In the independent and objective guide to international lawyers and law firms, Galadari & Associates has again received exceptional recommendations from clients and peers.

The key areas highlighted are Finance and Banking where Chambers applauds “this outfit as one of the select few local firms to gain a footing in the major finance market.” Clients are impressed by the “dedicated capital markets and investment banking group” and the firms’” good mixture of local and foreign lawyers”. In highlighting work and lawyers the guide goes on to say “Clients range from regional and European banks to institutional and government-related entities. With “Bode Wilfred acts as the main foreign finance lawyer. - Along with his team they handle often very complex transactional and regulatory issues involving the UAE and cross-border work.”

Commenting on the firms’ chairman, Ziad Galadari, his leadership and the Corporate and Commercial practice the guide writes “Building on its experience with major institutional clients and on the reputation of the firm’s founder, Ziad Galadari, this team is a solid player for many Dubai-centred matters, and notably acts for entities affiliated to the Dubai authorities.” In relation to specific transactions - “As local counsel for some foreign law firms, the lawyers have successfully advised an investment entity on its aquisition of a business jet manufacturer. Other deals involve private equity investment into Sub-Saharan Africa, acquisitions of telecoms licences and privatisations.” Clients particularly commented that they would “recommend the firm to other companies entering the UAE market”.

The Litigation and Dispute Resolution team again garnered high praise and acclaim with Stephen Ballantine being identified as the firms’ key man “establishing this firm’s reputation in shipping disputes” in particular “advising and representing P&I clubs.” Significantly, with the rapid growth in construction and infrastructure disputes in the Middle East, Galadari & Associates have been recommended by the guide and clients alike “The team who have taken on a considerable number of construction disputes from its highly regarded commercial construction and real estate practices.” Finally, the guide comments on Galadari & Associates as a “widely recognised practice with a considerable reputation for Real Estate finance and Construction work, including contentious matters. Its practice extends across the region, into Oman, Turkey and Pakistan, where it acts for funds and works on low-cost housing projects.” And again reiterates that “Bode Wilfred is the well-known player at the firm.”