Department profile
A&O Shearman

Dispute Resolution

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates

Share profile

A&O Shearman

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution - United Arab Emirates

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

A&O Shearman maintains a highly regarded disputes department which is well acquainted with international matters. The team is a respected presence in the DIFC Courts, notably acting on financial services and white-collar crime cases. It advises an array of financial institutions and technology companies, among many other high profile clients. It is also able to represent clients in arbitration.

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman has an excellent team that gives excellent support. We are very pleased with them.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman has a very high-quality team that understands the local market and delivers practical guidance.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman is both intellectually and technically strong.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Yacine Francis
    Yacine Francis

    Yacine Francis

    Yacine Francis is well known for his prolific DIFC litigation practice. In addition to this, he takes on a variety of international arbitration matters as counsel, acting for clients on joint venture, shareholder and other commercial disputes. Operating from Dubai, he frequently represents financial institutions and technology companies.

    • Yacine is very pragmatic and thorough in his analysis. He understands the law and has a well-rounded background of international and local experience.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

    • Yacine Francis is very clear in his guidance. He is impressive and instrumental in clients getting positive results.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

    • Yacine is very practical, commercial and solution-oriented. He is quick to see the pitfalls and helps you through those to find a good solution.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
    View profile
  • Kirsten O'Connell
    Kirsten O'Connell

    Kirsten O'Connell

    Kirsten O'Connell is an experienced international arbitration partner based in Dubai. She undertakes an array of work, including shareholder disputes as well as investment treaty cases.

    • Kirsten O'Connell is an exceptionally credible and personable lawyer.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (2)

United Arab Emirates

A&O Shearman has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership