The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 4

Habib Al Mulla & Company’s banking practice provides ‘competitive and appropriate services with reasonable fees’. Its UAE law capability places it high on the list for regulatory matters – it is assisting in redrafting the UAE’s financial regulations – and it is on the panels of numerous local and international financial institutions. Mazen Boustany provides ‘prompt replies, and has good knowledge and expertise’.

Within Construction, Habib Al Mulla & Company is a third tier firm,

Habib Al Mulla & Company’s ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ construction practice has a core focus on contentious matters, making it a go-to option for disputes. The team recently advised an Australian company on the construction of a public-private car park facility in Abu Dhabi. Former team headKarim Nassif left the firm in December 2011.

Within Corporate and M&A, tier 4

Corporate restructuring work has been a key driver for Habib Al Mulla & Company’s practice, which is characterised by its ‘in-depth knowledge of UAE laws and the local legal system’. It has also been involved in equity raisings and joint venture agreements for a strong client base that includes global defence and aerospace companies. Dubai-based Douglas Smith heads the team.

Within Dispute resolution, Habib Al Mulla & Company is a second tier firm,

Habib Al Mulla & Company’s founding partner Habib Al Mulla has an eminent reputation in the region for his contentious expertise, and accordingly attracts a heavyweight list of clients that includes the Consulate General of Japan, Select Group and numerous high-net-worth individuals.

Within Legal market overview,

While there were no major new entrants into the market in 2011, some did add new offices to existing resources: Wragge & Co LLP opened a Dubai office in September following its Abu Dhabi launch in 2010, and Linklaters opened an office in Abu Dhabi. Eversheds LLP also made a significant step by merging with a consortium of Middle East law firms, including Dubai-based Khasawneh & Associates Legal Consultants; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer appointed Dubai-based Pervez Akhtar as managing partner for the MENA region after he joined from Allen & Overy LLP; Al Tamimi & Company enhanced its regional capability with significant recruitment in Dubai and Qatar; and Habib Al Mulla & Company enhanced its international credentials by hiring Rob Morris, formerly global head of procurement at Clifford Chance.

Within Real estate, Habib Al Mulla & Company is a third tier firm,

Habib Al Mulla & Company handles both contentious and non-contentious real estate work for major local developers and real estate funds, with clients including Seddiqi Holdings and Tanmiyat UAE. Former team head Karim Nassif left the firm in December 2011.