Baker Botts adds real estate, asset management expertise in Dubai

The addition of Hermann to the firm's Dubai office continues Baker Botts' commitment to provide the highest level of client service throughout the Middle East.

In less than a decade, the Middle East - particularly Dubai and the other Emirates -- has become an international financial capital with a robust real estate sector. The level of sophistication of this market grows daily as more complex structures are developed to address investors' needs.

"John has been heavily involved in significant and innovative real estate and asset management matters during this period of rapid economic growth in the region," said David Emmons, Partner in Charge of the firm's Middle East offices in Dubai and Riyadh. "John is well-placed to assist clients in establishing efficient structures for acquiring, investing in, developing, conveying and monetizing real estate. That experience will provide our clients valuable insight into the dynamics of a vibrant marketplace that most analysts forecast will continue to grow for some time to come."

Before joining Baker Botts, Hermann managed his own consulting firm advising investment banks concerning REIT structures. This followed a period of service as senior executive officer of Gulf Fund Management, a licensed investment fund management company established with the Dubai International Financial Centre. In that capacity, he established the first licensed investment trust/REIT management company in the Middle East. Hermann was engaged in private practice in Dubai and Canada with international law firms before joining Gulf Fund Management.

Hermann was Called to Bar by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1996. He earned his law license from Queen's University at Kingston in 1994. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association -- Real Property Section and Insolvency Section -- and of the Canadian Business Counsel of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.