Dispute Resolution
Global Guide 2024 : United Arab Emirates
Band 2
Contact number
+971 4 4267100Chambers Review
A&O Shearman has maintained a highly regarded disputes department in the UAE for many years, fielding a group of lawyers who are very 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. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has sound local law knowledge and a good way of working with clients."
"They are very well connected to key counterparties and clients. They have a very good sense of what is going on in the market."
"The firm has sound local law knowledge and a good way of working with clients."
"They are very well connected to key counterparties and clients. They have a very good sense of what is going on in the market."
Notable Practitioners
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 Francis is a very good lawyer; his advice is good and clear."
"Yacine Francis is well respected within the region and is always a great opponent."
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 a highly skilled professional who is capable of putting a range of diverse clients at ease."
"I am always impressed with the first-class pragmatic advice and assistance she and her team provide."
Leading disputes lawyer Alex Bevan is well regarded for his construction arbitration practice in the UAE. He is also regularly called upon to assist with oil and gas cases in addition to high-value contractual disputes. He recently relocated to London after many years based in Abu Dhabi.