IBA Group Member Awards appreciate leading law firms across the MENA and Asia Pacific regions
Tuesday 12 April 2022
The International Bar Association (IBA) has announced law firms Al Tamimi & Company, Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune, Clayton Utz, JunHe, Shin & Kim and Trilegal as winners of the IBA Group Member Awards for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia Pacific regions. The Awards were given in recognition of these law firms’ exceptional support and contributions to the work, projects, key objectives and aspirations of the IBA.
In alphabetical order, the Arab and Asia Pacific 2021 (postponed from last year) IBA Group Member Awards went to:
Al Tamimi & Company, for its considerable effort in supporting, facilitating, and promoting IBA projects and events throughout the MENA. In particular, the IBA commends Al Tamimi, with offices in ten countries throughout MENA, for utilising IBA expertise to educate international lawyers on the legal framework and developments across the MENA region.
Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman at Al Tamimi & Company, said: ‘It is an honour to receive the IBA Group Member Award. Having the opportunity to interact with international lawyers serving on the different committees of the IBA has given me, and several of my partners, exposure to global prospects. As a firm, we are committed to supporting the work the IBA consistently champions through its initiatives that help shape the future of the legal profession. As a firm, we are proud of our relationship with the IBA and look forward to taking a leading role in contributing to future projects.’
Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune, the first Japanese firm to join the IBA as a Group Member in 2009, for their long-standing support of the Association and commitment to guiding expansion in Japan. In particular, the IBA commends the extraordinary leadership shown by Akira Kawamura, a former IBA President (2011-2012) who has featured in lectures and publications for the organisation on numerous occasions over the years.
Kenji Hirooka, Partner at Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune, commented: ‘It is a great honour and privilege to accept the IBA 2021 Group Member Award on behalf of Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune in recognition of our firm’s role in the expansion of the IBA in Japan and beyond through participation in IBA conferences and committees. We derive particular pride in knowing that this Award also recognises the extraordinary work and leadership of our retired partner, Akira Kawamura, both during his term as IBA President and thereafter. Please accept our heartfelt thanks, and our ongoing commitment as a firm and as individual attorneys to continue to expand Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune’s support, participation and contributions in connection with the IBA’s committees, publications, projects and conferences.’
Clayton Utz, the longest continuing Group Member firm from the Asia Pacific region, for the firm’s continued dedication to the IBA and ongoing advocacy of the organisation’s initiatives. The leadership demonstrated by Clayton Utz at the 2017 IBA Annual Conference in Sydney as a member of the Conference Host Committee is also recognised.
Bruce Cooper, Managing Partner at Clayton Utz, stated: ‘Clayton Utz is honoured to receive the IBA’s Group Member Award. We were the first law firm to join the IBA from the Asia Pacific region several decades ago, because we saw then (and continue to see) the significant value to us in connecting globally with colleagues. As an independent Australian firm, the optionality created for us and our clients in maintaining excellent contacts with global elite firms is critical and the IBA's facilitation of that equally so. We’re proud of our contribution in assisting the IBA to further its reach in the region, and will continue to support the IBA’s aspirations for international collaboration.’
JunHe, the first Chinese firm to join the IBA as a Group Member in 2010, for guiding IBA expansion in China and championing the organisation through leadership roles in IBA conferences and committees. Partner David Liu is recognised for his exceptional work as Co-Chair of the IBA’s China Working Group.
Xiaojun (Warren) Hua, Managing Partner at JunHe, commented: ‘We thank the IBA leadership and the Management Board for giving JunHe LLP the IBA 2021 Group Member Award. It is not only a great honour, but also a recognition of JunHe's continuous support and contributions to the IBA. Over the years, our achievements in cross-border legal services are inseparable from the continuous support of the IBA and its membership firms. We will continue using our best endeavours to assist the IBA with its expansion in China.’
Shin & Kim, for their tireless support of IBA initiatives and commitment to increasing awareness of the organisation in South Korea. As a member of the Conference Host Committee and the Conference Organising Committee during the 2019 IBA Annual Conference in Seoul, Shin & Kim demonstrated extraordinary leadership, for which the IBA also commends them.
Jong-Han Oh, Managing Partner at Shin & Kim, said: ‘I am very honoured to receive the IBA 2021 Group Member Award on behalf of Shin & Kim, particularly as this is the first time this award is being given to a Korean law firm. This recognition means a lot to us, as it has always been a priority at our firm to foster greater cooperation and networking amongst legal practitioners across the world. It is our firm belief that such cooperation and networking will bring meaningful and lasting benefits to our national and global communities. Our participation in the International Bar Association has provided us with an invaluable foundation to build great relationships across the international legal community, and we look forward to continuing our support of the IBA. It will always be a privilege for Shin & Kim to be a part of this great organisation.’
Trilegal, the longest continuing Group Member firm from India, for their dedication to bringing the IBA’s work to a wider audience in the country. Partners Charandeep Kaur and Atul Gupta are recognised for their outstanding contributions to IBA committees and panel discussions, including Mr Gupta’s involvement in the Who's bearing the brunt of the pandemic? webinar in July 2020.
Nishant Parikh, Co-Managing Partner at Trilegal, commented: ‘It brings me great joy to be receiving the IBA 2021 Group Member Awards on behalf of Trilegal. The Firm is proud to support the IBA’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence across India and Asia and shares a great degree of resonance with the IBA’s pledge to diversity, equality and sustainability.’
Comments on the IBA Group Member Awards from the IBA President, Executive Director and Client Relationship Manager for Group Members:
IBA President Sternford Moyo, Chairman and Senior Partner of law firm Scanlen and Holderness in Zimbabwe commented: ‘We are delighted to recognise the achievements of these international law firms with our 2021 Group Member Awards. Their steadfast support enhances IBA outreach and increases the Association’s impact in an immeasurable way. Each firm is a shining example of how dedicated legal professionals can impact our profession and consequently society in general, because law touches every aspect of every life.’
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis said: ‘The Association is incredibly fortunate to have such active, committed supporters who encourage us to take on increasingly ambitious projects. It is truly inspiring to witness the pragmatic ways in which the 2021 cohort of IBA Group Member awardees continue to bring about positive change through myriad conversations, new policy implementations and collaborations.’
ENDS