The Chambers & Partners Global rankings have just been released and two of the Bench's Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT) team (Joby Beretta and Kelly Tymburski) have been recognised as Ranked Lawyers this year. The only other firms in the UAE to have more than one TMT Ranked Lawyer in the UAE are global (DLA) and regional (Al Tamimi) heavyweights, which reflects The Bench's ability to consistently punch above its weight on TMT projects. The TMT team also retained its department ranking alongside Big Law players such as CMS.
Before joining The Bench, both Joby and Kelly previously held the position of Partner and Head of TMT Middle East at Dentons, the world's largest law firm. Together the duo have over 35+ years of regional TMT experience. Kelly is one of only three female lawyers recognised in the prestigous list of sixteen Ranked Lawyers (well actually only two now that Fiona Robertson has moved in-house to OSN) and Joby is one of only four lawyers in the top Band 1 category (for an amazing 9th year in a row).
The Bench would like to thank all our wonderful clients for instructing us on such interesting and market-leading TMT, IP and Real Estate projects over the last 12 months.
Feedback/quotes from Chambers this year include:
TMT
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 entertainment conglomerates."
Strengths: Clients say the firm is "good, flexible, and they appreciate the startup financial situation. Their main strength is the quality of lawyers they have." Clients describe the firm as being “dynamic and supportive,” further appreciating that “their expertise in niche areas of the industry is helpful.”
Work highlights: Joby Beretta led a team advising Virgin Mobile Middle East & North Africa on the formation of a strategic partnership in Saudi Arabia intended to facilitate the offering of a range of banking products and services.
Joby Beretta has almost two decades of experience advising across the full spectrum of TMT matters in the UAE and the wider Middle East. 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 with regard to market entry issues in the region. "He makes the complex simple and doesn't get hung up on legal technicalities." "He is personable, good with people and has a good and long-standing reputation."
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."
Intellectual Property
Joby Beretta is founder The Bench, a virtual law firm which maintains a physical presence in Fujairah. In the IP field, he provides a comprehensive range of services including advice on licensing and IP protection strategies, patent applications and trade mark registrations. "His passion and dedication is out of this world. He makes it seems easy and always has the time to look after you."
Real Estate
Joby Beretta "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, hotel financings and matters related to joint ventures. "He is hands-on, always available and has an extremely high level of emotional intelligence, which makes him stand out. He is very open to hearing his clients’ feedback and comments, and looks at ways to provide the best services at reasonable costs.""