Al Tamimi & Company, established in 1989, is today one of the leading law firms in the Arabian Gulf region. It boasts a staff of more than 330 with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Baghdad and an associate office in Doha, Qatar (QIFC). Al Tamimi & Company's head office is perfectly positioned in the well-known Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The DIFC is the world's fastest growing international financial centre and was initiated to create an environment for progress and economic development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider region. Since it opened in September 2004, the DIFC has attracted high calibre firms from around the globe as well as its region.

On a wider scale Dubai is still developing at a rapid pace and has become synonymous with diversity, dynamism and an unrivalled quality of life. It is of no surprise, therefore, that Dubai has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. More and more people are emigrating to the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, for its quality of life, outstanding employment prospects and to experience the very best in the world of work and lifestyle.

This is a situation and environment that certainly suits Al Tamimi & Company. Kevin Hall, general manager at the firm, believes it is vital to have knowledge and skills from a global perspective, as well as the brightest local lawyers within the Middle East for their skills and expertise in local custom, laws, regulations and practices. "Being a progressive and multicultural firm we have always focused on recruiting the most talented lawyers from the Gulf region as well as Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa," says Hall.

Understandably, one of the most attractive aspects of working in Dubai is the fact that there are no personal taxes levied against income from employment. This is not just an incentive to attract foreign investment; it is a long established fact and policy because direct taxation is against the traditions of the entire UAE. Therefore there is no shortage of applications for employment to the firm but Al Tamimi & Company's focus has always been on quality. Hall states: "We are renowned for the exceptional quality of our lawyers and we are proud to have such a high calibre team of lawyers and support staff. We realise that this is the backbone and the strength of any firm."

Al Tamimi & Company regularly confers with government ministries and departments on the introduction and development of new legislations and the firm prides itself on its complete knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to its home jurisdictions as well as the commercial community abroad. As an example of this Al Tamimi & Company's recently opened Saudi Arabian office is going from strength to strength in terms of lawyers and clients on board and this office is expected to grow at a tremendous rate. Essam Al Tamimi, Al Tamimi & Company's founder and senior partner, has spearheaded the set up of all of the firm's international offices. He strongly believes that opportunities do not adhere to the restrictions of national boundaries. Al Tamimi states: "In a region with an ever-increasing flow of cross-border trade and investment we are more and more aware that our clients need legal advice across a myriad of jurisdictions. Lawyers need to be fully aware of the subtleties and nuances of their legal environments."

Al Tamimi continues: "The most effective way to attain that expertise is to have local lawyers in each office, providing insights into the legal and commercial complexities that their clients face."

Hoda Barakat, who became managing partner of Al Tamimi & Company two years ago, is also adamant that when it comes to recruitment and training, quality is key. Her primary concern has always been to implement policies that would allow for smooth international expansion while crucially not compromising on client care. And today, the firm's client care philosophy is now being formally integrated into training programmes, for both new lawyers and veterans alike. "We ensure that a monthly workshop takes place dealing with laws, regulations and client relationships," says Barakat. "We also meet twice a month to go through transactions, client expectations and responses, unifying ideas and thoughts to make sure we are all at the same level."

Al Tamimi & Company specialises in intellectual property and information technology, media, banking and finance, construction and engineering, corporate/commercial, family business and private client work, telecommunications, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration, maritime, trade and insurance and property law. They have a vast range of clients in various industries and regions and have consistently ranked as one of the most recognised and respected firms, not just in Dubai and the UAE, but in the entire Gulf region. An influx of international competitors have not threatened or deterred Al Tamimi & Company in their quest to remain the dominating law firm of the Middle East region.

"There is so much work here that it is hard to complain!" says Barakat "But, if anything, it encourages everyone to up their game and increase the quality of services on offer which is something Al Tamimi & Company constantly strive for anyway."

NewHorizonsJuly2008