AssistantAssociate-Solicitor-of-the-Year

(L-R) Awards host Shadia Bseiso; Christina Sochacki; Rose Walker, senior reporter, Legal Week

Finalists: Fareya Azfar, Gateley (Highly Commended); Natasja Pollemans, KBH Kaanuun; Richard Dupay, Berwin Leighton Paisner; Samir Safar-Aly, Simmons & Simmons.

Al Tamimi & Company's Christina Sochacki was named associate solicitor of the year for her tireless work in helping build the firm's healthcare practice.

Given that healthcare law is a new practice area in the UAE, Sochacki had to learn much of the law and regulation on her own and – according to Al Tamimi – is one of the only lawyers in the country that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. Having joined the firm at the end of 2014, Sochacki has quickly risen to senior associate, reflecting her drive to develop the business and advance healthcare in the UAE. That has meant building strong relationships with leaders in the private and public healthcare sectors, as well as advising a range of clients from hospitals and clinics to pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers on the corporate, commercial and regulatory aspects of doing business in the UAE.

Last year, Sochacki supported more than 70 clients in the sector, bringing in AED2.2m in revenue for the firm.

"Christina ticks all the boxes. She is clearly establishing herself as a leader in the healthcare law field and is the only candidate in this category who has evidenced her achievement for the firm in clearly measurable revenue terms," a judge said.