Akin > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile
Akin Offices
ICD Brookfield Place, Level 40
Al Mustaqbal Street
DIFC
United Arab Emirates
Akin > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: compliance and investigations Tier 1
Akin excels in guiding clients through complex sanctions and compliance restrictions, seeing an influx of mandates arising from the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Leveraging its substantial US footprint, the team handles sensitive internal investigations that centre on fraud, accounting regularities, sanctions and export controls violations, money laundering, and compliance with regulatory bodies including the DCPA and FDA. Mac Fadlallah is one of ‘the strongest advisers on sanctions and export controls in the UAE and the region’, and is an expert on US laws and how they apply outside of the country, focusing on global corporate investigations with international sanctions, export controls and anticorruption issues. Natasha Kohne has a substantial data protection, cybersecurity and privacy practice and frequently handles cross-border investigations. Recently promoted partner Lauren Talerman is particularly well-regarded for her work defending Middle Eastern clients in disputes against US governmental agencies. Counsel Jean-Pierre Denour is noted for his ‘excellent commercial sense’ and advice on economic sanctions and export controls.Practice head(s):
Mahmoud Fadlallah; Natasha Kohne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very pragmatic, know the market well’
‘Mac Fadlallah is very knowledgeable and dedicated to clients.’
‘Excellent and unrivalled team in the region. Fantastic bench strength allows them to provide advice like no other firm can. Fantastic collaboration across offices and departments. Excellent use of technology.’
‘Mac Fadlallah has unparalleled knowledge and experience in his area, far beyond competitors in the field. He is also dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients. He works with his clients to constantly improve on the way to deliver legal services to them. JP Denour has excellent commercial sense and is also tireless in delivering legal services. They are both trusted advisors to the company.’
‘Excellent team covering compliance, investigations, regulatory etc with US and UK qualified lawyers but located in the right timezone for us. Excellent focus on customer relationship – extremely attentive to our needs and able to anticipate issues in advance and partner with our business people to anticipate and solve our problems.’
‘Unusual to get this coverage of US, UK, UAE and other jurisdictional qualified lawyers physically located in the UAE, right timezone, right mix of individuals, levels of seniority and practice area coverage. also excellent in dispute resolution, ADR, litigation etc.’
‘Cover UAE and entire region, but also good for international coverage for US and UK matters in a location and timezone that is convenient for us’
‘Mac Fadallah is excellent and can advise on sanctions, export controls, compliance, investigations etc. Deep knowledge and focused client service. He is clearly the strongest advisor on sanctions and export controls in the UAE and the region.’
Key clients
Leading Forwarding and Logistics Company
Fortune 500 Food and Beverage Company
Global Telecommunications Operator
Major Middle East Oil Company
UAE-Based Security Company
Satellite Communication Company
Work highlights
- Secured an extremely rare exemption allowing a global telecoms company to continue to operate by leveraging novel legal arguments, intensive advocacy and strong government relationships to engage with multiple regulatory authorities.
- Provide legal advice to a world-renowned food and beverage company on matters that relate to corporate compliance with US sanctions.
- Completed an internal investigation of a transaction involving the misdelivery of an item subject to US export controls to China for a leading forwarding and logistics company.
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Akin acts for an impressive array of sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and the market's most active investors on premium, multibillion-dollar M&A, joint venture and commercial mandates. The firm has an 'excellent team that works seamlessly across various jurisdictions’, leveraging vast expertise across the Middle East and abroad to handle complex transactions in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare, defence, hospitality and retail sectors - among others. On the ground in the UAE, Wael Jabsheh heads the group and handles the practice's most consequential transactions, utilising his leading expertise in digital assets and cryptocurrency to competently advise on tech-related aspects of deals. Simon Rootsey - who relocated from London in 2023 - largely focuses on cross-border M&A and private equity, with extensive experience in joint ventures and public takeovers. Associate Mazen Baddar is quickly building an impressive portfolio of deals due to high levels of activity across a range of sectors.Practice head(s):
Wael Jabsheh
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent Team that works seamlessly across various jurisdictions’
‘Wael Jabsheh provides excellent counsel ’
‘Professional and outstanding.’
