Recognising Eminent Legal Professionals, In-house Legal Teams, and Law Firms shining brightly from the Middle East at the 2nd Annual Legal Era Middle East Law Awards 2021

Recognising Eminent Legal Professionals, In-house Legal Teams, and Law Firms shining brightly from the Middle East at the 2nd Annual Legal Era Middle East Law Awards 2021

Legal Era-Legal Media Group recognized Leading Lawyers, In-House & Law Firms from the Middle East Region in a high one energy Virtual Gala Awards Ceremony - the 2nd Annual Legal Era Middle East Law Awards 2021 held on 9th December 2021.

Graced with the presence of Legal Stalwarts from India and outside and the Crème de la Crème of legal excellence, the Middle East Law Awards awarded top talent of the region for their Legal Finesse, Innovation & Achievements.

Legal Era-Global Legal Media Group, a Think Tank of Global Experts Lawyers & Law Firms has diversified into a mega global think tank of expert professionals in the field of business and law. It has been anticipating the needs of the legal community and empowering them with tools to succeed in these rapidly-changing times. The brand plays a leading role in thought leadership and policy debates by being the global voice of the legal fraternity.

Well connected with more than 75,000+ subscribers & members and with an international presence in Singapore, South Africa, the Middle East, the UK, and the US, Legal Era conducted its first edition of the Middle East law Awards 2020 in the thick of the raging pandemic! And this second edition became even more relevant in today's tech-savvy, culturally evolving, and interdependent marketplace.

The Awards were categorized as Law Firms, In-House, and Premier League segments. The selection criteria included service type and range, business type and operation, and individual/team expertise, among others. The awards nomination & selection process was based on market reviews, surveys, and peer reviews from In-House Counsel based in the Middle East & Asia. The awards event was supported by various corporate council associations from across the world including the Global Business Lawyers Network and the Society of Indian Law Firms.

The event kicked off with an earnest welcome address by Aakriti Raizada, Founder, Legal Era - Legal Media Group, well known for her vision to create One Voice One Community for knowledge sharing across the Global Business - Legal Industry. She highlighted, "While the Middle East continues to offer opportunities for cross-functional cross-geography growth, this edition stands out as a prestigious platform driving much-needed recognition of legal excellence from this promising region for the practice of law and business."

On the selection process, Ms. Aakriti showcased, "We followed an intense methodology for selection. The team conducted extensive research that assessed the leading regional and domestic law firms in the Middle East region including the UAE, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The filtered ones were then passed on to a jury - an accomplished and independent fleet of stalwarts from the legal industry and academia. They examined the information and churned out unbiased ranks. From there, only the finest and earning finalists were shortlisted through another rigorous layer of study."

Cheering the incredible talent waiting to be celebrated and recognized in the high-value and ever-exciting Middle East region, Ms. Aakriti's energy was welcomed by Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President, Society of Indian Law Firms. Dr. Bhasin echoed her vibe and acknowledged, "Thanks to Aaakriti that we are meeting and celebrating this 2nd edition. Credit goes to her and the entire team that has put in great effort to put together these awards."

Dr. Bhasin went on to highlight key points about the Middle East region, its vigour towards development, the great potential for collaborative work together, and the role of the legal fraternity in achieving that. "The Middle East and India share historical ties in terms of culture, trade, and commerce. These ties exist even today and are much stronger. Mutual cooperation is the essence of this relationship. UAE has pulled off something revolutionary recently - a 4.5-day work week also aligning the country with other nations that follow a Sat-Sun weekend. RIL and Abu Dhabi Chemicals are to set up a 2 billion JV in the UAE. These agreements are not possible without the legal support of the lawyers in the ME region and India. Knowledge-sharing is required even more. And these awards are a step in this direction for mutual growth and understanding."

Mr. Bhasin concluded his thoughts with gratitude. "It is a privilege for Legal Era Group and the Society of India Law Firms to recognize the unique expertise of lawyers in the Middle East – they have honoured us by accepting our request to accept these awards. My gratitude to all. I also thank my other jury members who were part of the intense selection process – we were guided by market reviews, peer reviews by eminent counsels in ME and Asia. It has been a detailed and a transparent process."

Leonora Riesenburg, Immediate Past Chair, UAE Branch CIArb graced the awards evening as a Presenter and a Speaker. Leonara sits on the Board for the UK and is a highly experienced and independent arbitrator – a female figurehead in the area of arbitration. She felt grateful to be on that virtual stage and highlighted the importance of these awards during the most difficult times that the world has experienced.

