Firms To Watch: Employment

With in-depth expertise in employment compliance, recruitment, and terminations, DWF Middle East LLP is a key port of call for a range of employers.

Employment in United Arab Emirates

Al Tamimi & Company

A key port of call for public sector entities, Al Tamimi & Company is versed in whistleblowing situations as part of the full range of employment law. Samir Kantaria oversees the practice and often advises blue chip companies, while Gordon Barr is experienced before the DIFC courts. Ivor McGettigan is knowledgeable of civil service laws and Sabrina Saxena is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Samir Kantaria


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gordon Barr; Ivor McGettigan; Sabrina Saxena


Kernmandanten

Caterpillar


Walt Disney


LinkedIn


Xiaomi Corporation


Microsoft


Richard Mille


McDonalds


General Electric


GlaxoSmithKline


Bumble


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Johnson & Johnson on the spin-off of its consumer health business to “Kenvue”, a newly formed publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Advised Al Ajban Free Zone on drafting employment regulations.
  • Represented Kingmakers DMCC in defending a substantial claim by a former senior executive which centred around an alleged entitlement pursuant to an ESOP.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP’s broad caseload encompasses employment contracts, incentive plans, and terminations as part of a full-spectrum employment practice. Praised for her ‘deep regional experience’, Sara Khoja leads the practice and is proficient in workplace investigations. Ben Brown often handles issues arising out of company mergers and restructuring.

Praxisleiter:

Sara Khoja


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ben Brown


Referenzen

‘The team has expanded significantly, providing greater bench strength and enabling good response times. The partners are impressive and they are growing and investing in diverse future talent.’

‘The team has a very good understanding of client’s commercial drivers and institutional complexities, which really helps to tailor advice to my institution.’

They are role models not only in terms of legal advice but also as professionals. We do appreciate and value their support and collaboration.’

Kernmandanten

Oracle


Estee Lauder


Standard Chartered Bank


Oracle


Grohe AG


AIG


Dubai Future Foundation


GSB Capital Limited


Lazard


Commerzbank


DIFC Authority


Multiplex


Accenture


Oliver Wyman


DHL


Hexagon


IHS Towers


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Standard Chartered Bank in DIFC Courts against claims of race discrimination, harassment, and victimisation brought by an ex-employee.
  • Represented GSB Capital Limited against a USD50m claim brought by a competitor for alleged theft of confidential information.
     
     
  • Advised DHL on the use of its resources in the UAE and multiples African jurisdictions.

Pinsent Masons LLP

With a strong track record before the DIFC courts, the ‘highly skilled and professional’ practice at Pinsent Masons LLP is versed in employment investigations. Practice head Luke Tapp is praised for his ‘significant experience in employment matters in the Middle East’, while Ruth Stephen is a key contact for oil and gas clients. Michael Chattle and Lujain Assaf are skilled in employment litigation, while Mohamed Ramadan and Emma Noble are other key team members.

Praxisleiter:

Luke Tapp


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ruth Stephen; Michael Chattle; Lujain Assaf; Mohamed Ramadan; Emma Noble


Referenzen

‘They are incredibly responsive, highly skilled, and professional. You feel like you are in safe hands.’

‘The team has unmatched experience of local employment law issues and brings a real value-add to the table. They are practical and commercially oriented whilst also providing excellent guidance on good practices and opportunities for improvement in HR policies and procedures. The level of engagement and training offered by the team is also first-class.’

‘The team consistently provides advice that is not only legally sound but also tailored to align with our commercial objectives.’

Kernmandanten

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Freezone Authority


Costa Coffee


University of Birmingham


Ethos Energy


Tata Group


Ola Energy


Novartis


Samsung Gulf Electronics


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented a major infrastructure client on a high value investigation, criminal complaint, and employment dismissal and dispute.
  • Advised a construction company on a large-scale team move from their business to a competitor, together with alleged fraud and embezzlement by the business’ former General Manager.
  • Represented a telecommunications company on employment law claims filed by a former senior employee in the DIFC Court.

Afridi & Angell

Primarily focused on employer-side representation but also handling some work for senior executives, Afridi & Angell handles compliance, immigration, and whistleblowing matters. Charles Laubach leads the team and is knowledgeable of the employment aspects of M&A as well as corporate restructuring. Stuart Walker is experienced in restrictive covenant disputes, while Sulakshana Senanayake and Nazim Hashim are other key team members.

