Visa Department

Trench & Associates DMCC provides a comprehensive range of Visa services in the UAE for Corporate and Individual clients. With a proven track record of efficient service delivery, we prioritize prompt access to visa status for our clients. Recently, we introduced the Golden Visa service, which is explained in detail in the accompanying video, outlining the qualifying requirements and procedures. Contact us today for more information on our services and take advantage of our new Golden Visa offering.

Dispute Resolution

Arbitration

Trench & Associates DMCC advises clients on all arbitration procedures and conduct arbitration proceedings on their behalf in a variety of jurisdictions, both domestic and international. We have represented clients in DIAC, LCIA, ADCCAC, ICC, and ad hoc arbitrations. We frequently advise a number of international clients and law firms on the local laws, where the parties have chosen to have their disputes governed by the laws of the UAE.

Litigation

We advise on all aspects of litigation, such as Civil, Commercial, Criminal, Banking, Corporate, Construction, Insurance, Rental, Real Estate; and Employment, having good and strong relationships with specialist barristers (in London) and advocates (Emirates-wide) to ensure that our clients are given the best representation possible.

Statement of Experience

• Successfully assisted various clients in having a DIAC arbitral award recognised and enforced; or annulled by Dubai Courts.
• Represented a property developer in relation to several cases through the Courts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in relation to the enforcement of arbitral awards in Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts.
• Represented a client in defending an arbitration claim in an engineering consultancy dispute before the Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre.
• Assisted an international law firm in an ICC – Paris arbitration by advising on the relevant UAE law provisions applicable to their dispute.
• Assisted an international law firm in a DIAC arbitration by advising on the relevant UAE law provisions applicable to their dispute and preparing a UAE law report for submission to the Tribunal on behalf of the firm’s client.
• Assisting a client in commencing Dubai Court proceedings against a property developer for a reduction in the agreed-upon purchase price, due to the fact that the delivered units were not in accordance with the agreed -upon specifications.
• Assisted a few clients in successfully enforcing sale of shares agreements in various UAE Courts.
• Represented Contractor and/or sub-contractor clients in DIAC arbitration proceedings against the main contractor in relation to unpaid final invoices; or vice versa.
• Advised a client in respect of one of the most extensive and multi-jurisdictional litigious cases ever to come before and be heard by civil courts. Assisted When repercussions occurred ten years after settlement; and assisted the client in achieving harmony amongst the members of the international conglomerate when repercussions occurred some ten years after settlement.
• Advised various regional companies in regard to former senior employees’ breaches of non-compete, non-circumvention agreements and disclosure of trade secrets.
• Assisted many local entities in protecting their intellectual property rights; and representing them before the Ministry of Economy.
• Successfully assisted a client in negotiating a favourable payment plan with a regional bank further to the bank’s breach of the significant loan agreement of relevance.
• Advising employers in the UAE in regard to breach of contract, termination procedures, disciplinary actions; and end-of-service benefit calculations.
• Assisting both landlords and tenants in Dubai in regard to rental disputes relating to their tenancy contracts; and representing them before the Dubai Land Department’s Rental Disputes  Center.

Debt Collection Services

Trench & Associates DMCC – Our collection method stems from our many years of experience and we adhere to tried and true negotiation principles. We can evaluate genuine cash flow problems and stalling excuses for non-payment by maintaining close contact with the debtor. Due diligence and financial fraud investigation are essential components of our debt collection efforts…

We recognise that no two debtors or their circumstances are identical, so we negotiate with them based on the facts and their circumstances. Our debt collection team offers a quick, focused, and workable solution with a high success rate, and most importantly, we try to be honest in our assessment of the situation.

We accomplish this through relentless research, experimentation, efficient use of technology, and teamwork, all while maintaining a strong and amicable relationship with the debtor, allowing you to keep the “window of negotiation” open for future business opportunities. While we have a high success rate with amicable recoveries, if necessary, we can initiate legal action and see it through to a successful conclusion – through the court, thanks to our lawyers and network of trusted and experienced advocates, which provides preferential services and rates.

Many years of consistent performance and high debt and nonperforming loan recovery rates have earned us a reputation for recovering in conditions where most others have failed. All information and documents provided by clients are kept secure, and we maintain the strictest levels of privacy and confidentiality.

Our Debt Collection team allows you to recover doubtful or bad debts using our efficient and cost-effective methodology.

We can approach your debtors and handle the collection process professionally and objectively as licensed registered legal consultants.

