

    I would like to sponsor the ALB Law Awards.

    Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258 for further details regarding sponsorship. 

    I am interested in being an official partner of the ALB Law Awards, as a media/legal association.  

    Please contact Mary.Aquino@thomsonreuters.com or call +632 9825 938. 

    My practice area or specialty is not listed, but I would like to participate in the Awards.

    Please get in touch with our ALB Law Awards research team at Mary.Aquino@thomsonreuters.com or call +632 9825 938.

    Can I participate in Awards across the region?

    Yes, you can participate in more than one market. Please note there may be specific criteria for each market.

     

    Who should attend the Virtual Awards Ceremony? Can I attend?

    We welcome all finalists and non-finalists to join the Virtual Awards Ceremony; please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.

    I would like to order a winner’s trophy and/or certificate (for finalists and winners).

    Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.

    How can I receive communications related to the ALB Middle East Law Awards?

    Please email mary.aquino@thomsonreuters.com to subscribe to the ALB mailing list. 

     

    Asian Legal Business – Who are We?

     Asian Legal Business (ALB) is owned by Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for business and professionals. With its portfolio of leading titles, law awards, in-house legal summits and online services, ALB provides authoritative and unbiased insights and unmatched networking and business development opportunities to legal professionals throughout the Asia-Pacific.

     ALB combines news and analysis from its team of professional legal journalists and the expert opinions of senior industry professionals with Reuters news and insights that power businesses across the globe.

     Please visit legalbusinessonline.com for further information.

     ALB Law Awards

     The ALB Law Awards are the pre-eminent legal awards in Asia-Pacific, held annually in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and China. The Awards are comprised of months of intensive research and culminate in a black-tie Awarding Ceremony in each of the markets. We cordially invite you to take part in these prestigious awards – and celebrate legal excellence with us.