The new £150k benchmark for Magic Circle associates – ‘rewarding the best’, or ‘slightly alarming’?

Associate pay reaches eye-watering heights as the war for talent at the top of the market goes further into the salary stratosphere With all eyes on the upcoming election to see what a potential new government might do about the cost of living crisis, this May saw things get a little easier for the notoriously …

MENA focus: Middle Eastern dreams

‘Saudi Arabia is trying to put itself on the map and establish itself as a place where international businesses want to make significant inward investments,’ says Clyde & Co’s Susie Abdel-Nabi, of the busiest Middle Eastern legal market today. Abdel-Nabi, who is based in Dubai, leads the international firm’s dispute resolution group across the Middle …

Q&A: Sarah Thompson, Arthur Cox

What is the current state of Irish legislation on ESG? Environmental, social and governance considerations have always been important to our clients but in recent years conversations about ESG matters have risen to the top of many organisations’ agendas, especially following the pandemic. At Arthur Cox, we have seen demand for ESG-related advice increase over …

The Saudi Arabian legal market

Profile: An Overview of the Firm At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s evolving commercial landscape stands ELaw Boutique Law Firm, a premier boutique law firm renowned for its specialisation in commercial and corporate law. Our firm has consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in navigating the intricate legal intricacies associated with these sectors, empowering our clients to …

Conformity assessments under the EU AI Act: Ensuring compliance, safety, and trust in artificial intelligence

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, transforming various sectors by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities. However, the proliferation of AI technologies also brings forth significant challenges, particularly concerning safety, fairness, transparency, and accountability. In response to these challenges, the European Union (EU) has proposed and …

Understanding the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: A comprehensive guide

The European Union has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable and responsible business practices with the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Approved on 24 April 2024, this directive mandates large companies operating within the EU to integrate human rights and environmental due diligence into their operations and value chains. This …

‘An ever-growing region of high importance’: doing business in Iran

Iran is a strategic country located in the Middle East, possessing abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, gold, and other mines and minerals. In addition, Iran enjoys the benefits of having access to the Caspian Sea in the north, and to the Persian Gulf and free waters of Oman in the south. Moreover, Iran …