International law firm Reed Smith has been named ‘Middle East Team of the Year’ by The Lawyer. The annual awards ceremony, run by the UK legal magazine, is considered to be one of the top events in the UK legal calendar.

Reed Smith’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices were singled out by judges for evidence of clear strategic vision, consistent delivery of client service and strong performance and management. Other nominees shortlisted for the award included: Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith and Al Tamimi & Company and Hadef & Partners.

Vince Gordon, managing partner of Reed Smith’s Abu Dhabi office, commented:

“In 2008 Reed Smith celebrated 30 years in the Middle East, our first office in Abu Dhabi opened in 1978. Experience in the Middle East and knowledge of its culture, values and legal structure is an integral part of everything we do in the region and we are extremely proud that this has been recognised by The Lawyer.”

Sean Angle, managing partner of Reed Smith’s Dubai office, commented:

"The UAE has evolved as the hub of Reed Smith’s regional practice in Central and South-West Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Since establishing our Dubai office in 2006 our team has gone from strength to strength and it’s incredible to see our efforts being rewarded."

Peter Michelmore, chairman of The British Business Group in Abu Dhabi and Reed Smith's senior partner in the Middle East, added:

“We are delighted that our long commitment to the United Arab Emirates and the wider region has been recognised in this way. It is a great credit to the whole Middle East Team, its strategic vision and consistent delivery of the highest standards of service to clients here over many years.'

ENDS

Note to Editors:

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with 23 offices in nearly 1700 lawyers in offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.

We advise many of the world’s leading organisations on cross-border transactions, complex dispute resolution and regulatory matters.

For further information please visit www.reedsmith.com or contact:
Jeyda Star, senior branding & communications executive, on +44 (0)20 3116 2571