Praxisleiter:

Charles Laubach


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Stuart Walker; Sulakshana Senanayake; Nazim Hashim


Referenzen

‘Incredibly approachable, responsible, and pragmatic.’

‘Stuart Walker is highly responsive, pragmatic, commercial and knowledgeable of matters of UK and UAE law.’

Kernmandanten

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority


Etihad ESCO


Mai Dubai


ExxonMobil Corporation


Textron


Citibank


American School of Dubai


Amideast


Beamex Oy Ab


Bonas Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented a top-level executive in the DIFC Courts on the termination of his employment and a long-term incentive payout.
  • Advised a US cleaning equipment company on workforce restructuring following the client’s acquisition of the UAE subsidiary of its global long-time distributor (the target company).
  • Advised one of the world’s largest telecommunications, media, and technology strategy consulting firms on how to hire employees in the UAE who are subject to restrictive covenants with their existing employers.

Dentons

Dentons’ broad caseload encompasses a range of non-contentious employment work, as well as handling complex investigations. Shiraz Sethi oversees the practice and is versed in employee restrictive covenants and transfers, while Christopher Brennan handles employment-related investigations. Catherine Beckett drafts employee handbooks among other matters, Ali Al Assaad is proficient in contract claims, and David Slim is skilled at cross-border regulatory proceedings. Anna Terrizzi is noted for her strength in employee terminations and redundancies.

Praxisleiter:

Shiraz Sethi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Christopher Brennan; Catherine Beckett; Ali Al Assaad; David Slim; Anna Terrizzi


Referenzen

‘Dentons provides excellent service to its clients, from taking the time to understand their needs, to the high quality of service provided, and the great local market knowledge and intelligence they possess.’

‘Dentons has been a trusted legal partner for us globally and offers consistent, high-value advice and support across a number of areas, including employment and project-based work. Shiraz Sethi, in particular, remains a steadfast and highly responsive partner whom we are grateful to have as a resource.’

‘The Dentons employment team has specialised expertise that not all firms can offer, such as the ability to handle labour disputes within the UAE courts as well as internationally. They are one of the few firms that can offer the full service of employment law needs that clients often have. Dentons takes a client-centric approach and tailors its services to ensure effective legal solutions.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised JAFZA on reviewing its entire employment eco-system, including all template employment contracts, JAFZA Rules, policies and procedures.
  • Advised DHL on how to run an effective internal investigation into employee misconduct.
  • Advised ABB across the GCC on all its employment related queries from drafting and amending contracts, offer letters, policies and procedures.

DLA Piper

With strength in onshore labour litigation, pension schemes, and employment rewards and incentives, DLA Piper‘s employment practice in the UAE is headed by Iain Skinner. Skinner handles employee transfers, restrictive covenants, and terminations, while Natalie Jones is proficient in the employment aspects of transactional matters.

Praxisleiter:

Iain Skinner


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Natalie Jones


Referenzen

‘Excellent service from a knowledgeable and pragmatic employment law team.’

‘Ian Skinner can always be relied upon to support our HR team through challenging situations with an adaptable and amiable working style.’

Kernmandanten

PwC Middle East


Rapyd


Emirates CAE Flight Training


Nanostone Water


Quantuma (Middle East) Limited


Highlight-Mandate


Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Eversheds Sutherland LLP fields a considerable workload, notably handling Emiratization, workforce resizing, and sensitive investigations. Geraldine Ahern and Lisa Bryson oversee the practice, and Bryson is praised for her ‘practical and timely advice.’ Corrine Sobers is often engaged in recruitment strategy and onboarding matters.

Praxisleiter:

Geraldine Ahern; Lisa Bryson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Corrine Sobers


Referenzen

‘The team has helped to strengthen our understanding of employment related policies and practices in this region.’

‘Lisa Bryson provides practical and timely advice related to the issues we encounter.’

Kernmandanten

Syniverse Technologies


Factset (UAE) Limited


Nokia


Microstrategy


Kering


GoDaddy


New York University Abu Dhabi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a leading financial services firm with an entity in the DIFC to disrupt a planned team move of 14 brokers to a competitor.
  • Advised a client on the review of a UAE contract of employment and internal annual leave policy.
  • Represented a client in four claims with a collective value of over AED 10m in claims relating to bonus payments and end of service eligibility.

