Caroline Kehoe, an energy disputes partner based in Dubai, has been shortlisted for two prestigious leader of the year awards. These include, being shortlisted for the 'Women in Business Law' award by International Financial Law Review ("IFLR") and 'Female Leader of the Year' by the Middle East Economic Digest ("MEED") Awards 2017.
During Caroline's time at the firm (over 20 years as a partner) she has represented many of the most well-known blue-chip companies across various regions, including Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
During her career she has acted as both an ambassador and advocate for "Women in Business" within both the legal and corporate industries. For example, since joining the Dubai office (as the only female partner in the Dubai office) nearly five years ago she launched the Dubai office's "Women in Business" programme. Since its inception we now have over 100 active participants who regularly attend and participate in a mix of both events and informative seminars.
Caroline said, "I am delighted to be shortlisted for these two awards and recognised alongside such a high caliber of leading individuals."
IFLR Awards - 'Women in Business Law' award
Caroline is one of only two private practice lawyers nominated for the IFLR award and is the only disputes lawyer nominee.
The IFLR Middle East awards celebrate legal innovation, recognising the best work in both private practice and in-house departments. The selection criterion for the IFLR award is based on each candidate being able to successfully demonstrate:
- promotion of women in business law;
- leadership roles they have held;
- achievements in their respective fields; and
- positive client feedback
MEED Awards – 'Female Leader of the Year ' award
Of all the nominees, for both 'Male Leader of the Year' and 'Female Leader of the Year', Caroline is the only private practice lawyer to be shortlisted for either award by MEED.
In its inaugural year, the MEED awards celebrates companies and individuals that have been instrumental to the success of a business' growth based within the Middle East and North Africa region. The selection criterion for the MEED award is based on each candidate being able to successfully demonstrate:
- examples of excellent business leadership in empowering their employees;
- leadership approach;
- existing and future growth plan within their business;
- successful leadership which has had a direct result on the success of their business; and
- positive client feedback
The winners for the IFLR Middle East Awards will be announced on 18 October 2017, and the winners of the MEED Awards will be announced on 29 November 2017.
Zubair Mir, Managing Partner for the Middle East, said "Our commitment to achieving gender diversity and equality is an essential component of our strategy. We are extremely pleased to see Caroline recognised as a leading individual in her field within the Middle East."
These recognitions highlight Caroline's reputation in the Middle Eastern market, as a leading lawyer within her field who has developed strong relationships with the firms' international and regional clients. Caroline specialises in disputes within the energy sector and has been involved in major commercial disputes in the oil and gas industry for many years. Many of the cases she has handled are the subject of highly complex and multi-million dollar disputes.
Along with 25 of Herbert Smith Freehills' female lawyers, Caroline was also recently recognised as a leading individual in Euromoney's Guide to the World's Leading Women in Business Law, the international guide to the top female legal practitioners. For further information on this listing, click here.