Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the Middle East, has announced the promotion of seven lawyers as partners in the firm.

The new internal appointments, which are effective from June 1, will further reinforce the firm’s significant capability in Corporate and Commercial, Employment, Maritime, Aviation & Insurance, Litigation, Intellectual Property, Construction and Insurance, a statement said.

The seven new partners are: Gary Watts is head of Dubai based corporate and commercial department. He has significant experience in major acquisitions, IPO’s, due diligence, corporate restructuring and complex private equity agreements.

Stephen Forster is head of the Abu Dhabi office and has over 30 years experience in business law. He works primarily in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and infrastructure projects and project related matters.

Omar Omar is based in Dubai and his experience as a marine lawyer and advocate covers almost all aspects of the industry. He has represented major P&I clubs and other clients in claims and marine disputes through arbitration in London, Dubai, Kuwait and Jordan. He regularly advises in cargo, container, marine agency, shortages, groundings, bunker, collisions salvage seaworthiness, insurance claims and vessel sale and purchases.

Rita Jaballah is based in Dubai having joined Al Tamimi & Company in 2006, she advises on all aspects of litigation, with particular emphasis on DIFC court litigation and UAE commercial and property disputes.

Marie Grace Seif is based in the Dubai office and specialises in advising clients on incorporation and liquidation of companies, mergers and acquisitions, take-overs, commercial agency agreements, management services agreements joint venture agreements, leasing agreements, franchise agreements and construction contracts under Fidic.

Rebecca Ford is also based in Dubai and advises on employment issues across the UAE and in the free zones including the DIFC. She has worked on a number of reported cases in the English High Court, as well as in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Philip Kotsis is based in Kuwait and advises on local and cross border corporate and commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance (conventional & Islamic). He has significant expertise in complex commercial transactions and large scale debt restructuring.

“I am delighted that we have been able to promote so many talented lawyers across our offices and practice groups,” said senior partner and founder Essam Al Tamimi.-TradeArabia News Service