Hadef & Partners LLC

The employment practice at Hadef & Partners LLC often works in conjunction with the firm’s dispute resolution team on investigations following allegations of employee criminal activity. Suzanne Gingles is knowledgeable of employment contracts and immigration requirements, while Chris Bailey-Gibbs is versed in employee transfers. Taher Abdeen Ibrahim is experienced in labour disputes before Dubai and Federal Courts.

Praxisleiter:

Suzanne Gingles; Chris Bailey-Gibbs


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Taher Abdeen Ibrahim


Referenzen

‘Trustful, close collaboration.’

‘They provide continuous updates on the status of cases but also legal news.’

‘They provide pragmatic solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Adidas Emerging Markets LLC


Bloomberg LP


Visa Middle East FZ LLC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised US investment bank regarding the DIFC employment law aspects of its acquisition of a DIFC company.
  • Advised a global technology company on restructuring its UAE operations, in line with UAE labour law.
  • Conducted a workplace investigation on behalf of a multi-national company, in respect of claims made by a former employee alleging sex discrimination.

Squire Patton Boggs

With strength in workplace investigations, Squire Patton Boggs is headed by Sarah Lawrence. Lawrence is versed in the intersection of employment law and restructuring, while Habib Saeed is often engaged in employee terminations. Ayah Abdin is proficient in employee transfers.

Praxisleiter:

Sarah Lawrence


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Habib Saeed; Ayah Abdin


Referenzen

‘This practice is unique in its excellence and efficiency. Sarah Lawrence delivers client-focused service in a way that is both traditional and highly effective. Through her, we’ve worked across multiple teams and divisions within the firm, consistently impressed by the high standard of service provided.’

‘Sarah Lawrence is the kind of lawyer you want in your corner. She has great knowledge of law versus practice, is extremely hands-on, rapid in her delivery, and takes the time to understand our business and its unique model, which gives us great confidence in her advice.’

‘Sarah Lawrence and her team, including Habib Saeed and Ayah Abdin demonstrate impressive knowledge and experience. They provide excellent advice on employment matters and are always easy to reach.’

Kernmandanten

Nokia


e&


RTX


CrowdStrike


Bausch Healthcare


Kellanova


Sotheby’s


Uber


Boeing


City Football Group


Warner Media


MiQ


Turner Broadcasting


Boston Consulting Group


Ego Pharmaceutical


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a global insurance company on a DIFC restrictive covenant matter involving a substantial team move from the client to a competitor.
  • Advised RTX on all their employment law needs across MENA, Europe, APAC, LATAM, Russia, and Africa.
  • Representing several key clients in highly sensitive workplace investigations into allegations of compliance breaches, including advising on criminal proceedings against the employees in question.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP

A key port of call for banking, energy, and hospitality clients, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP is informed in employment contracts, investigations, and litigation. Kiersten Lucas is praised as an ‘expert in her field’, while Emily Aryeetey is a ‘fantastic counselor and advisor.’ Philip Clarke is skilled at whistleblowing matters, Emily Daly handles harassment cases, and Laura Anderson is often engaged in immigration matters.

Praxisleiter:

Kiersten Lucas; Emily Aryeetey


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Philip Clarke; Emily Daly; Laura Anderson


Referenzen

‘The employment practice of Stephenson Harwood is responsive, knowledgeable, and excels at delivering under tight deadlines. Their collaborative approach is evident in the quality of their output. They don’t just explain the law; they provide pragmatic, commercially viable solutions to complex challenges.’

‘The team comprises highly skilled professionals who are responsive, quick to act, and excel at following up thoroughly. Their ability to connect international expertise across borders simplifies navigating complex, cross-jurisdictional issues.’

‘Stephenson Harwood guided us through the complexities of transitioning our operations from the UK to the UAE, managing individual HR challenges with precision. Their focus and attention to detail ensured a smooth process.’

Kernmandanten

Access Hire


Accord Healthcare MENA DMCC


Adenza Group Inc


Aliph Capital Limited


Atlas Mara Banking Group


Belgravia Home Health Care


big group


Fendi Middle East


Hamburg Sud


Hanover Communications Middle East FZ-LL


High Ridge Aviation


Interoperability Middle East Technology LLC


LGT (Middle East) Ltd


Loro Piana


M&C Saatchi


Maviga DMCC


Mizuho Group


Motivate Media Group


Profision Shipping Capital Management


Robert Walters


Safe STS


Simcorp Limited


Trident Trust (I.O.M) Limited


VEOLIA Water Technologies and Solutions


Wellbred Trading DMCC


Western Bulk Middle East DMCC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Profision Shipping Capital Management on the relocation of its business from the UK to the DIFC.
  • Assisting big group on the necessary employment contracts needed for its UAE expansion strategy.

