TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2025
PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI
Recognising the REGION’S LEGAL ELITE
The inaugural Law Middle East Awards 2025 is launching in November, celebrating the firms and individuals driving meaningful impact across the region’s legal industry.
The awards will recognise achievements across a range of categories, reflecting the breadth of innovation and excellence shaping legal teams in the Middle East.
The awards ceremony will convene the region’s most influential legal professionals from both private practice and in-house to recognise industry-defining accomplishments over the past year. This premier gathering for the region’s legal elite is set to be the most prestigious event on the Middle East legal calendar, honouring the best and brightest minds.
1.
Corporate team of the year
This award recognises a team that has demonstrated exceptional skill in a corporate matter. The submission should highlight the team’s involvement in a complex or innovative transaction, as well as its strategic importance to clients and stakeholders.
2.
Private equity team of the year
This award recognises a private equity team that has demonstrated outstanding expertise in delivering a significant transaction. Entries should highlight the team’s role in achieving a successful outcome and its strategic impact on both clients and the wider market.
3.
Capital markets team of the year
This award recognises a team that has advised on a landmark capital markets transaction, such as an initial public offering (IPO). Entries should detail the team’s involvement and ability to navigate complex market conditions.
4.
Finance team of the year
This award recognises a team that has played a leading role in a banking and financing deal or case. Entries should highlight the team’s technical expertise, commercial impact, and innovative approach to financial solutions, as well as collaboration internally or with key stakeholders.
5.
Litigation team of the year
Entries for this award must demonstrate how a team used a creative and highly effective strategy to achieve an outstanding result in high-stakes or precedent-setting litigation. They should outline the matter’s complexity and its significance.
6.
Arbitration team of the year
Entries for this award must demonstrate how a team excelled in arbitration proceedings. They should detail the team’s involvement in an arbitral case, the award, and their ability to navigate complex procedural or jurisdictional challenges.
7.
Construction team of the year
This award recognises a team that has provided exceptional legal support to a construction or infrastructure project, guiding it through complexity to ensure its successful delivery. Entries should highlight the team’s role in navigating legal, commercial, and regulatory issues, as well as its overall impact on the project’s success.
8.
Energy team of the year
This category recognises a team that has advised on an energy project or transaction. Entries should highlight expertise in areas such as renewables, oil and gas, and power, as well as a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and its impact on the region’s energy market. Judges will be particularly keen to see entries that support the global energy transition or an ESG-related issue.
9.
Employment team of the year
This award recognises a team that has advised on a key employment matter. In addition to showcasing technical expertise and a successful outcome, entries should also highlight the significance of the matter for the client(s) and market.
10.
Technology team of the year
This award is for a team that has demonstrated leadership in the technology sector, advising on matters such as data protection, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. The team must show a deep understanding of the evolving landscape and their ability to provide innovative legal solutions.
11.
Tax team of the year
This award recognises a team that has provided sophisticated tax advice and made a tangible impact on a client’s commercial objectives. The team must show a deep understanding of the evolving landscape and their ability to provide innovative legal solutions.
12.
Private wealth team of the year
This award recognises a team that has provided exemplary legal services to high-net-worth individuals or family offices. The submission should highlight technical expertise and a commitment to client service.
13.
Regional law firm of the year
This award honours a regional firm that has demonstrated outstanding market leadership in its chosen markets within the Middle East. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: strong financial performance and growth, strategic expansion, key mandates, innovation, culture, training and development.
14.
International law firm of the year
This award honours an international law firm with a significant presence in the Middle East. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: strong financial performance and growth, strategic expansion, key mandates, innovation, culture, training and development.
15.
Breakthrough firm of the year
This award recognises a relatively new or fast-growing firm that has made a significant impact on the regional market over the past 12-18 months. Entries should highlight the firm’s growth, business model, and ability to disrupt established players in the regional market.
16.
Law firm leader of the year
This award recognises an exceptional law firm leader who has made a lasting impact through success in their practice, firm, and industry. Entrants will have demonstrated strategic leadership, driven a measurable impact on the firm’s reputation and market position, promoted a positive work culture, and shown a commitment to training and development.
17.
General counsel of the year
This award recognises a general counsel who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic business acumen. Entrants must demonstrate how their legal strategy has influenced and enhanced company performance and how they have effectively managed and developed their legal team.
18.
In-house legal team of the year
This award recognises an in-house legal team that has played a pivotal role in its company’s achievements. The criteria focus on collaboration across business units, successful management of key legal matters, and innovative approaches to legal operations.
19.
Rising star award
This award is open to law firm associates and in-house lawyers (not those in general counsel or head of legal roles) with between four and ten years of experience. Entries should highlight the lawyer’s early achievements, leadership potential, client recognition, and significant contributions to their firm or the wider market.
20.
Woman of the year
This award honours a woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship, and a significant impact within the Middle East legal community. The criteria focus on professional accomplishments as well as her role in championing diversity and inclusion. This award is open to lawyers in private practice and in-house.
