A key port of call for domestic and international banks, fund managers, and investment firms, Maples Group is experienced in the formation of private equity and hedge funds. Manuela Belmontes
is often engaged in capital markets and finance, while Philip Ireland is proficient in investment schemes. Gurminder Sanghera is versed in structured finance, Oliver Simpson handles corporate reorganisations, and Barbara Kramarz is skilled at aircraft finance. Other key members of the practice include David Garvin, who is knowledgeable of Shariah-compliant funds.
Offshore in United Arab Emirates
Maples Group
Practice head(s):
Manuela Belmontes; Philip Ireland
Other key lawyers:
Gurminder Sanghera; Oliver Simpson: Barbara Kramarz; David Garvin
Key clients
Aljazira Capital
Dubai Islamic Bank
Energy Development Oman
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Lakemore Partners
Mubadala Capital
Nana Direct
NBK Capital
Public Investment Fund
Tamara
Work highlights
Walkers
Praised as ‘well-established, responsive, and easy to work with’, Walkers is proficient in capital market transactions and project financing. Daniel Wood is knowledgeable of private equity funds, Ciaran Bohnacker handles Islamic financing, and Tom Cochrane is well-versed in investment funds. Luke Petith and Cate Barbour are experienced in restructuring. Murray Laing is often engaged in civil litigation, and Johanna Hendry often advises on corporate transactions. Bryan O’Donnell is another key team member.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Wood; Ciaran Bohnacker; Tom Cochrane; Luke Petith; Murray Laing
Other key lawyers:
Cate Barbour; Johanna Hendry; Bryan O’Donnell
Testimonials
‘The Walkers team in Dubai is incredibly responsive and provides top-quality legal advice from both a legal and practical perspective. They are by far the best offshore practice in the UAE.’
‘Walkers consistently delivers high-quality service, especially in offshore jurisdictions.’
‘The team is very well-established, responsive, and easy to work with.’
‘Despite working across different continents and time zones, the team seamlessly attends to clients’ queries and requests without delay.’
‘The team is well-established, professional, and strategic. Their transparency in pricing and speed of delivery make them a reliable choice.’
‘Murray Laing is an exceptional partner, he is hard-working, very responsive, and demonstrates excellent tactical nous.’
‘I am particularly impressed with Luke Petith for his clear and constructive interactions with clients on both legal and commercial matters.’
‘Cate Barbour stands out for her impressive work ethic and teamwork.’
Key clients
GFH Financial Group
International Airfinance Corporation
HSBC
Gulf Capital
SHUAA Capital psc
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Emirates NBD
Emirates Airlines
Kitopi
Sidra Capital
Work highlights
- Represented MBFX in ongoing disputes with Von Der Heydt S.A. (“VDHI”).
- Advised KSA’s Public Investments Fund (PIF) on the establishment of an inaugural green bond issuance.
- Advised Tabby on its US$200 million series D equity financing at a valuation of $1.5 billion.
Ogier
Commended as ‘collaborative and responsive’, Ogier is noted for its strength in asset tracing, cross-border insolvency applications, and offshore litigation. David Welford oversees the team and is often engaged in cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters, while Tina Asgarian handles contentious trust disputes. Dominic Athwal is skilled at corporate governance and Ridhiima Kapoor is knowledgeable of investment fund maintenance.
Practice head(s):
David Welford
Other key lawyers:
Tina Asgarian; Dominic Athwal; Ridhiima Kapoor
Testimonials
‘They are collaborative and responsive.’
‘They are a very strong team, and they have excellent offering when it comes to offshore disputes in the UAE.’
‘They are an extremely experienced team.’
‘They are very efficient, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with.’
‘David Welford and Tina Asgarian are outstanding, clear, client-friendly, and their advice is unique.’
‘Tina Asgarian is an extraordinarily talented counsel. She is extremely hardworking, smart, and has more than a decade of experience in offshore disputes.’
Key clients
BTA Bank
Work highlights
- Representing BTA Bank, which alleges that is has been the victim of a complex scheme of civil fraud.