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Laura Hecht
Laura is a Partner of GLS Law. She is a UK qualified solicitor based in Abu Dhabi. Laura has experience advising the leading local master developers and Government-owned entities on some of the most high profile projects in the UAE. She also has considerable experience in the acquisition and management of freehold and leasehold property. This includes advising owners and occupiers of all types of leased property including developing housing policies for large corporate occupiers, and the operation and management of real-estate assets (e.g. hotels, malls etc.). Laura also has considerable private practice experience, having spent 4 years with CMS Cameron McKenna and 7 years with DLA Piper.
Indicative Experience
UAE: Advising in respect of the leasing and operation of “The Galleria at Sowwah Square” a 33,000 sq metre high-end retail and dining concept.
UAE: Advising twofour54 on the initial stages of a significant mixed-use city centre development including title transfer and investment structuring.
UAE: Advising Aldar Properties PJSC on its retail leasing documentation strategy and procedure for a city centre development of over 250 lettings.
UAE: Advising Nord Anglia Education on real estate matters relating to its local operations, its school premises, staff accommodation.
UAE: Advising ADNEC on the creation of its master community in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
UAE: Advising Aldar Properties PJSC on the form of its commercial leasing documentation for its HQ and World Trade Centre developments in Abu Dhabi.
UAE: Advising an Abu Dhabi master developer on a bespoke titling system, title registration and standard form disposal / occupational documentation.
UAE: Advising twofour54 (Abu Dhabi Media Zone) on the lease of its headquarters buildings at Khalifa Park and developing a suite of bespoke leases.
UAE: Advising Nakheel on their leasing and management of two large Dubai based shopping malls.
Jersey: Advising a Jersey based shopping centre Trust in the £65 million disposition of a retail centre in Scotland.
Scotland: Advising on a major property investment deal in the Euro 107 million acquisition of a leisure complex in Edinburgh.
UAE: Advising an Abu Dhabi master developer on title registration and standard form disposal / occupational documentation in respect of a substantial island development
MENA: Advising on the disposal of telecoms site assets for a total consideration of Euro 79 million. The transaction involved over 220 tower sites which mobile phone operators, the emergency services and local authorities used to provide its mobile communications and data services.
Professional Qualifications
Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales
Solicitor of Supreme Court of Scotland
Prior Positions
DLA Piper, UAE
Associate (2008 - 2015)
CMS Cameron McKenna, UK
Trainee Solicitor / Solicitor (2004 - 2008)
Education
Glasgow Graduate School of Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2004)
University of Glasgow
Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) (2002)
Key Strengths
Significant experience on a broad range of high-value real estate matters
Ability to bring commercial intent into practical reality
Can draft and communicate in simple “plain English” (and Scottish!)
Strong mix of top-tier private practice and in-house experience
Expertise
Real Estate
Commercial Law / Contracts
