Dentons awarded prestigious prize at 2015 Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards

Dubai 17 May 2015

Dentons' Middle East team was recognised for its work in support of the Syrian refugee crisis, where in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) it is making a real difference to the plight of Syrian refugees.

During a visit in early 2014 to the Za'atri Refugee Camp in Jordan, Dentons met with the NRC, a non-profit organisation that acts as the UN's on-the-ground implementing body at the refugee camp. Understanding the NRC's need for legal expertise on local laws the Firm agreed to partner with the NGO on a pro bono basis.

Dentons advice has thus far enabled NRC to formulate a new lease template for Syrian refugees, safeguarding their rights. The firm has also enabled NRC to advise Syrian refugees of their rights under international law applicable in Jordan.

John Balouziyeh, Associate in Dentons' Riyadh office, who led the initiative on the Firm's behalf, said, "As a result of Dentons successful partnership with NRC, the relationship will be expanded in 2015, continuing our mission to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live."

Commenting on the award Dentons Middle East Managing Partner, Michael Kerr said, "We are honoured to receive this award, particularly as corporate social responsibility is an intrinsic part of Dentons' forward-thinking culture. As one of the longest-established and largest networks of any international law firm across the Middle East, we are uniquely placed to provide meaningful assistance to disadvantaged communities in the region and are proud to do so."

This is the second year that Dentons takes home a coveted CCME award, having been awarded Commercial Law firm of the Year in 2013. The Firm was also shortlisted for two additional awards this year - the hotly contested Transportation, Energy and Infrastructure and Commercial Teams of the Year awards. The awards, which are now in their fourth year, celebrate legal excellence in the Middle East.

The cross-regional team providing support for this project include Dentons' Partners, Amgad Husein, Safwan Moubaydeen, Michael Kerr, Joby Beretta, Orlando Vidal, Associates Lara Saraireh and Nadine Naji and Trainees Haya Almotlag and Haya Moubaydeen in addition to Partner Elias Chedid of Chedid Law Offices, Dentons associate firm in Lebanon.

-Ends- 

For further information, please contact:
Muireann Kelleher
Head of Business Development & Marketing  - Middle East
Dubai
+971 4 402 0870
muireann.kelleher@dentons.com

Judith Green
Director of PR & Communications - EMEA
London
+44 20 7246 7082
judith.green@dentons.com

About Dentons
Dentons is a global law firm driven to provide clients a competitive edge in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2014 Global Elite Brand Index, Dentons is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality in new and inventive ways. Dentons was formed by the combination of international law firm Salans LLP, Canadian law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC) and international law firm SNR Denton. Dentons' clients now benefit from approximately 2,600 lawyers and professionals in more than 75 locations spanning 50-plus countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, CIS and the Caucasus, the UK, and the US. The Firm serves the local, regional and global needs of a broad spectrum of clients, including private and public corporations; governments and government agencies; small businesses and start-ups; entrepreneurs; and individuals.

About Dentons in the Middle East
On the ground in the Middle East for half a century, Dentons has a nuanced understanding of the unique legal and business environment in the Middle East as well as long-standing relationships with governments and business communities. Clients use Dentons for the firm's unrivalled local knowledge and international expertise across the Middle East, Europe, the US, Africa and Asia.

About the Norwegian Refugee Council
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental organisation which provides assistance, protection and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. 

© Press Release 2015