Fawaz Elmalki is a director in the Dubai office of Conyers Dill & Pearman. Fawaz joined Conyers' Dubai office in 2007.

Fawaz specialises in investment funds, in particular private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds and hedge funds including Shariah compliant funds. Fawaz represents funds and their sponsors in connection with their formation and also represents institutional investors in such funds. He also has broad experience in corporate finance and corporate law matters including joint ventures and offshore structuring of Islamic finance products such as sukuk.

Fawaz has been cited in international investment fund and private equity reviews and magazines. He has also contributed numerous articles to financial and legal publications including HFM Week, Legal Week, Islamic Finance News, The Brief, Asian Counsel and the Canadian International Lawyer.

Professional Background

• Associate, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Bermuda
• Legal counsel, Canadian pension fund manager, Montreal, Canada
• Clifford Chance, London, UK
• Heenan Blaikie, Montreal, Canada

Education

• McGill University, LLB (Common Law, Distinction), 1999
• Université de Montréal, LLB (Civil Law, Dean's List 2nd year), 1996

Bar Admissions

• Quebec Bar, Canada, 1998 (not currently practising)
• England & Wales, Solicitor, 2002 (not currently practising)
• Bermuda, Barrister and Attorney, 2003
• British Virgin Islands, Solicitor, 2007

Industry Accolades/Recognitions

• Leading investment funds lawyer, Legal 500 2011: 'very knowledgeable in his subject matter'.
• Recognised leading UAE offshore lawyer, Chambers Global 2011: “a reputation for expertise on Islamic offshore structures and professional, friendly and sound advice.”
• Endorsed investment funds lawyer, PLC Which Lawyer 2011
• Leading UAE offshore lawyer, Chambers Global 2010: “an increasingly major figure at the firm” who is "very reliable, responsive and pleasant".
• Recommended offshore Islamic finance and Shariah funds lawyer, Islamic Finance News 2010 and 2011
• Leading lawyer, MENA Fund Manager 2010 and 2011

Languages

French, Arabic

Articles

• New requirements for Cayman Islands Master Funds
• A Smooth Succession: Estate planning using Cayman and BVI trusts
• BMA Publishes Shariah-Compliant Funds Guidance Notes
• Bermuda and Islamic Finance: Meeting Market Challenges
• Changes to the Dubai International Financial Centre Funds Regime: A Positive Outlook for Bermuda
• Bermuda: A Domicile of Choice for Shariah Compliant Structures Using Aircraft as an Asset Base
• Meeting Market Challenges
• Sukuk - An Evolution
• Offshore Innovation Supports Islamic Finance
• Try the BVI for your next Musharakah
• HFM Reprint: New Beginnings
• Private Equity Trends in the Middle East

Press Releases

• Conyers lawyers recognised for Islamic Finance Expertise
• Conyers promotes lawyers across multiple jurisdictions
• Conyers lawyers receive awards for Islamic Finance Expertise

Deals & Cases

• Conyers advises Shenul Capital Inc. on the RTO of Underground Energy, Inc. - August 2011
• Conyers advises on first MENA private equity secondaries fund - April 2011
• Conyers advises on reverse takeover of TSX listed company - March 2010
• Conyers provides Cayman counsel on $140 million shari'a-compliant aircraft sale and lease-back arrangement - July 2009