Finalists: Al Tamimi & Company; BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem and Associates; Galadari.

Hadef & Partners aims to be the law firm of choice in the United Arab Emirates. During the past year, it has scored a number of significant mandates as it continues to enhance its profile within the Middle East.

First established in the region 36 years ago, the firm has grown its headcount to more than 90 lawyers, including 27 partners. Its founding partner, Dr Hadef Al Dhaheri, recently returned to the firm after completing a seven-year term serving the UAE as Federal Minister of Justice.

In 2015, Hadef & Partners was selected as one of five law firms to deliver new legal training on behalf of the Dubai Government's legal affairs department for all private practice lawyers licensed in the emirate.

It was also consulted on the UAE's new Commercial Companies Law, which came into force in July 2015, and advised on the draft Insolvency Law, which is still under consultation. Notable features of the new Companies Law include the recognition of the concept of holding companies and the requirement for public companies to rotate auditors every three years.

During the past 12 months, the firm has been working on a labour standards monitoring project. The firm is providing advice to a leading international consultancy to ensure that UAE labour law is enforced and workers on the project are duly looked after.

Hadef & Partners works with a range of international law firms, serving their clients' interests in the UAE – including the UK's Magic Circle and other leading firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, Skadden Arps, Sullivan & Cromwell, Latham & Watkins and Baker Botts.

Its clients include the UAE Federal Ministry of Finance, Emirates Development Bank, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala, Tyco, Johnson Controls, Adidas and Red Bull.

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