LYLAW is a Dubai-based general practice law firm, advising corporations and individuals on the practical aspects of living and doing business in the U.A.E. and the greater MENA region. Our clients range from individuals, to family offices, to multinationals. Our specialty is pragmatic and individually tailored advice, based on significant legal and business experience in the region. We focus on providing quality advice, by representing a selective group of clients to whom we offer uncompromising individual support and in-depth expertise of the local market and legal principles. We are a tight-knit group of internationally trained practitioners, with in-depth local experience and considerable history of working together. We are enthusiastic, young-spirited and idealistic, yet pragmatic and grounded. We embrace the challenges of practicing law in a rapidly evolving jurisdiction and enjoy being in the thick of the history in the making. As a team, we adhere to the utmost standards of professionalism and ethics and aspire to the highest levels of client satisfaction. We are passionate about our profession and loyal to our cause. We are active participants in and contributors to the U.A.E. legal framework. The Firm’s lawyers are regular legal commentators to the national and international media outlets on the various aspects of the U.A.E. legal practice. Our Managing Partner, Ludmila Yamalova, raises awareness of pertinent legal issues through a variety of platforms. For over ten years, Ludmila has been a regular legal commentator on Dubai Eye, FM103.8 s, Dubai’s number one radio station, http://dubaieye1038.com We provide advice and represent clients in corporate and individual matters, which may be considered criminal under U.A.E. Penal Code. We have substantial experience in assisting clients with representation before U.A.E. Police, Public Prosecution, Criminal Courts and Immigration Authorities. Bounced cheques: we negotiate and help administer matters of bounced cheques, carrying criminal penalties under U.A.E. laws. Breach of trust/white collar crimes: we represent corporations and employees in breach of trust and white collar corporate matters, providing advice on definitions and application of such crimes under U.A.E. laws and practice. Defamation/false advertising: we provide advice on parameters of making statements to the public, which may be considered defamatory under U.A.E. laws, and guidance on best practices to comply with applicable legislation and practice. Traffic offenses: we assist clients in representation of traffic offenses, which may rise to the level of criminal, advising on applicable laws and managing legal proceedings. We provide a full range of advisory services on corporate and commercial matters, in the context of the U.A.E. laws and practice. Our clients range from established multi-national corporations to startups. We base our advice on extensive experience of practicing law and doing business in the U.A.E. while relying on international experience and background of our respective legal practitioners. Our corporate practice includes providing clients with advice regarding: Contract drafting: we draft customized business contracts, based on thorough understanding of clients’ particular business needs and relying on practical legal and business U.A.E. experience. Corporate restructuring and management: we provide advice on corporate restructuring and best business practices. Corporate in-house counsel: we act as corporate in-house counsel for clients’ businesses, providing full spectrum of corporate services, including managing Board meetings, overseeing voting sessions and conducting legal audits. Banking advice and management: we work closely with banks to assist clients in selecting most suitable banking relationships and in helping them manage their financial records. Intellectual property advice and registration: we provide advice on intellectual property (IP) rights and enforcement under the local laws and practice in the MENA region, including IP registration. Dispute resolution: we represent clients in amicable settlements, mediation, arbitration and litigation of their corporate disputes. Value Added Tax: we provide advice and guidance to clients on the framework and application of the U.A.E. upcoming value added tax (VAT). We have substantial and in-depth experience with U.A.E. employment/labour laws and first-hand track record in litigating employment cases before U.A.E. labour and civil courts. We have been highly successful in securing favourable judgments for our clients. We have also successfully negotiated and managed many employment related settlements. We rely on this practical experience in advising clients, structuring and restructuring their employment practices, to ensure their compliance with local legislation and judicial practice. This includes, among other things, drafting and revising of all forms of employment-related agreements and providing general advice on employment practices. We advise corporate clients, international and local, as well as individual employees. Employment advisory services: we advise clients on employment benefits, termination and wrongful dismissal, end of service benefits, confidentiality and non-competition agreements, in the context of the U.A.E. laws and practice. Contract drafting: we have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating employment agreements, confidentiality and non-competition agreements, as well as all other forms of employment related undertakings. Contract administration: we assist clients in contract registration, administration and management and work closely with relevant government authorities. End-of-service: we provide clients, employees and corporations alike, with advice on end-of-service calculation, notice period, arbitrary dismissal and severance agreements. Alternative dispute resolution: we offer mediation services and manage mediation and settlement proceedings, along with the drafting of corresponding settlement agreements. Dispute resolution: we represent clients in employment disputes before all of the U.A.E. Labour Courts and DIFC Courts. Immigration: we offer assistance with the U.A.E. employment visas, including, visa application and registration, transfers and cancellations.