University Of Dubai And Difc Academy Of Law To Support Development Of Uae Legal Profession

The University of Dubai and the DIFC Academy of Law today announced details of a partnership to support the on-going growth and development of the UAE legal profession.

The two organisations will cooperate on initiatives that enhance the skills and knowledge of the countrys lawyers and law students, including research, training programmes and the hosting of legal seminars and conferences.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the University of Dubai following a talk to College of Law students, as well as invited guests from the UAE legal community. Speakers included H.E. Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai (UD), Michael Hwang, DIFC Courts Chief Justice and Head of the Dispute Resolution Authority, Dr. Harold Koster, Director of the University of Dubai College of Law, and David Gallo, Director of the Academy of Law.

H.E. Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki said that UD is committed to quality in education and our MOU with the DIFC Academy of Law is a clear example of that commitment to always work with high standard and quality institution like DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority. He added that despite all changes taking place around the globe, education is still needed to advance all aspects of life in the country.

The College of Law was established by the University of Dubai in 2013 to respond to the increasing demand for legal professionals in the UAE. It offers a Master of Laws (LLM) programme with two tracks: Arbitration & Dispute Resolution, and Financial Crimes & Money Laundering, with admission open to both Law and non-Law graduates.

DIFC Courts Chief Justice and Head of the Dispute Resolution Authority, Michael Hwang, added: While the UAE has emerged as a centre of legal excellence in recent years, our lawyers have tended to look overseas to complete their education and training. Thanks to institutions such as the University of Dubai, we are now seeing the emergence of a generation of promising home grown lawyers who are educated, trained and accredited here in the UAE. The Academy of Law looks forward to working closely with the University of Dubai to add momentum to this important trend.

Established in 2015, the Academy of Law is part of the Dispute Resolution Authority, which also comprises the DIFC Courts and DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Its core functions include training and regulating lawyers, publishing Court law reports and academic literature, providing free legal advice for people in need through the regions first Pro Bono Programme, and hosting events for the development of the legal system and the professional community.

The MoU with the University of Dubai is the second cooperation agreement the DIFC Academy of Law has signed with an educational institution. Earlier in 2015, it established formal ties with East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), one of Chinas most prestigious higher education institutions. It has also established a strategic alliance with the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department to create a platform for launching programmes that ensure the legal profession develops in line with international best practices.