Legal advice
You have a contract to sign, a decision to make or a dispute on the horizon
Contracts, corporate and employment law. I give you a clear legal opinion before you decide and, if a dispute arises, I coordinate your defence with my network of local law firms.
Who it is for
- Companies negotiating contracts with clients, suppliers or partners in the UAE.
- Business owners who need to know where they stand before making a decision.
- Companies with staff in the Emirates that want correct employment contracts and processes.
- Companies and individuals in a dispute who want to understand their options.
Who it is not for
- Anyone wanting a generic document that nobody adapts to their case.
- Anyone looking for an opinion tailored to what they want to hear.
- Anyone intending to use proceedings merely to put pressure on the other party.
Before you choose
Five questions before signing or claiming
A good legal opinion is not a long report. It is knowing what can happen and what is best for you to do.
Which law applies, and who decides?
Local courts, DIFC, ADGM or arbitration. The choice changes the language, the timing and the way you enforce your rights.
Does the contract reflect what you agreed?
What was said does not count if it is not written down. I check that the document says what you think it says.
What happens if the other party defaults?
Penalties, termination and guarantees are negotiated while the relationship is still good.
Can you prove what you say?
Emails, signatures, deliveries and payments. Before claiming, you need to know what can be proved.
Is it worth claiming?
Sometimes the best decision is to negotiate. I tell you what real prospects you have and what going ahead will cost you.
What I see go wrong
Four mistakes that end in dispute
Using a contract from another country
A template valid in another country may not work here, or may leave you unprotected where you most need it.
Choosing the wrong law and forum
A careless clause can force you to litigate where it does not suit you or make it hard to enforce what you win.
Waiting too long
Time limits run and evidence is lost. Seeking advice early is usually the cheapest option.
Treating employment as in your own country
Contracts, termination and final settlement follow their own rules in the Emirates.
From start to finish
What I do
Prevention
- Drafting and review of contracts.
- Shareholders' agreements and corporate documents.
- Employment contracts and internal policies.
Decision
- Legal opinion before you decide.
- Analysis of risks and alternatives.
- Negotiation with the other party.
Dispute
- Assessment of your position.
- Claims and negotiation.
- Coordination with my network of local law firms in court and arbitration.
How I work
Initial consultation
You tell me about your situation, whether you are abroad or already in the Emirates. This conversation is to understand it, not to sell you a structure.
Assessment
I analyse your case and explain your options, what each one involves and which I recommend, with its legal basis.
Fixed quote
Before we start, you know what will be done, by when and what it will cost.
Execution and follow-up
I handle your matter from start to finish as your single point of contact, and I stay with you afterwards, letting you know when something that affects you changes.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Will you represent me in court?
No. I do not go to court: my work is legal consultancy. If there is litigation, it is handled by a local lawyer from my network, with whom I coordinate your defence, and I remain your point of contact.
Is a contract in English valid?
It can be, but the local courts work in Arabic and a later translation can introduce errors. That is why a bilingual contract that makes clear which version prevails is often advisable.
What is the difference between the local courts and the DIFC?
The local courts apply Emirati law and work in Arabic. The DIFC courts follow a common law system and work in English. They can be used when the transaction or the contract allows it, which is why the jurisdiction clause matters.
What do I have to pay when ending an employee's contract?
It depends on the contract, length of service and the reason. It usually includes outstanding salary, unused leave and the end-of-service gratuity. It should be reviewed before the decision is communicated.
When is a legal opinion worth asking for?
Before signing something important, changing the way you operate or responding to a claim. It is much easier to guide a decision than to undo it.
Tell me what you want to do in the Emirates
I reply personally and suggest the first step.