Chambers Global 2014
Often a first port of call when clients or international firms require in depth advice on local banking and finance matters. Well versed in Islamic finance, infrastructure and projects and regulatory services.
Chambers Global 2013
The breadth of their large-scale financing knowledge is great. It's among the handful of go-to firms in the UAE.
Chambers Global 2013
This local favourite is often a first point of contact for international firms and clients seeking UAE law advice on project financing transactions.
Legal 500 2013
Among the top UAE law firms for finance-related matters’, Hadef & Partners ‘scores highly in terms of quality, promptness of response and market knowledge’.
Legal 500 2013
Jointly headed by Alan Rodgers in Dubai and James Farn in Abu Dhabi, the practice’s record in the power projects and infrastructure space has made it a logical choice for borrowers and lenders involved in international projects with a UAE law component.
Legal 500 2013
Valeria Lysenko is ‘one of the finest minds in the UAE’.
Chambers Global 2013
This well-established local firm represents a large stable of domestic as well as international clients, across a range of transactional and advisory instructions.
Chambers Global 2014
Clients say "The partners' depth of insight into the law as applicable to court disputes was without comparison in the region." "They managed to establish a good relationship with us as the senior managers and have an excellent command of client relations."
Chambers Global 2013
Hadef & Partners is a vital part of the fabric of the UAE disputes scene.
Chambers Global 2013
Hadef & Partners' local law capability means it can combine an ability to appear before UAE courts with the expertise and experience needed to represent clients in international arbitrations, DIFC court disputes and special tribunals.
Chambers Global 2013
Sources say: "We are very happy with the quality of service and intelligence of the team." "Head and shoulders above the other local firms in arbitration." "They keep us on our toes."
Chambers Global 2014
Receives praise for its litigation expertise and for its representation of regional and and international businesses. Impresses sources with considerable experience handling terminations, immigration and employee benefits issues. Also advises on employment matters arising from mergers and acquisitions.
Chambers Global 2014
They are invaluable: they are very client-focused.
Chambers Global 2013
This group receives praise for its representation of international and local companies in employment matters in the UAE.
Chambers Global 2013
Sources say: "I would recommend Hadef & Partners as a law firm that offers accurate, detailed information from professional and personable people."
Chambers Global 2012
Hadef & Partners is especially renowned for its regulatory expertise.
Chambers Global 2013
The team is particularly strong advising government entities, or working on issues with a governmental facet.
Chambers Global 2014
An "established domestic practice offering the full range of IP services, from trademarks and copyrights to domain names. Advises high-profile clients on local and regional IP strategies. Extensive experience in IP related disputes before the relevant authorities as well as UAE civil and criminal courts."
Chambers Global 2013
Hadef & Partners' IP offering forms part of the firm's respected corporate practice. It advises on IP issues arising from outsourcing, franchising and transactional matters, and is often a first port of call for international brands seeking local commercial advice on establishing in the Middle East.
Chambers Global 2013
The firm's highly regarded dispute resolution team often represents clients before local courts in trade mark infringement disputes.
Chambers Global 2014
A go-to-team on transactional matters, particularly advising lenders on shipping finance deals. Recognised depth and breadth of experience in dispute resolution, including trade and sanctions disputes, admiralty claims and insurance.
Chambers Global 2014
Enjoys a prominent position in the local market with a large volume of acquisitions and restructurings for both UAE clients and inbound investors.
Legal 500 2013
Hadef & Partners’ corporate head Sameer Huda has extensive experience in private equity fund formation. Additionally, the team has been instrumental in advising government bodies on the development of the regulatory regime governing investment funds in the UAE.
Legal 500 2014
Hadef & Partners' projects practice has 'always delivered specialist local advice to international standards'. It is firmly rooted in the UAE.
Chambers Global 2014
Michael Lunjevich is a well-known name for commercial transactions in the real estate sector. Clients describe him as "one of the best property lawyers in the country - very sharp when advising on complicated real estate issues."
Chambers Global 2013
A slick local firm, very international and sophisticated in their approach.
Chambers Global 2014
Client says "They really know the market well and add value by being on top of the latest developments."