In Leonara's words, "There is something to be said about excellence in the usual circumstances. But when you and your team members excel in unusual situations, that is exceptional. Each one nominated today should be beaming with pride. When the pandemic struck, there was no preparation or training that could ease the journey ahead. We woke up one morning and knew we had to modernize to survive. The journey has been transformative. Businesses and business practices evolved. And all this has not been easy. We have become more resourceful and more skilled in using technology. A remote hearing would have raised eyebrows. Today it's life as usual. Break-out rooms during multi-party virtual mediations are a great space to experience the possibilities of technology We have learned to be more tolerant and more flexible in the ways we did commerce. And commerce has smiled back at us."

Looking ahead, Leonara said, "We are seeing business going back to working in person. Also seeing biz in a hybrid model. Change can be and is empowering. Today is such a great example of this. In these challenging times, I implore the vision of the founders of Legal Era when they decided to org the first Legal Era Awards in the thick of the pandemic! And beyond that today we are in the 2nd Edition still in the pandemic! During these challenging times, I cannot applaud Legal Era enough for recognizing the lawyers and talent not only in India but in the Middle East too. It's a great development and a very welcome development."

Yasser Aboismail, General Counsel & Compliance Officer, MENA, Schindler Group, also the evening's esteemed Presenter joined Leonara to applaud Legal Era and congratulate everyone for leveraging legal brains with such passion and energy. He spoke, "This event is a game-changer for everyone. Last year I was awarded GC of the Year, and it has given me so much pride and recognition and changed everything for me as I got recognized by the legal community. So huge congrats to everyone today!"

He added and implored, "The Middle East is a land of opportunities. Get in the passion to drive and add value! The lawyers who work in this region are superheroes as the challenges and uncertainties they have to manage is beyond expected from a lawyer."

The Awards Presentation Ceremony was conducted in three segments: The Premier League Awards recognizing lawyers for their individual excellence; Law Firms Awards recognizing the Best law firms of the year; and In-House Awards.

The audience clapped all through. And even as the second category's award announcements were on, the presenters were couldn't hold back on expressing how the vibe of the awards evening was incredible and how delighted they were for everyone. Yasser Aboismail commented, "This is very impressive. So proud that the winners have done so much to have reached this glorious point today."

In their closing remarks, Dr. Lalit Bhasin urged, "Let's make this a 6 months event please! Leonora Riesenburg joined him. "Let's have it more often! So much energy and passion!"

And Yasser Aboismail generously acknowledged the team. "Legal Era deserves the recognition. It is a top-notch event! To all winners - It's the accumulation of excellence of great work done for years and years. Well done!

Ms. Aakriti Raizada thanked Dr. Bhasin for the immense support extended to make this event possible. She thanked Leonoara Riesenburg for being truly amazing to accept the invitation and that Legal Era looked forward to working more with her and the distinguished lawyers of the ME. She thanked Yasser Aboismail and expressed the will to work on more initiatives in the future. And then, ended on a high note, "I congratulate all the winners and lawyers. All the lawyers are globally nation-builders. And if we can create one voice-one community, we will be able to build advocacy and policy building at a larger level. I welcome you all to the LE Family. And we hope we can do many more such awards ceremonies ahead."

Legal Era's ever-expanding reach to create inimitable opportunities and global platforms that recognize talent handsomely are most inspiring. As a business intelligence asset working in the global legal industry for 14 years and constantly working on Policy & Advocacy with the industry and Discovery, Development & Opportunities for the ecosystem, we can only wait and watch with bated breath what happens next!

Here is the list of the awardees and a couple of quotes showcasing the energy and exhilaration of the award-winning moments.

Premier League Awards

CATEGORY	WINNER NAME
Lawyer of the Year - Professional Social Responsibility	Shilpa Bhasin Mehra, Founder, SBM Consultancy
Managing Partner of The Year	Sadiq Jafar, Managing Partner, Hadef & Partners
Legal Excellence Award - Corporate & Commercial Litigation	Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman, Al Tamimi & Co.
Leading Lawyer of the Year	Richard Briggs, Executive Partner, Hadef & Partners

Lawyer of the Year - Professional Social Responsibility - Shilpa Bhasin Mehra, Founder, SBM Consultancy

"Thank you very much, Legal era for this award. CSR is great, but we cannot leave social responsibility to the corporates alone. We as individuals and professionals can contribute too. I try and do that in my own little ways. Thank you for acknowledging my work. It is indeed an honour to be in the esteemed company of such legal luminaries. Truly grateful."

Managing Partner of The Year - Sadiq Jafar, Managing Partner, Hadef & Partners

Legal Excellence Award - Corporate & Commercial Litigation - Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman, Al Tamimi & Co.

Leading Lawyer of the Year - Richard Briggs, Executive Partner, Hadef & Partners

"I am very flattered and honoured to receive this award. You're making me feel very humble today."

