Motei & Associates
ABOUT MOTEI & ASSOCIATES
We are a boutique law firm born in 2002 in the United Arab Emirates, a land of multicultural, dynamic energy and progressive spirit, striving to be a leading example to the rest of the world in challenging the impossible. This is what lies in the DNA of Motei & Associates.
On a par with the UAE government’s bold, forward-looking vision, we offer the perfect blend of professionalism with a creative legal approach, flexibility, and more importantly, open-ended, responsive attorney-client communication.
What has made us successful, is our deep understanding
of the traditions of the land and the unique complexities and challenges faced by living in a country with multiple legal systems. We bring forward this on-ground knowledge to deliver not just a traditional legal expertise but a personalized, well-rounded, commercially sound advice that will lead to our client’s success.
We offer legal solutions and advice to private and corporate clients of either local or international origin based in Dubai/UAE or with business interests in the country.
GLOBAL REACH
We are able to meet our clients’ international legal needs through our network of law firms, operating in most of the jurisdictions around the world. Our professional partnership with these selected law firms arises out of relationships that have been developed over two decades of practice in the UAE. We select the right local partner-firm for the matter at hand, whilst retaining full responsibility of the quality of work provided to our clients and ensuring a specialized advice by the right legal specialist.
PRO BONO SERVICES
Motei & Associates is one among the few law firms in the UAE who answer the call of pro bono legal aid. Our team of lawyers and legal consultants are filled with a drive to aid those who need legal assistance the most. By devoting our time to the financially disadvantaged, we seek to fight for their rights and ensure that a remedy is provided for their problems. Our team has successfully assisted many pro bono clients in the past and seek to help many more in future in order to provide a rewarding experience for all.
PRACTICES
01 BUSINESS & CORPORATE ADVISORY
Whether you are an ambitious start-up, an entrepreneur investing in a business, or a foreign corporation establishing a presence in the UAE,
clear advice will ensure that you are making the right decision.
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02 COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS
We specialise in advising clients on a wide range of commercial matters. In today’s challenging business environment, commercial transactions require comprehensive, practical and effective legal solutions.
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03 DISPUTE RESOLUTION & ARBITRATION
Litigation and disputes are stressful, time-consuming and may cause mental and emotional strain whether you are in a private business or managing a company, an investor, an employee, or an individual seeking justice.
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04 EMPLOYMENT
Employment legislation has seen unprecedented massive changes to address the businesses impacted by challenges and difficulties during the pandemic. In-depth expertise is now more essential than ever.
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05 FAMILY & DIFC WILLS
In a country of diverse legal systems where more than 80 per cent of its population originates from around the world, conscious advice on family matters is absolutely essential for expatriates relocating to the UAE.
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06 REAL ESTATE
Whether you are buying or selling a property, real estate transactions present significant financial exposure alongside excellent opportunities. Our skilled advice ensures you shift your focus on to the latter.
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Ashraf El Motei LL.M., MCIArb
Managing Partner
Motei & Associates
Profile
Ashraf heads the dispute resolution practice in M&A. He specializes in civil and commercial litigation and has particular focus on international arbitration. His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of substantive areas with specific focus on all types of real estate disputes including sale and purchase disputes, distressed/ canceled developments, enforcement of judgments and security, employment, professional negligence and health care disputes.
In addition to his civil litigation practice, Ashraf has represented clients in numerous arbitration cases under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). He has also served as arbitrator and co-arbitrator in several significant arbitrations. He has specific expertise in enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention.
He has commenced his legal career as a Public Prosecutor in Egypt prior to moving to private practice with international law firm Baker & McKenzie. Prior to establishing Motei & Associates in 2002, Ashraf was the regional general counsel for the multinational food company, Nestlé.
Ashraf is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), a listed Arbitrator at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and has the right of audience before the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts.
Ashraf handles cases in Arabic, English and French with equal proficiency.
Education
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) - SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas
- Master of Laws - Paris I - La Sorbonne, Paris
- Bachelor of Laws - Cairo University School of Law, Cairo
Bar Admissions
- Egypt 1989 - Supreme Court
Memberships
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb)
- London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
- Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
- International Bar Association (IBA)
- IBA Arbitration Committee
Languages
- Arabic
- English
- French