Chambers Global 2014
Recognised for its solid position in the local market. Advises a broad range of clients on social media and data protection matters, as well as handling disputes in the sector. Additional expertise in supplier and technology agreements, as well as service contracts, outsourcings and licences.
Chambers Global 2013
High-quality, very impressive. The team is well connected and extremely knowledgeable.
Legal 500 2014
Described by client as ‘the wisest counsellor in the region’.
Chambers Global 2013
Recognised as a “Leader in his field”
Chambers Global 2015
"A bastion of local law expertise, frequently engaged as local counsel on large-scale banking and finance deals or to handle regulatory matters. Notably experienced in the financing of real estate developments and energy projects."
Chambers Global 2015
"They are proactive, able to think ahead and find solutions, and pay a lot of attention to detail."
Chambers Global 2015
Sources find Alan Rodgers a valuable source of UAE law advice on banking and finance deals, saying he is "very useful in shepherding us through the process." He has particular expertise relating to project finance, infrastructure funds and restructurings.
Chambers Global 2015
James Farn advises on a wide range of finance deals, notably in the projects and trade sectors. Clients are impressed with his skilful navigation of the local legal environment, saying: "He got the right balance between protecting the rights of the client and being pragmatic."
Chambers Global 2015
A trusted choice as local counsel, thanks to its in-depth understanding of the UAE market and deep bench of finance lawyers. Frequently advises corporate issuers on a range of bond, sukuk and share capital offerings.
Chambers Global 2015
Clients say "They are pragmatic, can-do lawyers."
Chambers Global 2015
Clients say "they are definitely major players - one of the first names to spring to mind in the UAE."
Chambers Global 2015
Dubai office managing partner Sadiq Jafar forms an overwhelmingly positive impression on sources and is an important point of contact for many regional clients, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Chambers Global 2015
Sameer Huda plays a key role on many of the firm's M&A deals and maintains strong links with regional companies, as well as receiving instructions as local counsel. His wide-ranging experience includes education, pharmaceuticals and retail.
Chambers Global 2015
A local disputes powerhouse, excelling in local and DIFC court litigation. Also very active in arbitration and the enforcement of arbitral awards. Offers considerable expertise in construction, shipping and general commercial disputes.
Chambers Global 2015
"We were impressed by the very quick action they took in protecting our interests, and by their full understanding of our business."
Chambers Global 2015
"Hadef & Partners has a good blend of international experience and Arabic capabilities."
Chambers Global 2015
Richard Briggs has vast experience in the UAE market and is a frequent choice for international and domestic clients who need "someone who really understands the court system." He has a prestigious background advising on disputes in the shipping and trade industries.
Chambers Global 2015
Adrian Chadwick focuses on shipping, trade and commercial disputes resolved through DIFC litigation or arbitration. Sources describe him as "skilled, extremely practical, and generally a pleasure to work with."
Chambers Global 2015
Well-established firm with a strong reputation for handling employment litigation and representing clients before all levels of court in the UAE. Well placed to advise corporate executives on termination and remuneration issues. Also active on a range of advisory mandates, including DIFC law, pensions and employment contracts.
Chambers Global 2015
"They know their stuff – they've obviously got experience in dealing with employment cases."
Chambers Global 2015
Jamie Liddington joins the firm as a senior associate from Doyle Clayton Solicitors in the UK, bringing significant knowledge of employment law. He is especially adept in employment disputes, particularly breach of contract and post-termination restriction issues.
Chambers Global 2015
A full-service IP registration and enforcement practice, particularly busy with trade mark registration and anti-counterfeiting campaigns. Assists clients in the hotel, media and consumer goods industries with the protection of their local franchising and distribution interests.
Chambers Global 2015
A strong bench of dispute resolution experts, able to represent clients in arbitration as well as local and DIFC court litigation proceedings. Substantial experience in representing developers, contractors and subcontractors.
Chambers Global 2015
"We were impressed by the firm's clear, concise advice and prompt service."
Chambers Global 2015
Anthony Edwards heads the engineering and construction practice, and is recognised for his strong track record in dispute resolution. According to peers, "he knows his stuff and is very dedicated."
