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As one of the world’s leading restaurant groups, the team behind global restaurant brand Oliver Maki understand what it takes to deliver high-quality services to discerning internationally-minded clients, which is why they chose to employ Joelson as their UK legal team.

Oliver Maki originally launched in the Middle East, where it now has restaurants in Kuwait and Bahrain catering to a diverse audience.

Specialising in combining contemporary Japanese cuisine with Mediterranean flavours and textures, the team behind the brand has won a number of awards and recognitions, including listings within the Michelin Guide Book, Most Loved Restaurant in Soho (TimeOut), and a shortlisting at the Chocolate Awards in 2016 for its creative and world-renowned desserts.

Appreciating the need for legal support, Joe Hajjali CEO of Oliver Maki set about finding a law firm in the UK that would meet their requirements.

“We were initially introduced to three potential law firms, two of which were through London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s official promotion team and the other through our existing solicitors,” said Joe.

“On paper, they all met the requirements, but having met each of the firms we quickly decided that Joelson were the team for us, as we felt more comfortable with their approach.”

As Oliver Maki’s appointed lawyers in London, Joelson played an influential role in their first UK site in Soho.

Based in Dean Street this intimate venue provides for around 40 covers a night and has gained a reputation for providing some of the Capital’s best and most inventive dishes.

During their work with Oliver Maki, Joelson has assisted with a wide variety of legal matters including licensing issues, planning, lease arrangement and human resources advice.

Sheldon Cordell, Chairman of Joelson, said: “We have a long history of supporting restaurant and hotel owners in the UK and overseas, which means we understand the needs of the industry and are able to provide practical solutions to the majority of legal barriers they may face.

“Our work with Oliver Maki is a good example of the close relationships we seek to establish with clients. We love working with the team there and are delighted that we have been able to help them with their ongoing expansion.”

Speaking of his work with the team, Joe added: “The team at Joelson are very responsive and always come back to us quickly. Solicitors tend to be very matter of fact, but the whole team at Joelson is very friendly – they seem more caring.”

Joe and his colleagues said that they had hopes of working with Joelson again in future as they expand their reach in the UK and Europe.

“They are always very helpful and we have had the pleasure of recommending them to a number of other businesses,” said Joe.