CEO Insights Magazine

The UAE's corporate legal consulting market is dynamic, propelled by its pro-business stance and progressive government policies, transforming it into a magnet for growth-focused enterprises. UAE, as the regional business hub, nurtures an environment conducive to local and international firms, bolstered by its trade emphasis and forays into burgeoning sectors like space. This proactivity fuels a robust demand for legal services, underscoring the pivotal role of corporate and legal consultants. The clientele spans a spectrum, with long-term UAE residents and newcomers presenting diverse expectations. Bridging the gap entails elucidating the nuances of the UAE's legal landscape, distinct from their home jurisdictions. The coexistence of Civil Law based local Arabic courts as well as Common law rooted legal frameworks like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), brings diverselegal possibilities and opportunities, which is very pro-business. Navigating these intricacies while managing expectations constitutes a fundamental facet of the consulting process.

Menons Legal, as a multi-specialty law firm, assumes a pivotal role in this landscape, extending its bespoke services to individuals, enterprises, and government entities operating within the UAE. Specializing primarily in corporate law, Menons Legal has etched a distinct niche in the space sector—an arena marked by sparse competition. Concurrently, the firm excels in the realm of corporate sector restructuring, a realm cognizant of the idiosyncrasies inherent to each market's legal fabric.

Sethu Nandakumar Menon, Senior Partner/ Legal Consultant at Menons Legal, who is acting as Legal consultant in UAE, enrolled as an Advocate in India and Solicitor with Law Society of England and Wales, enlightens us more aabout the company in an exclusive interview with Asia Business Outlook.

How does your legal consultancy customize its approach to cater to clients spanning different industries within the UAE and across international borders?

Navigating the corporate client category in the legal realm demands a nuanced approach, tailored to the specifics of each case. When a client, whether a long-time UAE resident or a newcomer, approaches Menons Legal with a legal concern, the process unfolds with a meticulous strategy. The initial step involves an in-depth consultation to comprehend the client's situation and to understand the legal requirements, whether it pertains to establishing a new company or resolving corporate complexities like mergers and acquisitions. Understanding the underlying objectives is paramount, as every restructuring or corporate endeavor is driven by unique motivations. Multiple options are explored, each meticulously elucidated along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. This empowers the client to make informed decisions. Subsequently, the extent of legal work required becomes apparent, and a clear timeline and cost framework are presented, ensuring transparency. Emphasizing open dialogue with clients, whether individuals or corporate entities, fosters a sense of comfort and trust, facilitating seamless decision-making. Whether liaising with CEOs or CFOs, this personalized approach ensures clarity and alignment with the client's strategic vision.

Can you elaborate on your process for establishing, managing, and overseeing various legal entities, including holding companies and trusts, to align with the unique objectives of your clients in the UAE and globally?

Menons Legal serves a diverse clientele, with corporate clients comprising the majority. The firm customizes its approach to cater to the distinct needs of each client segment. When dealing with individuals, Menons Legal conducts one-on-one discussions, creating an environment conducive to open communication. In contrast, corporate clients often expect a team-oriented approach, seeking comprehensive support. Corporate clients embarking on new projects or investments value the firm's involvement from project inception, enabling the firm to shape foundational structures. This proactive engagement proves especially beneficial in complex endeavors like the ongoing space-related joint venture, where the firm's involvement from the outset facilitates effective project management and aligns with the firm's strategic goals. Menons Legal believesthat a happyand contentclient is the best step forward in creating confidence in the existing and future clients.

What are the key considerations and challenges in providing legal expertise for international transactions, space law, and dispute resolution?

Menons Legal adeptly manages cross-border legal complexities for its clients, particularly inInternational Transactions, Space Sector and global business contexts. Dispute resolution across borders demands careful handling, as both parties often seek a jurisdiction aligned with their comfort. This presents a pivotal challenge. The firm navigates this intricacy meticulously to ensure that, in case of disputes, the parties can reference their initial understandings. Given the frequent cross-border transactions in the UAE,which is the epitome of some sectors, Menons Legal emphasizes the importance of detailed, clear agreements. The firm also excels in alternative dispute resolution, notably arbitration, which is preferred for its expertise, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Arbitration ensures that subject matter experts adjudicate disputes, expediting the process and boosting both parties' confidence. This approach aligns with the firm's commitment to efficient, effective solutions for its diverse clientele. How has been the journey of the company since its inception? How has been its growth in terms of client acquisition and geographical expansion?

Menons Legal takes pride in its successful handling of complex cases and ongoing projects. One of its current projects involves the space sector, an intricate endeavor that requires consensus among global partners with unique interests and future plans. The firm has played a crucial role in structuring joint ventures and establishing legal agreements among stakeholders. Additionally, the firm has undertaken intricate corporate restructuring projects spanning multiple countries and jurisdictions, navigating diverse challenges unique to each case.

What are your firm's future goals and aspirations as corporate legal consultants in UAE?

Menons Legal's experienced team, averaging 20 to 25 years of practice, fosters its growth. The dedicated team works tirelessly to prioritize clients, ensuring their satisfaction and maintains a commitment to always being accessible and responsive. Being a boutique firm, the team is currently relatively small, there are plans for expansion, including the establishment of dedicated offices for space consultancy,Intellectual property and international ventures. This expansion aligns with the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized legal services to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

Sethu Nandakumar Menon, Senior Partner/Legal Consultant, Menons Legal

Sethu Nandakumar Menon is a highly accomplished legal professional with an extensive background spanning various legal domains. Sethu has been instrumental in providing legal counsel to corporate entities in the UAE, India, and other countries, as well as acting as a registered Trademark agent for businesses in the UAE. With a strong academic foundation, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Vienna, focusing on a comparative study of National Space Law and Policy. Sethu's dedication to the legal field is further evident through his research, publications, and participation in various legal conferences and organizations.