21.
CSR initiative of the year
This is for a firm or an in-house team that has launched or sustained an exemplary corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative whether through community outreach or a firm-wide programme. The submission should detail the originality of the initiative, its tangible impact, and the firm’s commitment to making a positive difference in the community.
22.
Pro bono initiative of the year
This award recognises a firm or in-house team that has provided exceptional pro bono legal services. The criteria focus on the scope and scale of the initiative, the number of hours dedicated, and the positive impact on its beneficiaries and the broader community.
23.
Legal support service of the year
This award is for a service provider that has made a significant contribution to law firm or in-house legal teams in the Middle East. Entries should highlight how the service has tangibly improved the operations for the client, providing testimonials where relevant.
24.
Lifetime achievement award
This is a non-entry award given to an individual who has made a profound and lasting impact on the Middle East legal sector over the course of their career. It is for individuals in a law firm, in-house legal team, government body, judiciary, or university. The criteria are based on an individual’s reputation within the industry for sustained excellence, mentorship, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
ALIGN YOUR BRAND WITH THE REGION’S LEGAL ELITE
The Law Middle East Awards 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect with the most influential figures in the region’s legal community. Whether through headline visibility or bespoke engagement, your brand will be front and centre among those shaping the future of law and driving excellence across the profession.
Direct access to legal leaders
Engage directly with managing partners, general counsel, senior legal advisors, and decision-makers from leading law firms and companies across the Middle East.
Elite brand association
Be recognised alongside the region’s most prestigious legal achievements, positioning your brand as a trusted partner in driving excellence across the profession.
High-impact networking
This exclusive gathering creates space for meaningful conversations and valuable connections with the legal community’s most influential figures.
Ongoing visibility
Amplify your presence through extensive branding across Law Middle East platforms, targeted media outreach, and post-event coverage that extends your impact well beyond the ceremony.
Platinum sponsor
(US$30,000)
Our highest-profile package, designed for maximum visibility before, during, and after the event.
Sponsor benefits
Media exposure
- 1 x video interview
- 1 x written interview
- 1 x press release
- 1 x newsletter banner
- 1 x LinkedIn post
Pre-event branding
- Premium logo placement in print campaigns
- Priority positioning in digital campaigns to the regional audience
- Logo and backlink on the awards website as ‘Platinum sponsor’
- Branding as ‘In association with’ across all marketing collateral
On-site branding
- Feature placement in event programme and other printed collateral
- Dominant logo presence on all event banners
- Priority visibility on screen during awards presentation
Gold sponsor
(US$20,000)
A powerful brand presence across key channels and high-impact visibility at the event.
Sponsor benefits
Media exposure
- 1 x written interview
- 1 x press release
- 1 x newsletter banner
- 1 x LinkedIn post
Pre-event branding
- Logo presence in print and digital campaigns
- Logo and backlink on awards website
- Branding as ‘In association with’ across marketing channels
On-site branding
- Logo presence on banners, screens, and the programme
Table sponsorship
(US$10,000)
Host your valued clients and colleagues at the awards in style with a premium table sponsorship.
Sponsor benefits
Package inclusions
- Table of 10 guests: Entertain your clients, partners, or colleagues at one of the most prestigious gatherings of the legal community in the Middle East.
- Premium placement: Enjoy a prime location within the awards ballroom, ensuring maximum visibility and guest experience.
- Table branding: The company’s branding will be prominently displayed on the sponsored table, reinforcing its presence and association with excellence in the legal sector.
Benefits
- Strengthen relationships with existing clients and partners in a prestigious setting.
- Showcase your brand to leading law firms, in-house counsel, and industry decision-makers.
- Be part of an exclusive evening celebrating innovation and excellence across the region.
Gift bag sponsor
(Price on application)
Place your brand directly into the hands of winners with premium product placement and prestige packaging.
Sponsor benefits
Branding & visibility
- Logo on all gift bags
- Recognition in event communications, sponsor slides, and social media
- Mention during the awards ceremony
Product placement
- Include branded merchandise or promotional items (provided by sponsor)
Digital exposure
- Inclusion in post-event emails and winner coverage
- Visibility in event photography and video content
Entertainment/brand engagement sponsor
(Price on application)
Create an unforgettable on-site experience that ties your brand to innovation, creativity, and connection.
Sponsor benefits
Activation & branding
- Custom-branded zones (e.g. music, photo booth, VR lounge)
- Staff presence and audience interaction
- Logo display throughout activation area
Event marketing & visibility
- Recognition in all promotional channels
- On-stage shout-outs and emcee mentions
- Branding in event materials
Digital & post-event coverage
- Featured in photos, video recaps, and tagged posts
- Optional lead generation analytics or engagement summary
VIP access
- Complimentary passes for your team or guests
- Networking access to key industry leaders and award winners