Baker McKenzie LLP specialises in regulatory compliance frameworks, acting on extensive cross-border reviews and risk assessments. The firm also advises on the localisation of international policies in line with UAE laws and regulations, and conducts internal investigations into compliance concerns. Sanctions and AML risk analysis are further areas of expertise. Practice head Laya Aoun ‘has deep knowledge of compliance regulations’ and also advises on concerns on procurement and market entry. Joanna Matthews-Taylor widely supports. Samir-Safar Aly departed the practice and Borys Dackiw retired in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is always available and willing to support. On compliance queries, they make a thorough check on the related parties and provide a valuable support in decision making.’
- ‘The team is very collaborative and open, it is very easy to deal with them. I enjoyed attention and informal approach that I saw both from Laya and Joanna. This is definitely the team's strength that not all other firms have.’
- ‘I worked with Laya and Joanna, in the short period of time they were able to build very good and strong relations with me, showed their professionalism and readiness to support.’
- ‘My contacts ( individuals ) in the company are readily available to support and assist for any given question. They try to find a work around solution which is suitable to the request.’
- ‘The Baker McKenzie Dispute Resolution: Compliance and Investigations practice in the UAE stands out for its deep local expertise combined with an unmatched global platform. Potential clients should know that the team offers a full-service approach, advising on both onshore UAE and free zone matters, and their strong local presence means they have an in-depth understanding of the regulatory and cultural landscape. This allows them to provide practical, strategic advice that helps manage risk effectively.'
- ‘The Baker McKenzie compliance and investigations practice in the UAE is a pleasure to work with. The individuals are not only highly skilled legal professionals, but they are also friendly and approachable. A key quality that makes them stand out from competitors is their ability to provide clear, actionable guidance even when the legal and regulatory requirements are ambiguous. They don't simply present the legal risks; they offer practical, business-friendly solutions.'
Practice head
Laya Aoun-Hani
Other key lawyers
Joanna Matthew-Taylor