Meet Our Team of Top-Tier Legal Experts
At Vanquish Legal, our team consists of Counsel and Legal Consultants with a wealth of experience in UAE and international law. Each team member is committed to delivering results-driven legal services and maintaining long-term client retainership.
Montasser Abu Hazeem
Founder & Managing Partner
Montasser Abu Hazeem is a seasoned Jordanian lawyer and the visionary behind Vanquish Legal, with over 21 years of experience in providing legal advisory services to international companies. As a certified lawyer with the Jordan Bar Association since 1997, Montasser has built a reputation for his expertise in corporate compliance and legal consulting, serving as General Counsel and Board Secretary for major investment firms.
Throughout his career, Montasser has successfully handled complex legal matters for government entities, high-net-worth individuals, and private corporations. Known for his ability to simplify intricate legal frameworks, he provides strategic advice on a wide range of issues, including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, company establishment, real estate, and investment transactions.
As the Founder of Vanquish Legal, Montasser ensures that the firm’s values and mission are deeply embedded in every case. He oversees all legal, litigation, and arbitration matters, guaranteeing that they are managed with precision by his team and partner law firms. His commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions is reflected in the firm’s success and client satisfaction.
Kerem Selahattin Ergün, LL.M.
Of Counsel
Kerem Selahattin Ergün, LL.M, is a highly skilled legal professional with over 15 years of experience, bringing a wealth of expertise across a diverse range of practice areas. His specialties include commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, intellectual property, entertainment law, and the fast-growing field of esports law. This broad scope allows Kerem to provide strategic, results-oriented legal counsel to clients from various industries.
Kerem’s in-depth knowledge of complex legal frameworks, coupled with his commitment to excellence, ensures that his clients receive top-tier representation in both transactional and litigation matters. His ability to navigate intricate legal challenges makes him a trusted advisor for clients seeking comprehensive legal solutions in an ever-evolving business environment.
Sujata Duge, LL.M.
Of Counsel
Sujata Duge is a distinguished corporate finance lawyer with 15 years of experience in the legal field. Throughout her career, Sujata has worked with prominent financial institutions and boutique law firms, specializing in capital markets transactions, including debt and equity matters. Her expertise encompasses private placements, IPOs, rights issues, and ensuring strict adherence to complex financial regulations. Sujata’s proficiency in drafting and negotiating project finance, corporate lending documentation, and managing M&A transactions has established her as a versatile and highly capable legal advisor.
Holding a Master’s degree (LLM) in International Finance Law from King’s College London, Sujata possesses a comprehensive understanding of multi-jurisdictional financial transactions and regulatory frameworks. This academic background, combined with her practical experience, allows her to navigate the intricacies of global finance with ease.
In the UAE, Sujata has built a strong reputation for her work with mid-sized corporations and SMEs, providing guidance on key commercial and financing agreements, as well as advising on business and employment-related legal issues. Her multi-industry experience, spanning consulting, mall management, technology, real estate, perfumery, and entertainment, positions her as a trusted legal partner for businesses operating within the UAE’s dynamic regulatory environment.
Vanaja Sarojini
Legal Counsel
Vanaja Sarojini is a distinguished Corporate and Commercial Law Specialist with over 20 years of experience spanning the GCC, Africa, and India. She brings a unique blend of in-house and law firm expertise, having served as Senior Legal Counsel for multi-billion-dollar multinational corporations based in the UAE for 13 years.
Vanaja has successfully managed high-stakes contracts with industry giants across sectors such as Technology, Services, Retail, Distribution, Engineering, Contracting, and FMCG. Her portfolio includes overseeing multi-million-dollar IT and Engineering projects, as well as structuring complex commercial transactions. A core member of corporate M&A teams, Vanaja has led several multibillion-dollar acquisitions, making her a trusted advisor in the corporate legal landscape.
John P. McGowan Jr.
Legal Counsel
John P. McGowan Jr. is a seasoned legal expert with over 25 years of experience managing complex legal matters in the UAE and across the GCC. As Senior Partner at Vanquish Legal, John brings a wealth of knowledge in a diverse range of legal areas, particularly excelling in the construction and energy sectors. His extensive experience in these industries has made him a trusted advisor to multinational corporations, government entities, and high-net-worth individuals.
John’s expertise also extends to arbitration, where he has successfully represented clients in both domestic and international disputes. His strategic approach and in-depth understanding of arbitration procedures allow him to navigate the complexities of cross-border legal matters with precision. Throughout his career, John has been recognized for his practical, results-driven solutions, ensuring that his clients receive clear and actionable legal advice.
With his deep commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, John continues to be a leading figure in the legal community, offering unparalleled service and support to his clients.
Reshma Oogorah
FCl Arb | Of Counsel | Arbitrator
Reshma Oogorah is a dual-qualified barrister and solicitor, admitted to practice law in England & Wales and Mauritius. With over 10 years of experience, she has advised and represented businesses across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, England & Wales, and Mauritius. Reshma specializes in the construction, technology, and international trade sectors, regularly drafting contracts and representing clients in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and common law litigation.
Her extensive expertise includes representing clients in commercial and construction arbitrations under major institutional rules such as ICC, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, ADCCAC, HKIAC, QICCA, LCIA, and LMAA Terms. In addition to her advocacy work, Reshma also serves as an arbitrator, bringing a comprehensive perspective to dispute resolution.
Rima Marzouq
Legal Counsel
Rima Marzouq is a highly skilled corporate and commercial law specialist with over 20 years of legal experience across Jordan, the UAE, and Turkey. As a key member of Vanquish Legal, Rima has managed numerous complex corporate and commercial transactions throughout the region, working with businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. Her expertise covers mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructuring, and regulatory compliance.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and Turkish, Rima brings a unique ability to navigate cross-border legal matters with cultural and linguistic fluency. Her vast experience and deep understanding of regional and international legal frameworks enable her to provide strategic counsel that meets the specific needs of her clients.
Rima is known for her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to simplify intricate legal challenges, and her commitment to delivering solutions that protect her clients’ interests while supporting their growth. Her leadership in corporate law has made her an invaluable asset to clients looking for effective, results-driven legal support in dynamic business environments.