Our approach is to use a variety of methods, such as calling, visiting, writing legal notices to debtors, and preparing formal notarised demands. We can assist and advise you on the filing of formal debt collection proceedings, including requesting the intervention of the Center for Amicable Dispute Resolution before going to court.

We offer:

• Over 30 years of experience
• Lawyers and paralegals who can assist with debt collection
• Free updates and reports
• Free initial advice
• Low fee structures with a sliding scale.

Property and Real Estate Legal Services

Trench & Associates DMCC represents Property owners, buyers and sellers alike in respect of commercial and residential real estate transactions. We are committed to providing the highest quality and commercially driven residential and commercial property advice to protect our Clients’ interests.

We provide expert and specialized assistance concerning contract negotiation, reorganization, and resolving property-related issues. We offer simple and direct legal guidance while also being mindful of the business considerations that affect transaction negotiations.  We can provide various options of just reviewing the relevant terms of sale and purchase or attend the entire property transaction on your behalf.

Our Expertise in Real Estate Legal Services include:

• Property Sale & Purchase Agreements
• Property Development
• Transfer of Property at the Land Departments throughout the Emirates
• Leases Reviews – both Residential and Commercial
• Property Rental Disputes
• Dispute Settlement (Building and Construction Contracts)

We work with other professional service providers (including agents, property finders, financiers, surveyors) to enable each transaction to proceed as smoothly as possible. We also work closely with our Private Client and Litigation teams to ensure that we are in the best position to service our clients’ personal, commercial and business needs.

Why Choose Trench & Associates DMCC as your Real Estate Lawyer?

When you entrust us with your affairs, we are entirely devoted to providing outstanding service and ensuring you are safe legally. We handle time-sensitive situations and offer quick legal assistance since we know how significant some time-sensitive issues may be.

Tailored Solutions

We organize our work into smaller, more focused teams and give knowledgeable legal assistance and support in a manner that is specifically suited, with 100% attention and participation in all of our matters. Customers receive beneficial guidance and solutions from our legal services.

Private Client

Estate planning

Trench & Associates DMCC advises on estate planning particularly in the UAE for UK and other Expats whether temporarily or permanently resident outside their country of origin. We act in conjunction with several correspondents worldwide to ensure that the personal legal and tax positions of our clients is protected for the current and the next generation.

Succession

We advise on all aspects relating to succession including wills and probate as well as advice on the effect of the estate, rights and charges and how these affect the beneficiaries whether pursuant to a will or otherwise. In the UAE, we are able to advise on aspects of Sharia Law that may affect succession.

We work with Muslims and non-Muslim Clients alike in terms of corporate governance and family constitutions, charters and by-laws.  In this regard, we have formed Foundations at the DIFC and elsewhere and work closely with other providers in establishment of Trusts.

Probate & Inheritance

Having been established for since 1996, Trench & Associates is the top Firm in respect of handling Probate and Inheritance matters. In recent years, we handle over a dozen inheritance cases which are progressing through the Courts throughout the Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Similarly, we handle many probate matters at the DIFC Courts.

Offshore tax efficient structures

We advise high net worth individuals in respect of restructuring their private property ownership which allows them to benefit certain beneficiaries under trusts or other structures using offshore tax efficient models.

We provide such advice with the assistance of correspondents in various offshore jurisdictions to obtain the most up to date and highest level of advice, paying particular regard to the introduction of the latest UAE Corporate Tax.

Onshore Asset Protection via Foundations

Trench & Associates DMCC offers specialised advice on onshore asset protection using the available structures under the laws or regulations of DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) or RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) ICC. These Foundations provide a robust and flexible structure for asset protection, ensuring clients can safeguard their wealth from potential legal risks while maintaining confidentiality and control over their assets. Our expertise is to assist the Client with these Foundations, tailored to meet the unique needs of each Client, including provisions for family governance and succession planning.

Employment Law

Employment and Consultants contracts

Trench & Associates DMCC advises on all types of employment and consultants contracts and act for employers as well as employees. We are experienced in dealing with all employment aspects at UAE Federal level as well as in accordance with the specific laws of free zone jurisdictions throughout the UAE. Since the introduction of the UAE Labour Law, no 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations, we have advised many SMEs and large Corporate Organizations in respect of updating their employment contracts and in some instances their Policies and Handbooks.

