The judging panel described Al Tamimi & Company, winner of Middle East Law Firm of the Year for a second year running, as a "truly regional player with scale and scope". 

The firm was able to demonstrate strategic vision, business winning and a strong commitment to employee development, backed up by an impressive financial performance.

Such has been the level of expansion at the firm that its headcount increased by 25% in 2012, with turnover up 14%. Headcount is forecast to grow by another 12% this year, with the firm currently doing due diligence to add to its existing network of 11 offices across six countries. 

In June, Al Tamimi opened its sixth office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Ras Al Khaimah, and it is also planning to set up shop in Erbil, Iraq, in July, and Muscat, Oman, in September. 

The firm's mission is to protect its identify as an Arab law firm while operating to international standards. It is implementing a new client relationship management system in 2013 and the firm's training academy has now been in place for three years. 

Al Tamimi calculates that it has brought on board 1,400 new clients over the last 18 months. These include Chrysler, Credit Suisse, Etihad Rail Company, HSBC and Mitsubishi. 

Headline deals and cases include Dubai Islamic Bank's purchase of mortgage provider Tamweel, China Railway's ratification and enforcement of an AED52m (£9m) arbitral award, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch's sale of its international wealth management business to Julius Baer Group.