Law Firm Awards

CATEGORY	WINNER NAME
Banking & Finance Law Firm of The Year	Clyde & Co.
Infrastructure And Energy Projects Law Firm of The Year	Dentons
Litigation Law Firm of The Year	Hadef & Partners
Arbitration Law Firm of The Year	Al Tamimi & Company
Real Estate & Construction Law Firm of The Year	Clyde & Co LLP
TMT Law Firm of The Year	Gowling WLG
Labor & Employment Law Firm of The Year	Dentons
Intellectual Property Law Firm of The Year	Gowling WLG
Emerging Law Firm of The Year	OGH Legal
Law Firm of The Year – Kuwait	Al Tamimi & Company
Law Firm of The Year - Iran	Hatami & Associates International Law Firm
Law Firm of The Year - Bahrain	Al Tamimi & Company
Law Firm of The Year - Oman	Addleshaw Goddard
Law Firm of The Year - Saudi Arabia	Khoshaim & Associates
Law Firm of The Year - UAE	Al Tamimi & Company
International Law Firm of The Year	Clyde & Co

Banking & Finance Law Firm of The Year - Clyde & Co.

"It is honestly a very humbling experience and a real pleasure to be recognized for these awards."

Corporate Law Firm of The Year - Allen & Overy LLP

Infrastructure And Energy Projects Law Firm of The Year - Dentons

"Very proud and honoured – and pleasing to be recognized in this manner."

Litigation Law Firm of The Year - Hadef & Partners

"Litigation is a very important part of our business. On behalf of both our offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – thank you."

Arbitration Law Firm of The Year - Al Tamimi & Company

"Thank you very much for encouraging the partners at Al Tamini. We thank each member of the team – lawyers and staff and clients of course who make all this possible."

Real Estate & Construction Law Firm of The Year - Clyde & Co LLP

"Thank you very much for this recognition. We are very honoured."

TMT Law Firm of The Year - Gowling WLG

"Delighted to accept the award on Alex's behalf."

Labor & Employment Law Firm of The Year - Dentons

"Very honoured to receive this in a very challenging year – one of remote working and legislative changes. Thanks to my wonderful team for their support and perseverance and dedication."

Intellectual Property Law Firm of The Year - Gowling WLG

"Accept this on behalf of John – he's a great guy and a great lawyer."

Emerging Law Firm of The Year - OGH Legal

"Thank you very much. Hope all remain safe and healthy."

Law Firm of The Year - Kuwait - Al Tamimi & Company

"An honour to be recognized in such a fashion. Kuwait office - all colleagues and hardworking staff – we thank you."

Law Firm of The Year - Iran - Hatami & Associates International Law Firm

"Thank you for organizing such a fantastic ceremony."

Law Firm of The Year - Bahrain - Al Tamimi & Company

Law Firm of The Year - Oman - Addleshaw Goddard

Law Firm of The Year - Saudi Arabia - Khoshaim & Associates

Law Firm of The Year - Qatar - Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Award of The Evening

Law Firm of The Year - UAE - Al Tamimi & Company

"Very grateful to receive this award. We thank Legal Era and all our lawyers."

International Law Firm of The Year - Clyde & Co

"We are thrilled to be named "International Law Firm of the Year", "Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year" and "Real Estate Law Firm of the Year" award from the Legal Era Middle East Law Awards 2021. Legal Era recognizes leading lawyers and the best law firms for their recognition of legal finesse, innovation, and accomplishments. These awards confirm our leading position in the Middle East and are a tribute to the firm's exceptional growth and commitment to the Middle East, and best practice in the region."

Clyde & Co has the largest presence and is one of the most experienced international law firms in the Middle East with over 40 partners and 300 staff, based full time in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The firm supports international investors and local organizations throughout the wider region with a full-service offering of local specialists across most business sectors and areas of law, including commercial, corporate, dispute resolution, employment, intellectual property, international arbitration, finance & banking, insurance, projects & construction, real estate, regulatory & investigations, and technology.

In-House Awards

CATEGORY	WINNER NAME
Legal Team of The Year	Accenture
General Counsel of The Year	Charlie Daalder, General Counsel, General Motors

Legal Team of The Year - Accenture

"Determined by our unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, our legal team here in the Middle East prides itself on a proven track record of responsible business while adhering to the highest ethical standards," said, Francesca Gori, Managing Director, and Growth Markets & Middle East Legal lead at Accenture.

"Today, we are humbled to receive Legal Era Magazine's Middle East award for the 'Legal Team of the Year' category. This industry recognition is a true testament to the work delivered by our fantastic legal team in the region and offers a great opportunity to raise our capability even further. Our team has very nice energy, so much excellence, and passion. So grateful to be working with each of the members of the Accenture legal team."

General Counsel of The Year - Charlie Daalder, General Counsel, General Motors

"Thrilled to be getting this award tonight. LE is a terrific publication. Thanks to my great bunch of lawyers. All around a great team and the real reason for the success. Happy holidays to everyone in the next couple of weeks."