UAEU’s College Of Law, Herbert Smith Sign MoU To Initiate A Long-Term Cooperation

Herbert Smith LLP and UAE University, College of Law in Al Ain, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate a long-term cooperation process, including a vacation scheme programme, which has already commenced with the internship of two UAE University law students into the firm’s UAE offices.

Established in 1976, UAE University is the first and foremost comprehensive National University in the United Arab Emirates. It educates over 12,000 students every year and around 200 students are enrolled at the College of Law.

Approximately six Emirati law students will be invited to come to Herbert Smith each year. The scheme will include a two-week programme in the firm’s offices in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, a two-week programme in the firm’s head office in London (or one of Herbert Smith’s other international offices) and an intensive [Legal and Buisness]English language course.

As well as contributing to the development and education of law students in the UAE, initiating such a programme will help create a pipeline of strong, young Emirati lawyers. The intention is that some of these lawyers will join Herbert Smith upon graduation, facilitating the continued growth and success of the firm in the region.

Professor Jassim Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Dean of the College of Law, commented: " The UAE University College of Law believes that the cooperation between the law offices in the UAE and educational institutes are essential and we appreciate this Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Herbert Smith and look forward to our cooperation."

Neil Brimson, head of Herbert Smith’s Middle East practice, commented: "We are delighted to partner with the UAE University, College of Law in Al Ain and to have the opportunity of contributing to the development of the legal profession in the UAE. This initiative, largely led by Diana Hamade, a UAE qualified consultant to Herbert Smith, demonstrates our long-term commitment to the UAE as well as the development of UAE law capability within the firm."