KBH Limited

With activity across the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors, KBH Limited is versed in employment discrimination cases. Bushra Ahmed oversees the practice and often advises respected international organisations on senior executive exits, as well as a number of matters for business leaders themselves. Helen Dent and Kamila Sielski are experienced before the DIFC Courts.

Praxisleiter:

Bushra Ahmed


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Helen Dent; Kamila Sielski


Kernmandanten

Paramjit Kahlon


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Paramjit Kahlon, a former senior executive for ArcelorMittal, on the wrongful termination of his employment contract.

Addleshaw Goddard

Headed by Rachel Hill, Addleshaw Goddard is well-versed in contentious employment matters across the financial services and professional services sectors. Hill is noted for her capabilities in employee entitlements and terminations, while Gorvinder Pannu is another key contact. Lucy Melville is experienced in employment litigation before the DIFC.

Praxisleiter:

Rachel Hill


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gorvinder Pannu; Lucy Melville


Referenzen

‘They are clear and precise in their advice.’

‘They are prompt and easily accessible for any employee-related matter.’

 

Kernmandanten

Visa International SA


adidas Emerging Markets


Jones Lang LaSalle


Petrofac International (UAE) LLC


Highlight-Mandate


Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird’s broad employment caseload encompasses contracts, disputes, as well as exists and transfers. Johannes Eisser leads the practice and is knowledgeable of employee statutory rights and terminations. Surabhi Singhi is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Johannes Eisser


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Surabhi Singhi


Kernmandanten

Pfizer


Highlight-Mandate


Baker McKenzie LLP

The ‘professional and responsive’ practice at Baker McKenzie LLP is often engaged in employment matters arising from corporate transactions. Joanna Matthews-Taylor oversees the team and is knowledgeable of employment contracts and workforce terminations. Aqsa Khan-Sadiq handles workplace investigations and Mark Tedeschi is informed on non-compete clauses. Sami Nasr and Christiana O’Connell are other key team members.

Praxisleiter:

Joanna Matthews-Taylor


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Aqsa Khan-Sadiq; Mark Tedeschi; Sami Nasr; Christiana O’Connell


Referenzen

‘They are strong in both consultation and litigation. They are quality-oriented, responsive, and deliver consistently high standards of service.’

‘Since working with Baker McKenzie, we have found them to be professional and responsive. These qualities are key to fostering a successful client relationship. They are always supportive whenever we need assistance.’

‘Joanna Matthews-Taylor is an excellent and professional partner who serves as our primary contact. She is always available to provide support, extremely knowledgeable, and friendly. Her advice is consistently spot-on and practical.’

Kernmandanten

AbbVie


Aster DM Healthcare


Emerson


Georg Fischer AG


International Schools Partnership


Kitopi


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised on the employment aspects of Georg Fischer AG’s successful acquisition of a majority stake in Corys Piping System SPV Ltd.
  • Advised on the UAE employment aspects of a USD 14 billion transaction whereby our client sold its majority stake in its Climate Technologies business to private equity funds managed by Blackstone.
  • Advised on the Young Lawyers Mentoring Program which aims to champion diverse talent.

K&L Gates

Praised for its ‘deep understanding of the intricacies of business’, K&L Gates is knowledgeable of employment contracts, dismissals, and end-of-service gratuity payment issues. Nazanin Aleyaseen leads the team and is praised as a ‘superb strategist, personable, and commercially aware.’

Praxisleiter:

Nazanin Aleyaseen


Referenzen

‘The team blends legal expertise with commercial prowess and a deep understanding of the intricacies of business.’

‘They go above and beyond and understand problems holistically. They also organise fun and wonderful networking opportunities.’

‘Nazanin Aleyaseen is an absolute superstar. She knows the law inside and out, is a superb strategist, personable, and commercially aware.’

Kernmandanten

Amadeus IT System SA


Sinch AB


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Amadeus IT Group SA on a range of employment law issues.
  • Advised Sinch AB on its acquisition of SAP Digital Interconnect.