Baker & McKenzie LLP
Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance.
With more than 280 lawyers, our Global Real Estate Group assists institutional and private equity investors, multinationals, banks, hotels and REITS with all of their global real estate needs, from buying, selling and leasing property to financing and constructing major projects. As a one-stop shop for real estate legal services across key markets, we develop world-class transactional strategies, provide corporate real estate services, and advise on global data center real estate development and management. We offer an integrated, one‑stop real estate platform delivering practical, commercially focused outcomes on complex projects.
Our Firm
For more than 75 years, Baker McKenzie has guided clients through complexity in an evolving global market. With market‑leading cross‑border capability and deep multi‑practice strength, we deliver clear, commercial solutions grounded in global best practices and first‑rate local insight across more than 70 offices worldwide. Our lawyers work seamlessly across jurisdictions and disciplines to support clients on their most strategic, complex, and high‑value matters, combining technical excellence with a practical, business‑focused approach.
What Sets Us Apart
Baker McKenzie’s Real Estate team is globally recognised for delivering seamless, cross‑border advice across asset classes, supporting clients in some of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets. With teams on the ground worldwide, we combine international best practices with deep local market insight to advise on the most complex and high‑value regional and global projects.Our strength lies in our fully integrated approach, with specialist real estate lawyers working seamlessly alongside leading corporate, finance, tax, regulatory, disputes and projects teams.Consistently recognised by leading legal directories for our expertise and client service, our team is known for acting as a true one‑stop platform across key economic markets. Clients value our ability to coordinate multi‑jurisdictional mandates efficiently, deliver pragmatic and commercially focused advice, and provide clarity and certainty on large‑scale, high‑profile and time‑critical transactions.With a strong track record advising on complex developments and investments, we deliver solutions that are globally consistent, locally informed and relentlessly focused on client outcomes.
Meet the Baker McKenzie Real Estate Team
Our Real Estate team provides commercially focused, cross‑border legal support on complex regional real estate transactions.
Amir Ali
Amir Ali
Amir Ali is an English‑qualified senior associate with 14 years’ post‑qualification experience in the London real estate market. Now based in the UAE, he advises on development, property investment, asset management, hotel arrangements, real estate finance and corporate real estate matters.
Owen Etwaroo
Owen Etwaroo
Owen Etwaroo is an Associate in Baker McKenzie’s Dubai Real Estate team. UK‑qualified, he advises on commercial real estate acquisitions and disposals, finance and corporate transactions, landlord and tenant matters and development work across office, retail, student accommodation and industrial sec
Jennifer Dool
Jennifer Dool
Jennifer is a Senior Associate in Baker McKenzie’s Dubai Real Estate team. Dual qualified in England and Wales, she advises on commercial property matters including development acquisitions, joint ventures, forward funding, leasing, investment transactions and asset sales and purchases.
Jana Al-Afoo
Jana Al-Afoo
Jana Al-Afoo is qualified in England and Wales and is an associate in the Middle East real estate team. Jana works on various real estate and hospitality matters primarily in the Saudi Arabian, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain markets.
Keri Watkins
Keri Watkins
Keri Watkins is an English law‑qualified partner and co‑head of Baker McKenzie’s MENA Real Estate and Hospitality team. She is ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and was named Middle East’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Hospitality 2024 and Next Generation Partner for Real Estate, Legal 5
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