The problem with cross-border files
A matter touching both the UK and the UAE generates documents in two languages, from two legal systems, with two sets of formal requirements. Somebody has to assemble that into a coherent file. Usually it is either the client, who is not equipped for it, or a lawyer billing at an hourly rate to do administrative work.
Neither is a good use of anyone's money. The organisation of a file is a distinct task from the legal analysis of it.
The boundary, stated first
What we do
- File assembly. Collecting, indexing and organising documents into a structure a lawyer can work from immediately.
- Chronology. Building the factual timeline, which in most disputes is the single most useful document in the file and is almost never prepared properly.
- Document analysis. Reading a large volume of material and identifying what is relevant, what is missing, and what is inconsistent. This is comprehension work, not legal opinion.
- Translation coordination. Certified Arabic and English translation where a document has to be relied on formally.
- Attestation and legalisation. Getting documents into a form a court or authority will accept, which is one of our core services. See document attestation.
- Adviser coordination. Where a matter involves lawyers in two countries, keeping both properly informed without the client acting as the relay.
- Summary and reporting. Plain-language updates so a client understands the position without a call every week.
Why this saves money
Regulated lawyers charge for their time. A significant proportion of the time billed on a poorly organised cross-border file is spent finding documents, establishing sequence, and chasing translations, none of which requires legal training.
Moving that work to a coordinator, and handing the lawyer a properly indexed file with a chronology and the documents already legalised, means their time goes on the part that actually needs them.
Typical matters
- Cross-border commercial disputes involving UK and UAE parties
- Estate and succession matters spanning both jurisdictions
- Regulatory or compliance responses requiring a documented history
- Immigration and residency files with substantial documentary requirements
- Insurance or claims files requiring assembled evidence
Confidentiality
Files are handled on a need-to-know basis with a signed confidentiality agreement in place before any material is transferred. Note that as we are not a law firm, material handled by us does not attract legal professional privilege. Where privilege matters, and it often does, material should sit with your lawyers and we will work to that constraint. We will raise this at the start rather than leaving you to discover it.
Whose side we are on
Al Hisn Partners acts for the client and only the client. We are retained by you, we take instructions from you, and our fee is paid by you.
We take no referral fee from any law firm or counsel we help you appoint. A recommendation that pays the recommender is a sales call.
Common questions
Do you give legal advice?
No. We are not a law firm and we do not advise on the law. Legal advice and representation come from appropriately regulated firms in the UK or UAE. Where a question crosses from organisation into advice, we tell you and refer it.
Does material I send you attract legal privilege?
No. We are not a law firm, so privilege does not attach to material handled by us. Where privilege matters, that material should sit with your lawyers, and we will structure the engagement around that constraint. We raise this at the outset.
Can you work alongside our existing lawyers?
That is the normal arrangement and the one we prefer. Your lawyers advise; we prepare the file, build the chronology, handle translation and legalisation, and keep advisers in two countries coordinated.
Will this actually reduce our legal costs?
Usually, yes. A large share of billed hours on a disorganised cross-border file goes on locating documents and establishing sequence, which does not require legal training. Handing a lawyer an indexed file with a chronology moves their time onto the work that needs them.
Do you handle translation?
We coordinate certified Arabic and English translation where a document needs to be formally relied on, and we handle the attestation and legalisation chain in-house.
Who pays you, and do you ever take a fee from the other side?
Our client pays us, and only our client. We do not accept a fee, commission, rebate or referral payment from a counterparty, or from any agent, provider, supplier or institution we introduce or work alongside. If one is offered, we decline it. This applies across every service we provide, without exception.