Employment

Clyde & Co's Dubai office boasts a sizeable employment team featuring some of the foremost lawyers in the UAE. The firm offers extensive experience across a variety of sectors, including energy, technology, banking and education. Its work assisting clients with the employment aspects of corporate transactions is widely viewed as an area of particular strength. It is also well equipped to assist with employment litigation, leveraging the strengths of the firm's top-tier Middle East disputes practice. The team is often seen advising free-zone authorities, as well as other well-known governing bodies.

"They have a very broad network of experts throughout the region and they work internally to make sure I am provided with the most practical and efficient advice. I appreciate that they are accessible; when I am under time constraints they answer immediately."

"I find the team to be responsive and to have an appreciation of a client's internal deadlines."

"I am impressed by their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters."

"They are very knowledgeable about their regions and very involved in the DIFC courts. They have on-the-ground, first-hand experience and their knowledge, particularly in Dubai, is fantastic."

Clyde & Co advised DHL on its implementation of an employment model whereby individuals could be employed within the UAE and subsequently seconded to various locations across Africa.

Sara Khoja is a distinguished employment lawyer who is highly experienced in contentious employment matters, with her recent work including disputes arising from team grabs. She regularly provides support on issues relating to secondments and the employment implications of major M&A transactions. She has become especially well known for handling Saudi Arabian employment mandates, splitting her time between Dubai and Riyadh. "Sara is very responsive. She comes off the fence and has lots of regional experience to support sound decision-making in grey areas." "Sara is the go-to lawyer when we have delicate employment situations." "She is an expert who always has the right answer. She is aware of the constantly changing legal environment in the Middle East, keeps up to date on recent laws and knows how best to structure an employment agreement to protect the company."

Ben Brown is a well-regarded lawyer who is active on a wide range of DIFC employment issues, including workplace investigations. Having acted for a variety of international clients, he also excels at advising on the employment aspects of corporate acquisitions and cross-border employee transfers. He recently rejoined Clyde & Co after leaving Addleshaw Goddard. "He is very analytical, very sharp and very practical in his advice." "He is excellent at cutting through the complex work and providing a simple and commercial approach." "Ben is excellent at understanding the needs of his client and delivering advice that is practical, relevant and exceeds expectations. We can have very practical and informative discussions about market practice, risk and strategy."