Corporate Counsel Forum Middle East - Conference programme

Tuesday 23 June 2009
Mina A'Salam, Madinat Jumeirah
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

09:00 Chairman’s opening remarks
Robert Swade, chief legal officer, Jumeirah Group

09:15 Economic keynote: Examining the fallout and ramifications of the global economic crisis on Middle East business
The past 12 months has seen a shift change in the way all business interests view the future world order in corporate and financial sectors. Oil revenues, investments and current account surpluses in the Gulf are all expected to be impacted over the next 12 months and beyond. This focused panel discussion will explore the current economic crisis and address the future knock-on effects for the Middle East region.
Dr Fabio Scacciavillani, director macroeconomics & statistics, Dubai International Financial Centre

09:45 Panel discussion: The changing role of general counsel in the Middle East
Business leaders are increasingly looking upon their legal counsel as a critical early warning device for unanticipated risk. As business deals become more complex it is essential that general counsel take a proactive stance and embed themselves as an integral part of the senior management team. This panel discussion will include unique perspectives from some of the leading general counsel in the Middle East. Discover how general counsel will evolve and hear best practice examples of building a winning legal team.
Mona Ashour Madi, general counsel, Unilever, North Africa & Middle East
Julia Chain, chief executive officer, H4 Partners
Stephen McGlennan, senior partner - Middle East and Africa, Denton Wilde Sapte
Robert Swade, chief legal officer, Jumeirah Group
Stephen Swanson, chief legal officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Company

11:00 Morning coffee

11:30 Interactive focus groups

A: Creating a tailored approach to dispute resolution for optimum commercial gain
The growth of dispute resolution and arbitration in the Middle East is being fuelled by a growth in litigation, cross-border transactions and increased sophistication of contracts. This focus group will assist you in navigating through the myriad of variables when making the choice between arbitration, mediation and litigation. Various scenarios will be discussed, including deals with parties internal and external to the GCC region. The session will include an update on the new DIFC Law no.1 and an overall assessment of the methods being used to develop a focal point for dispute resolution in the Middle East.
Mark Beer, court registrar, DIFC Courts
Adam Vause, senior sssociate, dispute resolution, Norton Rose

B: How do tax laws in the Middle East impact regional transactions and operations?
Taxation can be a material cost and can therefore impact future commercial returns. Furthermore, tax systems in the Middle East region are continuing to evolve which means that change needs to monitored. New income tax laws in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman are examples of recent change and there is also proposed changes to indirect tax in the GCC in the form of a VAT. In addition to the reform agenda, it's also important to recognise the different tax treatments that may apply to GCC and non-GCC investors. These different tax treatments can impact how to structure joint venture arrangements. Dealing with tax matters is therefore a growing issue as companies expand into new territories within the Middle East region. This session will discuss tax developments in the MER as well as highlight future trends to allow corporate counsel to identify risks and also consider how to deal with such risks.
Dean Rolfe, senior tax partner, head of tax practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers Middle East

C: Responding to cost-cutting demands through lean and efficient in-house team management
Cost-cutting will continue to be an essential business demand in 2009. To mitigate the impact on your legal department’s performance it is important to stringently apply vendor management techniques used elsewhere in your business. This group will discuss ways of overcoming the challenges and frustrations associated with cost cutting and offer practical methods of taking action.
Julia Chain, chief executive officer, H4 Partners
Jamie Nelson, general counsel, Dubai International Capital
Robert Swade, chief legal officer, Jumeirah Group

12:45 Lunch

14:00 Interactive focus groups

A: Mitigating the risks of fraud through transparent corporate governance structures
A spate of high profile corporate fraud cases have highlighted the fact that there is still a long way to go when it comes to strengthening corporate governance structures in the Middle East. The implementation of the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA), the global impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the race in Dubai to meet the requirements of the ESCA code in April 2010 will all shape the way businesses are run. This session will explore the impact of evolving standards for corporate governance and achieving best practice.
Claire Alves, company secretary, NASDAQ Dubai
Simon Copleston, general counsel & board secretary, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Noel Motha, general counsel, Limitless
Karen Sample, senior manager – legal, Tatweer Dubai

B: Overcoming the challenges of the real estate slowdown
Uncertainty is rife in the Middle East about the impact of the credit crunch on real estate transactions. In an attempt to cut through many of the vague areas associated with contract law in property, this focus group will provide insight into the current market slowdown and new regulations that will underpin growth in the region. As businesses continue to expand into different jurisdictions, there has never been a better time to fine-tune your knowledge of real estate law. The group will also address the implications of new green building regulations that could play a major role when purchasing real estate in the Dubai municipality.
Fadi Hammadeh, general counsel, Dubai Properties
Michael Lunjevich, real estate partner, Hadef & Partners
David Nicholson, general counsel, Nakheel

15:15 Afternoon tea

15:45 Interactive focus groups

A: Taking effective action when discovering fraud – the first 24 hours count
Join this expert led discussion group as they explore the critical points to consider when fraud is first discovered. Drawing on real-world knowledge, the group will set out the finer points of controlling information, collecting evidence and minimising the impact of such incidents on the overall business.
Tareq Haddad, partner, Ernst & Young

B: Key considerations when analysing, choosing and working with external counsel
The relationship between internal and external counsel is one that can have a significant effect on the overall efficiency of a legal department. This group will discuss how to clarify the role of external firms, understand the different ways firms can meet your needs and practical methods of improving flow of information. The discussion will finally cover the latest options available with e-billing solutions and billing methods to improve efficiency of invoicing.
Richard Gray, chief legal officer, ALDAR Properties
Gerard Hobby, chief legal officer, Dubai Holding
Kerri Lefebvre, partner, Conyers Dill & Pearman
Greg Sweeting, general counsel, twofour54.com

C: Establishing best practice team principles when working with Western business interests
The momentum of cross-border investment deals between the Middle East and Western businesses has opened up the region to a host of new opportunities and further strengthens the role of UAE investors in the global marketplace. Nevertheless, with such developments come a host of challenges in terms of establishing best practice when working with Western business interests. This session will display best practice and cost-effective methods of handling investments with US and European companies.
Adam Malouf, director - legal, AREIT Management
Cherine Ghali, Dubai Corporate Counsel Group
Ian Le Pelley, associate counsel, DP World

17:00 Keynote: Adding value to the in-house role to demonstrate and maximise return on investment
Gaining a competitive edge is imperative for today’s in-house legal team. In times of cost-cutting throughout the corporate world, providing a value added approach will maximise the return on investment for your in-house activities. How do you manage the outsourcing mix, minimise common errors in fee arrangements and make sure you establish an internal brand identity for your legal department. Such factors will ensure effective change and knowledge management in these demanding economic times.
Pavel Klimov, general counsel, UK EMEA, Unisys

17:30 Chairman’s closing remarks
Robert Swade, chief legal officer, Jumeirah Group

17:45 Networking drinks reception