Awards Categories 2018

The Awards Nominations are now closed!

DEADLINE 30 September 2018!

The Academy of Law is pleased to announce the shortlisted candidate/firms for the Annual Legal Gala Awards 2018 taking place on the 8th November 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai.

Lawyer of the Year

1. Nicholas Braganza - Legal Director – Clyde & Co LLP
2. Paul Hughes – Partner - Addleshaw Goddard
3. Rania Tadros - Managing Partner - Ince & Co Middle East LLP

The Winner for this category will be selected and announced by live voting on the night of the event.

Young Lawyer of the Year

1. Raymond Kisswany - Senior Associate - Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
2. Diego Carmona – Associate – Al Tamimi & Co
3. Paul Katsouris – Associate - Ince & Co Middle East LLP

The winner for this category will be selected and announced by live voting on the night of the event.

Corporate Counsel of the Year

1. Samer Abdelhaq - Regional General Counsel – Amazon Middle East
2. Karl Rogers - Regional General Counsel, Africa & Middle East – Standard Chartered
3. Fady Zedan - Regional Counsel MEA – Keuhne & Nagel

The Winner for this category will be selected and announced by live voting on the night of the event.

Legal Education Law Firm of the Year

1. BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP
2. Baker Botts LLP
3. Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP

The Winner for this category will be announced on the night of the event.

Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year

1. Shiraz Sethi – Regional Managing Partner & Head of Employment - DWF Middle East LLP
2. Adam Bradshaw – Legal Director – DLA Piper Middle East LLP
3. Zara Merali – Senior Legal Consultant - DLA Piper Middle East LLP

The Winner for this category will be announced on the night of the event.

Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year

1. DLA Piper Middle East LLP
2. DWF Middle East LLP
3. HFW

The Winner for this category will be announced on the night of the event.

Categories for the UAE’s most prestigious legal awards are:

1. Young Lawyer of the Year 

   A lawyer who is either under thirty-five (35) years of age or fewer than ten (10) years qualified, and who has during the last twelve (12) months exhibited the skills and professionalism of a lawyer beyond their years.

2. Lawyer of the Year

   A seasoned lawyer who is either over thirty-five  (35) years of age or more than ten (10) years qualified, and who has during the last twelve (12) months made a significant contribution to the profession and the UAE Legal Community. 

3. Corporate Counsel of the Year
   An in- house lawyer who has demonstrated leadership skills, contributed to the success of the business as a whole, and has identified a clear strategy and vision for the growth and development of the organization.

The Pro Bono Law firm of the Year, Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year and the Legal Education Law firm of the Year will be selected by the Judging Panel and announced at the event. The winners will be rated based on their contribution to their respective work for the Academy of Law!