Mark Hill > Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Lawyer Profile
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Offices
Index Tower, West Entrance, Level 20, Unit 2002
DIFC
DUBAI
P.O. Box 507226
United Arab Emirates
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Mark Hill
Work Department
Commercial; Intellectual Property
Position
Partner, Head of Commercial, TMT and IP, Middle East
Career
Mark is a Partner with 30 years of experience as a high level strategic commercial lawyer. Mark’s main areas of expertise are Media and Entertainment, Intellectual Property and Technology.
Mark has experience at some of the world’s leading professional firms and in 2003 he founded The Rights Lawyers where he was the Managing Partner. Having been based in Dubai since 1999, Mark is regarded as one of the leading IP, Media and Technology lawyers in the region and is recommended in Chambers and Legal 500 directories on a yearly basis. Mark acts for a variety of high end retail franchising groups, leading local telecommunications firms, financial service sector clients, sports bodies, entertainment and media companies, celebrities and artists, production and events companies as well as technology and app providers.
Having decided at the age of 12 that he wanted to be a media lawyer, he is as passionate now about what he does as ever. Having spent his early career doing a mix of IP and media related work, he then worked for a rock band for a few years (which he describes as “a lot of fun” although he says “yes, there are things I can’t talk about…”). His focus has been on projects with a MENA context since the late 1990s.
Mark has received many awards from industry and legal publications, including being the first recipient of the Digital Studio Service to the Industry award for his contributions to the production, broadcast and film industries in the region. His involvement on the City of Life movie was rewarded with the Group Achievement Award from the Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards, having been judged as having raised the bar for the legal sector – his team’s innovative approach to client needs and the provision of commercial advice was viewed as having gone beyond the ordinary service provided by a law firm.
Mark stands on the Board of various companies from the sectors in which he operates including key industry organizations such as the Middle East International Live Events Association (“ILEA”) and as Board advisor to the UAE’s Production Forum. He is also regularly featured as a speaker at industry events, seminars and conferences throughout the region.
Languages
English
Memberships
Middle East International Live Events Association & UAE’s Production Forum
Lawyer Rankings
United Arab Emirates > TMT
Especially reputed for its experience in SIM card swap fraud cases, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
is well versed in a host of AI, digital, and technology work. Practice head Mark Hill is a key contact for app providers, film producers, and telecoms companies, while Lara Haidar is noted for her experience in intellectual property enforcement and protection matters.
United Arab Emirates > Intellectual property
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is often engaged in intellectual property enforcement, management, and registration. With over three decades of experience in the sector, Mark Hill spearheads the team and is a key port of call for financial service entities, technology providers, and telecommunications firms. Lara Haidar is knowledgeable of brand custodianship and Anna Hackworth is another key team member.
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP showcases strong expertise across corporate and commercial instructions, recently advising on substantial M&A in the banking and finance industry, complex PE transactions in the real estate sector, and negotiating commercial agreements in the media, entertainment, and retail spaces. Prominent work is also evident in the aviation and transport industries, with the firm working with a number of state-backed and owned companies. Team head William Reichert covers the full suite of corporate work including M&A, internal restructurings, and joint ventures. Co-head Mark Hill is chiefly recognised for his skill in the TMT and IP spaces and often works alongside fellow TMT specialist Lara Haider, while Alex Reid has been highly active in the real estate and retail sectors. Sarah Kadhum and Mo Nawash also come recommended.
Bahrain > Commercial, corporate and M&A
Mark Hill and William Reichert co-head the corporate and commercial offering at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, with the team being recommended for advising on corporate policies, M&A, commercial contracts, joint ventures, and regulatory matters. Praised for its ‘strong industrial and jurisdictional expertise’, the department is active in a diverse range of industries, including aviation, finance, and hospitality and offers notable expertise in complex cross-border restructurings, an area that senior associate Jonathan Fisher is experienced in. Alex Reid is highly active in matters requiring expertise in the technology, natural resources, and financial industries.
Lawyer Rankings
- Intellectual property United Arab Emirates
- TMT United Arab Emirates
- Commercial, corporate and M&A United Arab Emirates