The 2024 Chambers & Partners Global rankings have just been released and this year Chambers made a surprise decision to split the UAE personal TMT rankings into two main subsections of (i) IT, Telecoms and Data and (ii) Media, Entertainment & Sport. This might be an acknowledgment of the growth of TMT work in the UAE and perhaps hints of further sub-category splits along the lines of those followed by Chambers in other jurisdictions such as the UK.
The Bench is delighted to be the only law firm in the UAE that has been recognised as having multiple ranked lawyers in the new IT, Telecoms and Data sub-category (Kelly Tymburski and Joby Beretta). Joby is also recognised as a 'Spotlight' lawyer in the Media, Entertainment & Sport section. There is also a third TMT personal ranking for ‘Expertise Based Abroad’, recognising Nick O’Connell (Al Tamimi) and Brian Meenagh’s (Lathams) transfer to KSA and Eamon Holley’s (DLA) return back home to Australia.
Feedback/quotes from Chambers & Partners this year include the following:
TMT (Ranked Firm and Two Individual Rankings)
What the team is known for: "The Bench is a uniquely structured virtual law firm with a physical presence in Fujairah, and which offers expert advice on a broad range of matters within the TMT space. It is especially well regarded for assisting startups and smaller enterprises with market entry to the Middle East and related company set-ups. The firm is also known for its advice on technology licensing and commercial agreements. Significant international clients include telecoms providers, e-commerce specialists and media companies".
Strengths: "They are very clear around fees and really good at responsiveness. They take the time to think through issues and their questions help me think in more detail" . "The Bench is direct and straightforward. They give pragmatic opinions based on experience, with an eye to business results".
Work Highlights: The Bench advised UAE podcast company Finyal regarding its acqusition by Jordan-based Sowt Media.
Joby Beretta has a “wealth of experience spanning tech and telecoms in addition to sport and entertainment work. He is well versed in both commercial and regulatory issues, and is held in high regard for his frequent assistance to startups and smaller companies concerning market entry issues in the region”, "He has a huge network of contacts, which I find incredibly useful. He is incredibly approachable" and “he understands the business side of things well and is so easy to work with”.
Kelly Tymburski is "well known for her work in TMT, which has a particular emphasis on issues of regulatory reform. She also advises on the broader commercial aspects of TMT deals."
Real Estate (Ranked Individual)
“Joby Beretta of The Bench FZE operates from Fujairah. He is an expert in hospitality matters and is known for his considerable longevity in the UAE real estate market. He advises clients on mixed-use developments, regulatory issues and issues related to joint ventures.
Strengths: "Joby Beretta has a huge network. He is incredibly approachable and always puts you in contact with the right people on real estate matters" and “Joby is exceptionally professional and accommodating”.
As always, a massive thank you to all our awesome clients for continuing to instruct us on cutting-edge projects and for taking the time to provide feedback to the researchers.