‘Team with proper global reach, experience in emerging markets and developed markets along with deep experience in the UAE domestic market means they can offer full service in the region. Very client service focused, responsive and highly professional team covering all practice areas. Especially strong on corporate and transactional work and of great assistance to us with our operations in the region in Telecoms, Tech and media.’
‘Wael Jabsheh has been our leading advisor in the region for a decade now – he has deep experience in the market and the entire region, provides excellent advice on complex transactions, M&A and all our corporate issues in the UAE and the region (including ME, NA and further afield). His ability to provide solutions and focus on customer service is unparalleled.’
United Arab Emirates > Capital markets Tier 3
Akin's team is a frequent port of call for international corporates and financial institutions who rely on the firm's strong multi-jurisdictional reach for their capital markets work. Recent work includes assisting European banks issue capital on the Irish Stock Exchange, advising on offerings out of Jordan, and acting for various Asian clients on their initial Sukuk issuances. Rizwan Kanji is handles transactions on both a conventional and Shariah compliant basis. Associate Nicola Minervini is also noted.Practice head(s):
Rizwan H. Kanji
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Kuvet Tȕrk Katilim Bankasi A.S.
Ad Hoc Committee of Certificate holders of Emirates REIT
Capital Investments (DIFC) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Kuveyt Türk Katilim Bankasi A.S. (“Kuveyt Turk”) on the issuance of US$350 million of fixed-rate resettable sustainability Tier 2 certificates due 2031, listed on the Irish Stock Exchange plc (Euronext Dublin).
- Advising the Ad-Hoc Committee of sukuk holders of US$400 million Trust Certificates issued by Emirates REIT, with respect to a liability management exercise and restructuring of the Trust Certificates, listed on the Irish Stock Exchange plc (Euronext Dublin).
- Advised Capital Investments (DIFC) Ltd. and Capital Investments and Brokerage Company / Jordan Ltd. as the sole structuring agent and manager, respectively, on Capital Bank of Jordan’s inaugural $100 million Reg S perpetual Basel III-compliant additional tier 1 capital securities offering.
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 3
Akin fields ‘one of the most experienced complex commercial dispute resolution teams in the region’ with the ability to provide ‘innovative litigation strategies’. The team is frequently called upon to represent clients in complex, multifaceted cases in both the AGDM and DIFC, while also demonstrating an active international arbitration practice. Team lead Graham Lovett
‘gets the bigger picture and significant aspects of complex disputes’ and is particularly well-regarded for his work regarding shareholder, banking and finance, and fraud issues. The ‘exceptional’ Ryan Whelan is a ‘go-to person for complex disputes’, often acting on enforcement, sanctions and infrastructure-related cases. Michael Stewart has experience handling multi-jurisdictional arbitrations.
Practice head(s):
Graham Lovett
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ryan Whelan is an exceptional lawyer. He is able to understand complex technical issues easily, simplify and add value to clients.’
‘Clients particularly appreciate Graham and Ryan’s “hands on” approach and case management. Because of their considerable experience in construction disputes they are able to quickly grasp the implication of technical issues as they arise and respond accordingly.’
‘Ryan Whelan has star quality. Our company had a difficult dispute which had not been going particularly well. Ryan turned the matter around and delivered the first success on the matter in 2 years. He is the go-to person for disputes, and a trusted advisor to the business. He is absolutely relentless in pursuing the client’s interest.’
‘The Akin dispute resolution practice in Dubai distinguishes itself from the competition through a blend of having one of the most experienced complex commercial dispute resolution teams in the region, innovative litigation strategies with an unparalleled focus on the broader outcomes for clients and the finer details of matters, and a willingness to go the extra mile for clients.’
‘Graham Lovett is one of the most experienced and respected litigators in the industry. He gets the bigger picture and the significant aspects of complex disputes, and communicates that to clients very well.’
