Charles is ranked as “Senior Statespeople” in Commercial Contracts and Employment.
Chambers Global
“Charles Laubach, Partner. Well known and well regarded. Deep experience over many years in the UAE. Is able to advise on current developments with context and understanding and put things in perspective. This is very important in this market where regulatory practice is always evolving.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2021
“Deep knowledge of local legal systems with strong international exposure.”
Chambers Global 2021
Clients appreciate his “quick and precise guidance,” with one source noting that “his main strengths are his experience and strategic approach.”
Chambers Global 2021
“Very objective and direct – he’s confident in his advice, and that instils great confidence in the client.”
Chambers Global 2020
“Very affable and pleasant.”
Chambers Global 2020
“There’s a practicality about him I like,” further describing him as “high quality and very trustworthy.”
Chambers Global 2020
“I wish I had ten more just like him.”
Chambers Global 2019
“Very much an elder statesman in the community,” said one of his peers, going on to add: “He is a very good technical lawyer and knows the law very well.” One client remarked on his “excellent handling of matters” and that it is “an added bonus that he speaks Arabic.”
Chambers Global 2019
“Very easy to work with” and a lawyer who offers “concise and to-the-point legal advice,” when needed. Another source added: “He is extremely knowledgeable about local issues in the UAE.”
Chambers Global 2018
“Brings a wealth of experience.”
Chambers Global 2014
“Has been exposed to virtually all legal issues in the region“, and as such has developed a strong reputation for “always knowing the answer and delivering advice that is consistently on point, practical and commercially oriented.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2014
The “practical and prompt” Charles Laubach acts on a range of commercial issues, and is valued for his “rare blend of intelligence and efficiency.”
Chambers Global: The Client’s Guide 2008
“Forthright and reliable.”
Chambers Global – The Client’s Guide 2007
Lexology Legal Influencer for Employment – Asia-Pacific, Q2 2020
Lexology
Commended External Counsel of the Year 2017
In-House Community
External Counsel of the Year 2013
Asian-MENA Counsel Representing Corporate Asia & Middle East In-House Community Survey
Consistently recognised as one of the “Leaders in their Field,” Corporate/Commercial (United Arab Emirates)
Chambers Global
Charles has been practicing as a legal consultant in the UAE since 1986. He advises on general corporate matters, contracts and government procurements, project finance, employment, and international trade controls.
Charles has been involved in numerous high monetary value financing and re-financing transactions. In addition, he provides specialised expertise regarding US, UN, and other sanctions, boycotts, and controls affecting exports to, investments in, and transactions with certain designated countries and with regard to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other bribery prohibitions.
Charles has an active project’s and project finance practice, dating back to the beginnings of the privatization of Abu Dhabi’s power and water sector in the 1990s, with the Taweelah A-1 and Taweelah A-2 projects, and including the first Sharia-compliant asset-backed securitization in the UAE. He also advises international defense contractors on legal matters in the UAE involving negotiation and performance of contracts with the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces, compliance with the “Khalifa Directive” and other integrity obligations, establishment of local offices for the support of programs with the GHQ and other customers, and assistance with offset programs, relying on experience gained since the creation of the UAE’s offset program in 1990.
Since the late 1990s, Charles has been the author of the standard industry UAE law opinions on the various financial agreements used by the ICMA and the ISLA, enabling ICMA and ISLA members to enter into complex financial transactions with counterparties in the UAE.
Charles is well versed in all aspects of UAE and DIFC employment matters and assists clients in preparing employment documentation, and advises on compensation schemes, incentive schemes, confidentiality and non-compete clauses, and workforce reduction programmes. He assists with the employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate restructurings, and handles contentious matters.