Polls Apart - March 2016
Emergence of MENA
IFLR1000 reporter John Crabb recently wrote an article documenting the rise of Casablanca as a legal hub in North Africa. In the past five years a wave of international firms have set up shop in the city. Magic circle firms Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance have both arrived, joined by major international names like Baker & McKenzie and Norton Rose Fulbright. They are being driven there because investors are increasingly interested in establishing a presence there.
It is also a pivotal moment in the wider history of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with seismic shifts taking place all across the Maghreb and Middle East. While some endure terrible crises, others are emerging as strong new players in providing legal services.
With that in mind, this month we are asking our readers for their thoughts on the changing face of the legal market in the MENA region through a series of weekly polls.
About Polls Apart
Polls Apart is IFLR1000 Surveys' weekly poll. Throughout the year we conduct a series of linked weekly polls centered around a common theme, one that could significantly impact your work and the legal landscape.
The findings of each series of polls are then analysed and collated into a short report highlighting the main themes that have emerged.
By gathering your thoughts we can build a real-time picture of how the market is reacting to a particular topic, which will allow our readers the opportunity to compare their views with those of other legal professionals worldwide.