Employment Disputes

We also advise on disputes and litigation arising out of employment contracts and consultancies. Since the introduction of the UAE Labour Law, no 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations, we have advised many SMEs and large Corporate Organizations in respect of updating their employment contracts and in some instances their Policies and Handbooks.

Experience Statement

• Providing in-depth UAE Labour law advice to several renowned schools and colleges in Dubai including the amending and drafting of various policies for each school and colleges;
• Acting for the UAE branch of a large international hotel chain in the defence, management and successful settlement of an employment law claim brought against the hotel by a previous employee;
• Acting for a globally renowned financial service company in respect of pursuing a civil claim on its behalf against one of its previous employees relating to a breach by the employee of restrictive covenants contained within his employment contract;
• Acting for a large commercial client in the successful appeal of a judgment issued against it in respect of a claim by one of its previous employees for end of service payments;
• Acting for a bank in the defence of a claim issued by one of its previous employees against it for end of service payments;
• Acting for a senior director of a large international bank in respect of the successful negotiation of a severance package of significance value; and
• Acting for a large UAE refreshments Company in relation to a complex case brought against it relating to trademark/ intellectual property infringement.

Commercial Law

Agencies & Distribution

Trench & Associates DMCC advises on all types of agencies, including the more regulated type of commercial agencies, as well as distributions. Lawyers at Trench & Associates DMCC have experience in drafting all types of agency and distribution agreements and pay particular attention to aspects such as passing of title and risk and retention of title and other matters such as liens, transportation of goods and shipping.

Joint ventures

We advise on all types of contractual and corporate joint ventures and shareholder relationships, including partnerships, collaboration and other types of joint participation. We have experience in drafting and negotiating all types of domestic and cross-border joint venture agreements.

Franchises

We advise on all types of franchise arrangements from the restaurant / bar franchising arrangements to the less conventional franchising schemes.

Management

We advise on all types of arrangements that entail outsourcing or delegating management responsibilities, including hotel and other residential and office management arrangements.

Trade, retail and e-commerce

We advise on all trade, sale of goods and services and other types of dealings including hire purchase and leasing for large machinery and consumer products. We have experience in documenting such arrangements, including dealings and arrangements with shopping centres and malls and other shop-in-shop arrangements, as well as advising on e-commerce generally not only in the UAE but throughout the GCC.

 Leisure

We advise on all hospitality, vacation and tourism matters, including shopping centres and malls, restaurants, clubs and themed parks.

 Entertainment

We advise on music and sport, branding, promotion and licensing, film and TV finance, production and distribution, crew and talent agreements, content acquisition and licensing, art and other collectibles acquisition and disposal (including auctions) and related dispute resolution.

Intellectual Property

Registration

We advise on the registrability and assist with the registration process of all registrable intellectual property anywhere in the world.

Data protection

We advise on all aspects of protection, processing and cross border transfer of data whether in accordance with UK data protection legislation or legislation in force.

Infringement

We are able to take urgent action against parties infringing rights of registered Trademark/ Copyright holders including requests to the authorities for seizure and, in some cases, destruction of the items bearing infringing trademarks, issuing of fines, and civil court action which can result in the award of compensation. In such cases, we draft legal notices and are involved in raids and investigations into sources and origins.

We advise clients on civil litigation to enforce their rights, including attachment proceedings and actions for compensation. It should also be borne in mind that the Police and the Public Prosecution can launch criminal proceedings against infringing parties, which can result in fines and/or imprisonment.

Experience Statement

• Advising, drafting and negotiating a large Abu Dhabi company on several cross border Franchise and Distribution Agreements with US, Pakistan and Indian entities.
• Advising a major local franchise entity on a proposed frozen yoghurt and dairy brand franchise in the GCC.
• Assisting in the advising and drafting of several reciprocal agreements of one of the world’s largest domain name providers relocate to the UAE. Together with a review of the operating Terms and Conditions so as to comply with the laws of the UAE.
• Advising and reviewing a Franchise Agreement for the establishment of an Educational College from a market leading educational service provider.
• Advising a prospective Franchisee in respect of a Franchise of a renowned Italian restaurant chain in Dubai.
• Advising a home grown pizza restaurant in registration of its intellectual property and assisting them in developing their franchise model;
• Advising a global events company in respect of their activities with non-governmental and governmental entities throughout the UAE, Qatar and Europe.
• Advising on the establishment of hotels in the UAE, Tanzania and China.
• Advising on the establishment of a 4 star hotel chain in China.
• Advising owners on the establishment of Four Seasons, Kempinski, Radisson SAS, Taj and Golden Tulip and other large hotel management companies.
• Advised on a multi-national fireworks, light and sound show company in respect of their contracts both in the UAE and Egypt.
• Advising international book publishers, on matters involving copyright infringement in the GCC.

