The Bench was recently awarded 'Highly Commended' for Technology, Media & Telecom at the Middle East Legal Awards 2017! The Bench fought off competition from the international TMT heavy-weights such as Bakers, Dentons and DLA Piper to be awarded this second place award.
It was a pleasure working with our client (LifeOnScreen) on that project to bring their amazing technology to the region. Dr Corrie Block, CEO of LifeOnScreen commented: “The Bench has been our legal pillar in the corporate design of LifeOnScreen. We are a born-global enterprise, with globally protected IP and supply in Malta, operations in Slovenia, and core management in the UAE. Our complex relationships between several layers of investors and stakeholders are governed by multiple inter-woven agreements, all hand crafted and synchronized by a common author. The Bench legal team has been responsive, competent, and creative, and we are proud to list them as the primary legal provider for LifeOnScreen.”
Judges commented "The Bench FZE’s creative business model that helps cut legal costs and gives lawyers a greater share of client fees saw it grab the innovation award title. Set up in the UAE last year, The Bench is able to offer cheaper rates to clients because it is free from high overheads such as offices, meaning clients pay roughly half the price for senior lawyers than they would at a big law firm. The firm’s lawyers have the flexibility to pick their own work and are paid a significant chunk of client fees, an arrangement The Bench reckons is unique in the Middle East.The firm is also able to offer larger law firms efficient and inexpensive specialist support, removing the need to hire specialists in areas that are handled infrequently. And The Bench prides itself on having substantial in-house experience so its lawyers can blend in seamlessly with its clients’ in-house teams."
“As a UAE startup themselves, they understand the need for a cost-effective and commercial approach when advising the startup community,” said Paul Kenny, founder of Cobone.com, who lists The Bench as his go-to law firm in the region.
A huge thanks to the judges, Legal Week and the ACC for the recognition of our achievements despite The Bench being less than a year old. Also a massive thanks to our ever-growing team of awesome legal consultants for all their hard work and to our clients for placing their trust in us.