Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution: The English Bar - Middle East-wide
What the Team is Known For
Serle Court stands out as a leading London set for DIFC litigation. It offers one of the largest and most recognised teams dedicated to this field, with members regularly instructed on high-stakes commercial and financial services disputes involving novel points of law. Its senior barristers also possess considerable experience obtaining freezing orders in the DIFC Courts. In addition to litigation, members are often engaged to assist with arbitrations.
Strengths
Serle Court is very accommodating to a client's preferences.
Serle Court stands out as one of the strongest barrister sets dedicating time and resources to the UAE.
The team at Serle Court demonstrates a deep and specialised understanding of legal principles and precedents in the DIFC.
Working with Serle Court is a very positive experience.
The team at Serle Court works in a meticulous manner, showcasing remarkable attention to detail.
Notable practitioners
Rupert Reed KC acts in a variety of commercial disputes in the DIFC Courts and remains very active as an arbitrator in various arbitration centres. His varied client base includes major energy companies and well-known financial institutions. Based in London, he is a popular choice of counsel among UAE-based solicitors and is known as an authority on the rules of the DIFC Courts, having co-authored the leading text on this topic.
Rupert Reed is extremely good. He is certainly up there as a silk of choice for major matters.
Rupert is definitely the standout KC in the DIFC Courts.
I had a very positive experience working with Gregor Hogan.
Gregor does an excellent job.
James Weale is an experienced junior, based in London, who maintains a well-established DIFC practice. He is highly praised by sources, with experience acting on high-value contractual disputes and white-collar fraud claims. He has further experience relating to trust and inheritance disputes.
James is one of my go-to barristers.
He is a super advocate. He is very versatile and law firms are keen to maintain a relationship with him because he is an absolute superstar.
James has a very unique combination of practices.
James Weale is responsive and bright. He is very helpful and instils a lot of confidence.
Stephen Doherty has a strong UAE-focused practice which covers arbitration, regulatory investigations and litigation within the courts of the DIFC and ADGM. He recently joined Serle Court after leaving Outer Temple Chambers.
Clients appreciate his pragmatism and commerciality; no job is ever too big or too small. He is the epitome of the modern Bar.
He is very meticulous.
Stephen Doherty consistently provides clear, strategic advice on complex cross-border disputes and demonstrates exceptional commercial awareness.
Stephen's deep understanding of Middle Eastern legal nuances and his ability to navigate enforcement challenges make him a standout in this field.
Zoe O'Sullivan KC is an experienced advocate with a strong DIFC practice. Based in London, she is regularly instructed on shareholder disputes and cases in the financial services sector. She also has extensive experience in matters related to white-collar fraud and freezing orders, as well as those concerning sanctions.
She's very knowledgeable.
Zoe is a very effective advocate. She is cutting-edge and sharp.
Zoe O'Sullivan KC is a pleasure to work with. She is tough, tenacious and very engaging with the tribunal. They were really impressed by her and I would like to work with her again.
Zoe O'Sullivan is very engaging.