Corporate Law

Mergers & Acquisitions

Trench & Associates DMCC advises on a range of domestic and cross-border / multi-jurisdictional mergers, share and asset acquisitions and disposals. Lawyers at Trench & Associates DMCC have acted for and represented parties to sales and acquisitions, as well as target companies and minority shareholders, both in the private and public sectors.

Reorganisation and restructuring

We advise on all types of capital and/or asset reorganisations and restructuring. We have experience in local and cross-border group reorganizations. Such transactions have mainly been associated with survival of the underlying business or businesses and/or as a consolidation of groups of companies or investors.

Company formation & administration

We assist clients in the establishment of all types of business entities whether onshore or offshore and have special relationships with correspondents in major free zones   to ensure structuring remains at all times cost-effective. We are conversant with the highest levels of corporate governance and ensure that corporate administrative documents, such as resolutions and communications to shareholders are produced to satisfy internationally recognised standards.

 Experience Statement 

• Acting in the settlement and sale of a renowned medical practitioner’s health clinics to a global healthcare equity fund.
• Advising and assisting a market leading gourmet food store on all aspects of its continued expansion in the UAE.
• Advising on the acquisition of a chain of UAE restaurants, juice bars and coffee shops.
• Advising a chain of Middle East food outlets on their expansion within the UAE.
• Advising on the acquisition of a sport and leisure centre
• Advising on a Water Park set up and operation, including restructuring.
• Providing advice on UAE corporate issues to a global telecom operator.
• Advising a global bookstore chain, on their establishment within Dubai including advice on complex licensing issues.
• Assisting large groups of companies based in Dubai in respect of their GCC-wide brand development in relation to retail, clothing and other FMCG products;
• Assisting several Dubai ‘grown’ companies in selling their UAE wide and some MENA wide businesses and performing full M&A work including due diligence and advising on sale & purchase, due diligence and disclosures.
• Advising closing an international company in recent years in purchasing a UAE wide group of companies , including due diligence and M&A work

Safeguarding (Keeping Minors Safe)

Safeguarding is an organisation wide holistic process that aims to prevent and identify issues and intervene before larger and more serious concerns develop. A well designed and efficiently implemented safeguarding program can promote accountability and responsibility for keeping children and minors safe from harm such as abuse. This service is offered to organisations whose activities involve minors.

Trench & Associates DMCC assists with the design, review, and delivery of:

• safer recruitment policies and processes;
• early help processes;
• safeguarding awareness training; and
• online safety.

Anti-Harassment/ Respectful Workplace

The recent overhaul of the UAE Labour Law, with the issuance of Law no. 33 of 2021, expressly prohibits sexual harassment at work which includes psychological as well as physical harassment, these amendments complement existing provisions in the UAE Penal Code under which sexual harassment is a crime. The new UAE Labour Law brings into focus the need for companies to develop and implement respectful workplace policies, workplace behaviours training, and awareness campaigns.

Our training and awareness campaigns centre around how to create professional, safe and healthy boundaries and establish a thriving professional environment in which we can expect to see and benefit from workplace behaviours such as:

• Acceptance of personal responsibility
• Replacing manipulation with influence
• Elimination of passive aggressive behaviour
• Tempering survival behaviours
• Improving appropriate assertive behaviour

Compliance and Ethics

At Trench & Associates DMCC, we believe that Compliance and Ethics are central to any business strategy as all organisations operate on a set of values, whether these values are intentionally defined or not. A well designed and implemented compliance and ethics program allows businesses to consciously mitigate risks that would have otherwise been obscured and proactively create a corporate culture which can create or regain trust within the organisation itself and within the marketplace.

Today we see effective leaders placing compliance and ethics at the centre of the strategic core of organisations.

We assist with:

• designing and enhancing compliance and ethics programs;
• developing and advising on standards, policies, and procedures;
• designing, drafting and delivering robust risk based training programmes and internal awareness campaigns which are tailored and aimed reinforcing your organisation’s values and standards;
• designing risk based third party screening policies and process aligned with your organisation’s risk tolerance levels; and conducting enhanced third party screening services.