The leading offshore law firm, Conyers Dill & Pearman, celebrated the opening of its Middle East office today with a reception at the Emirates Towers. The firm’s new office is based at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Conyers Dill & Pearman specialises in company and commercial law, commercial litigation and private client matters. With an international network, the firm offers comprehensive multi-jurisdictional offshore legal services. Conyers Dill & Pearman is the first and only law firm in the region to provide advice on the laws of each of Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.
John Collis, Chairman of Conyers Dill & Pearman commented, “Dubai has positioned itself as the financial service centre for the region. It has been successful in attracting major banks, finance houses, investment managers and international law firms. We have seen a steady development in interest in our jurisdictions from established organisations that have a presence in the Middle East. With a physical presence in Dubai we are positioning ourselves to be able to offer those organisations timely support and advice on each of the jurisdictions of Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.”
The Middle East office is managed by partner, Roger Burgess. Commenting on their entry into the market Roger Burgess said, “Our strategy over the last 20 years has been to maintain a physical presence near our clients and sources of business. We have decided that the Middle East is a region where we need to be and we are committed to the region for the long-term.”
The rapidly expanding construction business, tied to the boom in infrastructure projects and related financings, are expected to provide major opportunities for offshore law firms. The Middle East office of Conyers Dill & Pearman will initially provide advice on corporate and commercial law, with emphasis on insurance; cross-border investment funds (hedge funds, private equity and venture capital funds); project financings and securitisations.
As the only law firm in the region that can advise on Bermuda law, Conyers Dill & Pearman is particularly well positioned to assist the region with its burgeoning insurance (takaful) market.
“The Middle East has traditionally been underinsured, and as development continues apace, demand for sophisticated insurance products will grow considerably. Given our expertise in the offshore insurance market, we expect to become involved in this line of business,” added Roger Burgess. “With the experience we bring to the region we will also be looking to play a role in the development of Islamic insurance products.”
The Cayman Islands has established itself as the jurisdiction of choice for securitisation products and investment funds, particularly hedge funds. The British Virgin Islands has proved to be a popular jurisdiction for holding companies as well as a preferred jurisdiction for joint venture vehicles, while Bermuda and the Cayman Islands have very active shipping and aircraft registries.
The ability of Conyers Dill & Pearman to provide Bermuda advice is a clear differentiator from the few other offshore law firms in the region. This coupled with its Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands capabilities make it an ideal choice for those seeking advice on the offshore jurisdictions of choice.
Notes to Editors
About Conyers Dill & Pearman
Conyers Dill & Pearman is an international offshore law firm that specialises in company & commercial law, commercial litigation and private client matters. The Firm advises on the laws of Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.
Established in 1928, Conyers Dill & Pearman pioneered the concept of multi-jurisdictional offshore law and now has a presence in eight different jurisdictions across the globe: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dubai, Hong Kong, London and Singapore.
By virtue of having an established and respected presence, in locations that are convenient for our clients, Conyers Dill & Pearman has become renowned for quality, dispassionate advice and has garnered a reputation as being the offshore law firm of choice.
