The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP has seen an increase in activity thanks to the arrival of Nicholas Polley, picking up a range of Islamic finance work to supplement its traditional strength in private client. Clive Hopewell’s department is praised as ‘meeting international standards while understanding the nuances of the local market’. The team advised Centamin Egypt on a placing of new shares to raise $135m. It also continues to oversee the administration of Awal Bank for the Central Bank of Bahrain. Associate Sherif Hampton is ‘energetic and keen to be of help’.

Within Corporate and M&A, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Clive Hopewell’s team at Charles Russell LLP has established a vibrant on-the-ground presence, and is known for its ‘prompt advice’ and ‘good understanding’. The team is very active in the banking and aviation sectors, for clients such as Gulf Air and Kuwait Finance House, and acted for CIC Energy in relation to a proposed merger with a leading power producer in India. Tom Briggs ‘makes the effort to understand what the client is trying to achieve and delivers appropriate advice promptly’.

Within Dispute resolution, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP conducts a range of work in the Bahrain Centre of Dispute Resolution, particularly in respect of the large administration of Awal Bank. Regional litigation head John Sykes is a regular presence in the jurisdiction. Managing partner Clive Hopewell is the contact.

Within Islamic finance, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Charles Russell LLP’s Islamic finance operation is ‘gaining ground in the Bahraini market’. Spearheaded by the ‘very client-focused’ Nicholas Polley, the department specialises in shari’ah-compliant project financing in relation to infrastructure and restructurings. Clients include the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait and Bahrain Islamic Bank.

Within Legal market overview Leading individuals

Within Project finance, Charles Russell LLP is a second tier firm,

Nicholas Polley’s arrival has been a significant ingredient in Charles Russell LLP’s palpable increase in momentum. His team advises Bahrain Islamic Bank and Bahrain Real Estate Investment on shari’ah-compliant projects, including an airport in the MENA region. The team was also bolstered by the recent arrival of real estate expert Simon Green from Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP.