CALGARY AND TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Bennett Jones is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The firm is commencing its initial UAE and Arabian Gulf practice in Dubai, one of the world's fastest growing and strategic hubs for commerce, finance and logistics.
"On any scale, what has been accomplished in the UAE and the Gulf, is remarkable. We are delighted to be licensed in Dubai and to establish our practice in the UAE so that we can better serve our clients in the region," says Hugh MacKinnon, Chairman and CEO of Bennett Jones.
The depth of the firm's expertise in corporate law and energy, oil & gas, commercial transactions, infrastructure and project development, foreign investment and finance, combined with an excellent network of global connections, allows Bennett Jones to serve clients in the Gulf region and help Canadian clients access and implement business opportunities in the Gulf. Bennett Jones is the only Canadian firm licensed to practise in the UAE.
"We have been very involved in the Gulf for years, with many of our lawyers and advisors involved in significant mandates," says Dany Assaf, Middle East Managing Partner. "Both our Canadian and Gulf region clients will benefit from Bennett Jones' network and our in-depth knowledge of the culture and business practices."
The Bennett Jones Dubai office is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a world class international centre serving the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. It serves a region of 2.1 billion people, has a combined economy of $1.8 trillion in GDP and is growing at an annual rate in excess of five per cent a year.
Bennett Jones partners now based in the region are John MacNeil, Jim McDermott and Dany Assaf.
John MacNeil is a senior corporate partner who has practised in both Calgary and Toronto. John was previously senior counsel with the Ontario Securities Commission. In 2009, he was senior external counsel on the division of EnCana Corporation into two separate public companies (having a combined value of $50 billion). He has been named by Chambers Global, the IFLR1000 and other guides to the world's leading lawyers for corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.
Jim McDermott is a senior corporate-commercial partner who has practised in Toronto for over 32 years. Jim has a broad range of experience in commercial, real estate and corporate transactions.
Dany Assaf is a senior antitrust/competition partner and the firm's Middle East Managing Partner. Dany has been named by Chambers Global, the Global Competition Review and other guides to the world's leading lawyers for antitrust/competition law. In 2006, he was named one of Canada's top 40 lawyers under 40.
Also, David Dodge, a Senior Business Advisor to Bennett Jones and former Governor of the Bank of Canada, was recently appointed to the new UAE Central Bank International Advisory Council based in Abu Dhabi.
The firm expects to further staff the office with people in the region and by relocating additional lawyers from its Canadian offices.
On September 29, 2010, Bennett Jones also announced the opening of its new representative office in Beijing, China.
About Bennett Jones
Bennett Jones is a leading business law firm founded and focused on principles of professional excellence, integrity, respect and independent thought. Our firm's leadership position is reflected in the law we practise, the groundbreaking work we do, the client relationships we have, and the quality of our people.
For further information:
| Hugh L. MacKinnon Chairman & CEO, Bennett Jones LLP T: +1 416 777 4810 (Toronto) |
Dany H. Assaf Managing Partner, Middle East T: +1 416 777 6035 (Toronto) T: +971 56 693 1793 (Dubai) |
| Dubai Office: Bennett Jones (Middle East) LLP Level 15, The Gate Dubai International Financial Centre PO Box 482016 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: +971 4 401 9270 C: +971 56 693 1793 F: +971 4 401 9268 |
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