‘With Graham and Ryan, Akin is a powerhouse of litigation experience and knowledge, and a critical strategic partner. Some of the projects which Ryan, in particular, has been involved with in the past has been a driving factor in our desire to work with the firm.’
‘Ryan Wheelan is a rare gem in the legal industry. Ryan is impressively sharp, commercial and strategic, and extremely passionate about what he does (whether for the firm or on socially important legal projects). Ryan is incredibly modest and his stellar reputation, deep understanding of the law firmly places him on the platform alongside the big hitters in the region.’
‘ Graham Lovett is probably the most experienced DIFC disputes and Dubai arbitration lawyer in the business. Real strategic nous. A very canny operator, with a clear vision as to how to play his opponent’s last move. Michael Stewart is a rising star in the same field. Super bright in his assessment of any case and the best points for argument.’
Key clients
DIFC Authority
DIFC Investments
Iraq Telecom Limited
Investcorp
Work highlights
- Acted for DIFC Authority/DIFC Investments on a very large claim for US$500 million brought by Hexagon, the DIFC Authority’s JV partner, who alleged that the DIFC was in breach of an obligation under the JV Agreement to develop a site in the DIFC.
- Acting as project counsel in connection with a US$1.4 billion+ development and representing the employer in subsequent arbitration proceedings following termination of the main contractor.
Akin > Firm Profile
THE FIRM
Akin is a global law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and their communities. With 17 offices worldwide, the firm is renowned for numerous market-leading practices; its strengths in complex transactions and restructurings, high-stakes litigation, and public policy and regulatory matters; and its unyielding pro bono commitment.
Akin partners with clients from both established industries and cutting-edge markets to deliver creative solutions to business-critical issues, helping them seize opportunities and anticipate challenges. Driven by the firm’s forward-thinking leadership, Akin has built a strong culture of innovation and collaboration as well as a talented and diverse workforce committed to the success of its clients and each other.
The firm is intentional about fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees are supported and given the tools to succeed. Akin is focused on recruiting and nurturing the next generation of exceptional legal talent and is proud that its recruitment and professional development efforts are recognised as among the best in the industry.
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK
Services:
- Antitrust/Competition
- Corporate & Finance
- Disputes & Investigations
- Financial Restructuring
- Intellectual Property
- International Trade
- Investment Management
- Labor & Employment
- Lobbying & Public Policy
- Pro Bono
- Regulatory
- Tax
INTERNATIONAL
With more than a third of its offices outside the United States, Akin has a truly global reach. The firm’s strategy is focused on growing practices that complement core strengths of the firm, which has resulted in the growth of fully integrated offices advising clients at the top of the market. Akin lawyers are qualified in numerous jurisdictions around the world and maintain strong relationships with leading local law firms.
The firm has offices in Abu Dhabi, Boston, Dallas, Dubai, Fort Worth, Geneva, Hong Kong, Houston, Irvine, London, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Francisco, Singapore and Washington, DC.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is the practising name of Akin Gump LLP. Akin Gump LLP is a New York limited liability partnership and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 267321
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dispute resolution, arbitration and international litigation | Graham Lovett | ||
| Commercial, corporate and M&A | Wael Jabsheh | ||
| TMT | Wael Jabsheh | ||
| International Trade | Mahmoud Fadlallah | ||
| Sanctions and Export Controls | Mahmoud Fadlallah | ||
| Compliance and Investigations | Mahmoud Fadlallah | ||
| Capital Markets | Rizwan Kanji | ||
| Debt capital markets | Rizwan Kanji | ||
| Banking and Finance | Rizwan Kanji | ||
| Islamic finance | Rizwan Kanji | ||
| Energy and infrastructure | Julian Nichol | ||
| Iraq | Julian Nichol | ||
| Construction | Graham Lovett |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jean-Pierre Denour | View Profile | |
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Mr Mahmoud (Mac) Fadlallah | Mahmoud (Mac) Baki Fadlallah is the partner in charge of Akin’s Dubai… | View Profile |
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Mr Mahmoud (Mac) Fadlallah | Mahmoud (Mac) Baki Fadlallah is the partner in charge of Akin’s Dubai… | View Profile |
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Rizwan Kanji | Rizwan Kanji’s practice focuses on debt capital markets, finance and securitizations using… | View Profile |
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Mr Graham Lovett | Graham has extensive, market-leading commercial litigation and international arbitration experience covering a… | View Profile |
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Nicola Minervini | View Profile | |
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Lauren Talerman | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Firmwide lawyers and advisors : 900+Languages
Arabic English French Spanish Italian Korean RussianOther
Other offices : Abu Dhabi Other offices : Boston Other offices : Dallas Other offices : Fort Worth Other offices : Geneva Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : Houston Other offices : Irvine Other offices : London Other offices : Los Angeles Other offices : New York Other offices : Philadelphia Other offices : San Antonio Other offices : San Francisco Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Washington DCDiversity
At Akin, we believe the various perspectives and experiences of our lawyers and staff help us achieve exceptional results for our clients and bring important insights into all aspects of the firm.
