Middlesex University Dubai, a leading university of choice in the region and DIFC Academy of Law (AOL), the premier entity providing quality ancillary services to the UAE legal community, announces a partnership offering a first of its kind certificate course in Common Law and DIFC Courts Practice.

Through the collaboration, both institutions aim to prepare Emirati advocates and other civil law trained lawyers to practice before the DIFC Courts. Beginning in September 2018, the 28 weeks course will be held both at DIFC’s Academy of Law campus and Middlesex University Dubai training facilities. Entry requirements for the course include personal interviews and IELTS level of 5.5 or the equivalent. The course will be taught by expert legal faculty from the University as well as subject matter specialists from the Academy of Law and renowned barristers from Outer Temple Chambers.

Speaking about the collaboration, David Gallo, Director, DIFC Academy of Law, said: “We are delighted to offer this unique legal education experience, designed to equip legal professionals with the tools required to structure commercial transactions and resolve disputes in a common law environment.”

“Trans-systemic professional competencies are not only essential for working effectively in an increasingly complex legal ethos, but they also provide lawyers with the differentiated knowledge and skills that international law firms and multinational clients are seeking. Providing this opportunity for Emirati Advocates, other lawyers with civil law backgrounds and legal professionals interested in DIFC laws and practice is another important step in the evolution of a legal ecosystem comprised of multiple separate but interdependent jurisdictions, where legal professionals can operate in the spirit of cooperation to drive cross-system legal service efficiencies.  We can imagine an emerging model of legal education – with global marquee value-that enables practitioners to serve the needs of clients in a fast-moving commercial environment that increasingly requires less restrictive jurisdictional and regulatory boundaries.”

The certificate course will cover all aspects of commercial law, DIFC Laws & Procedures and Advanced Advocacy. On completion, students will understand the operation of the legal system of England and Wales; demonstrate knowledge in key common law areas like contract, tort, land, arbitration and employment law; and, recognise the specific nuances of various DIFC statutes including insolvency, land, trust, foundations and other laws. Students also will gain a working understanding of DIFC Courts rules and procedures, along with the practical skills required for practitioners to effectively litigate cases and advocate the interests of their clients.

On the partnership with DIFC Academy of Law, Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Director and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University Dubai, said: “We are delighted to partner with the DIFC Academy of Law in delivering an excellent learning experience to Emirati lawyers and other civil law practitioners. This announcement is in line with our continuous commitment to providing bespoke training and learning opportunities to students with real-world applications. We currently offer five undergraduate and four postgraduate programmes, and with the addition of the certificate course in Common Law and DIFC Courts Practice, we hope to strengthen further our legal offerings.”

For further details, please visit www.mdx.ac.ae.