Dubai-based Al Tamimi & Company, a leading law firm in the Middle East, has announced the promotion of six new partners representing three offices in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, thus taking its total number of regional partners to 60.

Divya Abrol Gambhir, Ahmad Saleh, Jeremy Scott and Willem Steenkamp (Dubai, UAE), Foutoun Hajjar (Bahrain) and Omar Handoush (Kuwait) will be promoted effective July 1, said a statement from the firm.

Gambhir joined the firm in 2005 and is part of the banking and finance team. She has extensive experience in areas such as financial regulatory, private banking, structured finance, banking M&A, financial technology and general corporate banking and advisory.

She is recognised as a financial services specialist in the UAE and in the financial free zones and pursuant to her appointment as head of financial regulation and securities in 2015, she has enhanced this practise area for the benefit of the firm’s clients.

Hajjar joined Al Tamimi in 2014 when the firm launched its Bahrain office. She is an English-qualified solicitor and barrister with over 25 years of professional experience specialising in corporate law. Since launching in Bahrain, the office has grown to a team of 15, including 11 fee-earners, under Foutoun’s leadership. The promotion demonstrates the firm’s long-term commitment to the market in Bahrain.

Handoush joined the firm in its Kuwait office in 2014. As a banking and finance lawyer, he is very well-regarded for his technical skills and ability to manage complex transactions. He has played a key role in several cross-border deals which have been recognised by leading organisations including IFN and IFLR.

Saleh leads the firm’s patents practice within the IP team. This practice was launched in 2013 and has grown rapidly since then. His skill set is quite unique, combining vast legal and engineering experience, enabling him to find a common language with academics and inventors who represent a large part of his client base.

Scott is a leading real estate lawyer and is recognised as a specialist in his field. Since joining the firm in 2008, he has focused on legal issues related to mixed-use developments, jointly-owned property structuring and complex commercial transactions. He has also taken on the responsibility to further develop the firm’s Saudi Arabia real estate practice.

Steenkamp is a lawyer in the firm’s commercial advisory team and has been integral to driving growth in the retail and franchising sectors. Willem joined the firm in 2008 and is seen as a technically strong lawyer who provides clear, commercially sound advice in the areas of franchising ventures, commercial agencies, commercial contracts and regulatory advice in both consumer protection and competition.

Husam Hourani, managing partner, Al Tamimi, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the promotion of six outstanding individuals who are seen as quality lawyers providing exceptional advice and service to our clients.”

“We are committed to holding our position as the leading firm in the Middle East and a key strategy is to ensure we continue to focus on enhancing our cross-border capabilities. These appointments reinforce our commitment to this,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service