Clyde & Co has been recognised as the 'Most innovative firm in Dubai' at the annual IFLR Middle East Awards held on October 29, 2008 at the prestigious Burj Al-Arab hotel in Dubai.

The nomination was done by members of the Dubai Corporate Counsel Group (DCCG).

The annual IFLR awards select high-profile, high-value and innovative corporate and finance-related transactions from the previous year, on a submission basis, and recognise the law firms and in-house lawyers involved. 

The newly added Corporate Counsel award is not submission-based, instead being nominated by the members of the Dubai Corporate Counsel Group.

Founded in June 2007, the DCCG is the first coordinated group of in-house lawyers in the Middle East.

The group was created by regional in-house counsel to promote the development and in-house practice of law in the Gulf region, in a legal market that is increasingly sophisticated, complex, fast-paced and dynamic.

DCCG Chairman, Justin Connor, said: 'The Dubai Corporate Counsel Group was pleased this year to be asked by the IFLR to poll its members on the award of most innovative law firm of the year and congratulate the high-calibre finance team at Clyde & Co for the winning this well-deserved accolade from corporate counsel in the Gulf region.'

Jonathan Silver, head of Clyde & Co Middle East received the award on behalf of the firm. 'It is an honour to be voted 'most innovative firm' by our peers in-house. I think this award recognises the skills and talent of the team we have on the ground in the region and the approach we take to working with our clients.'

Ashley Painter, the head of Clyde & Co's Middle East financial services practice added: 'Given the state of the finance market and the continued growth and development of it in the Gulf, this award recognising our innovative approach is particularly pleasing.'

Clyde & Co is the one of the original international law firms in the GCC with over 140 specialist legal staff across offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.

The firm is involved with many of the region's major developments, advising on both the international and 'onshore' aspects of law.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was the other nominee in this category. - TradeArabia News Service