The DIFCDIFC operation is the global law firm's 33rd office worldwide

Dubai, 8 November 2009: Renowned global law firm K&L Gates LLP recently established its 33rd office worldwide - and the firm's first in the Middle East - following the granting of a licence to operate in the Dubai International Financial CentreDubai International Financial Centre (DIFCDIFC).

The Dubai launch follows the opening of the international offices of K&L Gates in Singapore and Frankfurt earlier this year. Senior officials joining the Dubai office include corporate and projects partner Paul de Cordova, as well as senior dispute resolution partner Neal R. Brendel, who has relocated to Dubai from the firm's Pittsburgh office.

HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of DIFCDIFC, said: "World-class legal firms constitute an important part of the business community in DIFCDIFC because they help financial institutions maximise the benefits gained from DIFCDIFC's globally-benchmarked common-law framework. Over the last five years, DIFCDIFC has built a critical mass of legal firms, which include some of the world's leading names in this sector. The continued interest of global firms like K&L Gates in establishing a presence in DIFCDIFC is an indication of the confidence that they have in the growth potential of our region."

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, added: " DIFCDIFC is not only linked to the chain of global financial hubs with one of the most convenient and modern legal and operational infrastructure, but it also offers global firms like K&L Gates coverage of a region stretching from across North Africa, Middle East, Levant and the Caspian to the Indian Subcontinent - a region where two-thirds of the world's population lives. I am sure, K&L Gates will have a very successful future in DIFCDIFC and the region."

"The Gulf region is, has been, and will continue to be of strategic importance to the global economy," said K&L Gates Chairman and Global Managing Partner Peter J. Kalis. "K&L Gates is delighted to launch our presence in the region to serve our distinguished clients who are active in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East."

Neal Brendel, who has a formidable background in international arbitration and dispute resolution, is a co-founder of the firm's Dubai office. Brendel's dispute resolution practice includes major matters in various international venues and subject areas.

Joining Brendel in Dubai is Paul de Cordova, who arrives at K&L Gates from another law firm, where he worked in the London, Tokyo and Dubai offices. An experienced corporate and projects lawyer, de Cordova has worked on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters during his more than 20-year career, including acquisitions and joint ventures; financial regulation; project development and finance transactions in the energy, water, and transportation sectors; general engineering and construction projects; real estate and real estate finance transactions; and government infrastructure projects.

-Ends-

About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial CentreDubai International Financial Centre (DIFCDIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just four years, over 800 firms have registered at DIFCDIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFCDIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

Media enquiries:
Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant PR Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae

Iman Ahmad
Regional Media Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 50 2058021
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae

Nova Ghadri
Media Executive
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2499
E-mail: nova.ghadri@difc.ae

For more information on K&L Gates' Dubai office, please contact Neal Brendel at +971.4.401.9819 or neal.brendel@klgates.com.

© Press Release 2009

 

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