Chambers Global 2015
A well-rounded offering with an emphasis on the hospitality sector, encompassing acquisition, development, licensing and operational matters. A noteworthy real estate dispute resolution practice staffed by English and Arabic-speaking lawyers.
Chambers Global 2015
Abu Dhabi-based partner Basil Siddiqi heads the real estate practice and has an extremely well-established reputation throughout the UAE. His practice spans a range of contentious and transactional matters, including the acquisition of real assets for outbound investors.
Chambers Global 2015
Handles a broad array of claims arising from collisions, loss or damage of cargo, oil spills, sanctions and bunkering issues. A robust dry shipping practice that deals with the construction and chartering of vessels, as well as associated disputes. Advises a host of P&I clubs, lenders and shipping companies, and also enjoys a strong following among commodities traders.
Chambers Global 2015
"A top choice for local counsel - they have an excellent knowledge of the way the UAE works."
Chambers Global 2015
"They have the ability to grasp the problem quickly and provide positive solutions."
Chambers Global 2015
Richard Briggs has a sterling track record on insurance, shipping and trade disputes. Sources appreciate his profound knowledge of the UAE court systems, noting: "He adds a lot of value to the firm."
Chambers Global 2015
Advises media and technology companies on marketing, licensing and franchising agreements. Huge manpower and experience in contentious matters make the firm a strong choice for the enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the collection of related royalties.
Chambers Global 2015
Michael Lunjevich focuses on the drafting of bespoke franchising, distribution and agency agreements, with particular reference to the hospitality, media and entertainment industries. He also advises on the protection of intellectual property rights.
Chambers Global 2013
Construction expert Anthony Edwards is singled out for his vast domestic and international experience. "He demonstrated an excellent understanding of the issues at hand and integrity in dealing with us as a client, always explaining the risk involved and the pros and cons of any issues being discussed. His legal knowledge and skills are beyond question," sources say.
Chambers Global 2013
Alex McGeoch leads the employment practice in Dubai. Sources appreciate his "very clear advice" and note that "he is quick to respond and very attentive to our needs."
Chambers Global 2013
Alan Rodgers is widely respected by clients and peers alike. Sources describe him as "proactive and on the ball from a UAE perspective."
Chambers Global 2013
Clients can call on the deep knowledge of Basil Siddiqi when it comes to resolving disputes. He assists with both construction and real estate matters.
Chambers Global 2013
Strata expert Brent Baldwin assists with much of the firm's front line real estate work. Clients describe him as "bright, and interested in us as a business and as individuals, and he reacts very quickly and positively."
Chambers Global 2013
The impressive Michael Lunjevich is a key name on the real estate side. Market sources consider him "very strong, the driving force behind the relationship. He knows what we want, and understands why we want it." (Real Estate)
Practice head Michael Lunjevich offers in-depth knowledge of the sector. One source remarked: "He is good at explaining both the legal questions and practical issues that are relevant to us." (TMT)
Chambers Global 2013
Clients enjoy working with the highly respected Richard Briggs, who earns praise for the combination of his local knowledge and international experience. One commentator remarked: "He is at the cutting edge of issues in the UAE. He has a huge experience base, a good feel for the jurisdiction as well as a real understanding of how we do business here." (Dispute Resolution)
Richard Briggs is a noted disputes lawyer in the UAE. He regularly lends his experienced hand to some of the team's most complex construction disputes work. (Construction)
Chambers Global 2013
Sadiq Jafar is a key contact for the group, and is also the Dubai office's managing partner. (Capital Markets)
Sadiq Jafar is managing partner of the Dubai office and continues to garner respect for his management skills and extensive local experience. (Corporate/Commercial)
Chambers Global 2013
Sameer Huda is head of the firm's corporate department in Dubai and is popular with clients. One interviewee noted: "He is a self-starter – he'll set to the task as soon as you hand it to him."
Chambers Global 2013
Walid Azzam is a well-regarded practitioner in the UAE, and was promoted to the partnership in 2012. He regularly assists with the team's highest-profile matters.