The Legal 500

Well established as a leading player in the market, Baker & McKenzie Limited has solid banking and finance expertise; its handling of ‘cross-border, multiple-jurisdiction transactions through a single point of contact in Bahrain smoothes management and billing’, and ‘the quality of work is among the best’, with ‘fees in line with expectations’. Julie Alexander and Ian Siddell are ‘extremely knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and tenacious in negotiations’. The firm advised the government of Bahrain in relation to a $1.5bn international bond issuance.

Trowers & Hamlins attracts praise for its efficiency, and is notable for its longstanding client relationships. It acted as international counsel in Bahrain to Arcapita as part of a wider $7bn restructuring proposal, with Arcapita petitioning for protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The finance team, led by Jeremy Ingham, continues to act as external administrator of Bahrain-based bank TIBC, following its appointment by the Central Bank of Bahrain in 2009.

Charles Russell LLP delivers an ‘absolutely superb service’ on banking and finance mandates. The ‘first-class’ team is praised for its strength in depth, and provides ‘extremely good value for money’. Clients include the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and Elaf Bank, and the team continues to act as external administrator of Awal Bank. Nicholas Polley is recommended.

A highly respected local firm, ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners’ finance team works on local and regional finance matters from its offices in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Bahrain office is led by Mike Durgavich.

Dentons is well known for handling international finance matters. The Manama office team can draw on the experience of other regional offices, such as Dubai or Kuwait, to handle complex Islamic finance matters.

EAH Law handles a mix of banking and finance, corporate and disputes work. It was appointed by Saudi conglomerate AHAB to defend its interests in Bahrain after a $9.4bn fraud was discovered. It also advised certain Islamic finance institutions on the first three-way bank merger in Bahrain.

Hassan Radhi & Associates ‘really stands out in the local market’, and has a team of ‘top-quality lawyers’.

Haya Rashed Al Khalifa Attorneys at Law & Legal Consultants is an influential player in the market, with managing partner Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa well known as one of the first two women to practise law in Bahrain and a regular choice for many local and international clients. The team advised the Nord Anglia Group in a refinancing involving an issuance of $325m senior secured notes.

Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP’s finance team ‘runs smoothly at all levels’ and demonstrates ‘up-to-date commercial and business knowledge’. The firm advised HSBC Bank Middle East on the refinancing of Islamic facilities to Viva Bahrain.

Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants is the product of the merger between key local players Qays H. Zu’bi Attorneys & Legal Consultants and Hatim S. Zu’bi & Partners, and the market has high expectations for the new firm. Senior partner Qays H Zu’bi is recommended for finance and corporate work. The firm acted as Bahraini counsel to the government of Bahrain in relation to a high-profile international bond issue.