Dentons' Middle East team was recognised for its work in support of the Syrian refugee crisis, where in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) it is making a real difference to the plight of Syrian refugees.

During a visit in early 2014 to the Za‘atri Refugee Camp in Jordan, Dentons met with the NRC, a non-profit organisation that acts as the UN's on-the-ground implementing body at the refugee camp. Understanding the NRC's need for legal expertise on local laws the Firm agreed to partner with the NGO on a pro bono basis.

Dentons advice has thus far enabled NRC to formulate a new lease template for Syrian refugees, safeguarding their rights. The firm has also enabled NRC to advise Syrian refugees of their rights under international law applicable in Jordan.

John Balouziyeh, Associate in Dentons' Riyadh office, who led the initiative on the Firm's behalf, said, "As a result of Dentons successful partnership with NRC, the relationship will be expanded in 2015, continuing our mission to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live."

This is the second year that Dentons takes home a coveted CCME award, having been awarded Commercial Law firm of the Year in 2013. The Firm was also shortlisted for two additional awards this year - the hotly contested Transportation, Energy and Infrastructure and Commercial Teams of the Year awards. The awards, which are now in their fourth year, celebrate legal excellence in the Middle East.

The cross-regional team providing support for this project include Dentons' Partners, Safwan Moubaydeen, Associates Lara Saraireh and Nadine Naji and Trainee Haya Moubaydeen in addition to Partner Elias Chedid of Chedid Law Offices, Dentons associate firm in Lebanon.

Pictured at the Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards 2015, L-R: 

• Yalda Hakim, BBC World News broadcast journalist and host of the 2015 Awards 
• John Balouziyeh, Dentons Associate and project lead 
• Joby Beretta
• Mario Stephan, Norwegian Refugee Council, Gulf Office Director 
• Imelda Dunlop, Pearl Initiative, Executive Director and member of the judging panel