Firmwide Resource Groups
Our firm sponsors eleven firmwide resource groups (FRGs) for lawyers and staff focused on Abilities, Asian, Black, Middle Eastern & North African, Native American/American Indian, Latinx, Women, LGBTQ+, Parents/Caregivers and Veterans. These FRGs complement the firm’s efforts related to recruiting, professional development, and fostering inclusive workplaces. They are voluntary and open to all lawyers and staff.
Local Diversity Equity & Inclusion Councils
Akin has a firm-wide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council to guide the execution of the firm’s DEI strategy. We also have local DEI councils in each U.S. office, London and our Asia offices. DEI councils offer lawyers and staff a chance to communicate ideas to firm management and to recommend additional initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion at the firm.
Family Friendly Policies
At Akin, we support lawyers through policies and programmes that enable them to effectively manage and integrate work, family, and other responsibilities. The firm has a Reduced Work Schedule Policy, which allows lawyers to work reduced schedules and remain on partnership track. In particular, we have a significant track record of promotions of women who have availed themselves of the policy.
We also have an Agile Work Programme that recognises that agile work arrangements play an important role in providing excellent client service at the highest levels while also providing flexibility for our lawyers.
The firm offers one to one coaching sessions to help new parents successfully manage their journey to parenthood. It has also partnered with Bright Horizons to offer back up care and City Parents, which offers expert support and resources for working parents & caregivers.
Pro bono
Our lawyers defend human rights by representing asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and the NGOs that assist them. Our pro bono matters include public interest litigation, legislative counselling, poverty law and transactions, in each of Akin’s offices. The firm is also focused on leveraging our tremendous pro bono commitment to address injustice and pursue equality throughout our communities.
London
The London office of Akin is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where all members of the Akin community can thrive and grow. We maintain a culture that sees differences as strengths. Local chapters of our FRGs support BAME, Abilities, LGBTQ+, Women, Social Mobility and Parents & Caregivers.
During our trainee recruiting process, we utilise blind screening by removing the name and gender from student applications to reduce the opportunity for bias. We have no minimum A-Level requirement to apply to our trainee programme. Applicants are asked to take a critical thinking assessment to help us ensure that a broad range of candidates have the opportunity to reach the interview and selection process. We also partner with Bright Network and Aspiring Solicitors, and participate in their careers fairs.
We maintain strategic external partnerships with a number of professional, social and cultural organisations to foster diversity and inclusion. These include a Bridge Builder programme with leading youth and education charity City Year, an internship programme and a mentoring initiative with the Social Mobility Foundation, sponsorship of the AS Foundation which seeks to reduce financial barriers to entry to the legal professional, Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme and a school backpack project for the families’ division of homeless charity Shelter. We also work with leading women’s charitable organisations including Refuge, Solace Women’s Aid and Vital Voices.
- Dispute resolution: compliance and investigations
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Commercial, corporate and M&A