Ranking tables
Construction: Dispute Resolution | Global
United Arab Emirates
Rankings overview for Lawyers
Eminent Practitioners
Band 1
Band 2
- Claire Miller Beale & Co (Middle East)7 Years Ranked
- Kim Rosenberg Freshfields9 Years Ranked
- Stephen Burke Addleshaw Goddard LLP12 Years Ranked
- Thomas P Wilson Squire Patton Boggs13 Years Ranked
- Charles LilleyBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
- Paul D TaylorAl Tamimi & Company
- Richard DaviesBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Band 3
- Ali Al Zarooni Horizons & Co Law Firm11 Years Ranked
- Andrew Mackenzie DLA Piper Middle East LLP11 Years Ranked
- Beau McLaren Simmons & Simmons8 Years Ranked
- Bevan Farmer Addleshaw Goddard LLP11 Years Ranked
- Cameron Cuffe Ashurst5 Years Ranked
- Cheryl Cairns Trowers & Hamlins8 Years Ranked
- Dean Ryburn Dentons3 Years Ranked
- Mark H Raymont Pinsent Masons LLP13 Years Ranked
- Michael Turrini White & Case LLP10 Years Ranked
- Nabeel Ikram Vinson & Elkins LLP12 Years Ranked
- Ravinder Bhullar Squire Patton Boggs14 Years Ranked
- Sachin Kerur Reed Smith15 Years Ranked
- Suzannah Newboult DLA Piper Middle East LLP8 Years Ranked
- Matthew HeywoodMantle Law
Band 4
- Dean O'Leary BLK Partners2 Years Ranked
- Jed Savager Pinsent Masons LLP3 Years Ranked
- Joseph Chedrawe KC Covington & Burling LLP2 Years Ranked
- Nick Oury Herbert Smith Freehills5 Years Ranked
- Paul Coates Clifford Chance LLP5 Years Ranked
- Randall Walker Hogan Lovells (Middle East) LLP2 Years Ranked
- Paul SucklingDWF (Middle East) LLP
- Thanos KarvelisCharles Russell Speechlys
Band 5
- Alexa Hall Clyde & Co LLP7 Years Ranked
- Antonios Dimitracopoulos BSA Law14 Years Ranked
- Lyndon Richards Beale & Co (Middle East)2 Years Ranked
- Mark Wilson Kennedys2 Years Ranked
- Mohamed El Ghatit OGH Legal10 Years Ranked
- Nesreen Osman Pinsent Masons LLP2 Years Ranked
- Patrick Stone Fenwick Elliott1 Years Ranked
- Scott Hutton Hadef & Partners1 Years Ranked
- Slava Kiryushin HFW2 Years Ranked
Up and Coming
- Daniel Xu Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP - Dubai3 Years Ranked
- Greg Sibbald CMS (UAE) LLP2 Years Ranked
- Jennifer Paterson K&L Gates2 Years Ranked
- Suzannah Fairbairn Dentons2 Years Ranked
- Oliver DupenoisDWF (Middle East) LLP
- Richard DupayBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Associates to watch
All Lawyers profiles
Eminent Practitioners
E Mark BlanksbyClyde & Co LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Eminent Practitioners | 18 Years RankedMark Blanksby is a Dubai-based lawyer who is well recognised throughout the market for his longevity and depth of practice in construction issues. Alongside his non-contentious work, he is particularly well equipped to handle a number of contentious issues, most significantly arbitrations, including before the DIAC.E Michael GroseClyde & Co LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Eminent Practitioners | 19 Years RankedMichael Grose is a distinguished lawyer who possesses considerable strength in contentious construction projects. Based in Dubai, he has particular experience in handling arbitrations.
Band 1
1 Erin Miller RankinFreshfields | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedErin Miller Rankin is a highly accomplished lawyer who frequently acts on international construction disputes for clients such as contractors and engineering firms. Her work in the UAE includes representing major regional and international entities in ICC arbitrations.1 Jonathan H SutcliffeK&L Gates | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 1 | 14 Years RankedJonathan Sutcliffe has been based in Dubai for many years, during which time he has amassed huge experience of handling a wide variety of high-value and highly sensitive construction claims. He is well versed in advising employers and contractors, as well as other notable stakeholders such as litigation funders.
1 Michelle NelsonReed Smith | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 1 | 18 Years RankedMichelle Nelson is a significant lawyer in the market, who divides her time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. She demonstrates a wealth of knowledge in the DIFC courts and frequently acts for both contractors and subcontractors.
Band 2
2 Claire MillerBeale & Co (Middle East) | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2 | 7 Years RankedClaire Miller is the managing partner of Beale & Co's Dubai office. She is an esteemed lawyer who is widely known for her deep experience in construction disputes, particularly arbitrations.2 Kim RosenbergFreshfields | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2 | 9 Years RankedKim Rosenberg has fast become a go-to lawyer in Dubai for international construction disputes. She is frequently mandated to carry out high-profile and multi-jurisdictional investigations for a broad client base, including significant names in the infrastructure sector.
2 Stephen BurkeAddleshaw Goddard LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years RankedStephen Burke is praised by clients for his strengths in arbitration, including matters conducted under UNCITRAL rules. He is also particularly esteemed for his strong drafting capabilities.2 Thomas P WilsonSquire Patton Boggs | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedUAE managing partner Thomas Wilson is an accomplished lawyer who has a wealth of experience in representing clients in significant multi-jurisdictional disputes, including high-stakes ICC and DIAC arbitrations.
- Charles LilleyBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2
- Richard DaviesBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 2
Band 3
3 Ali Al ZarooniHorizons & Co Law Firm | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedManaging partner Ali Al Zarooni is a much-esteemed Emirati disputes lawyer who is noted for his frequent handling of high-value construction litigation cases. He is equally well versed in major international arbitrations conducted under the auspices of such institutions as the DIAC.
3 Andrew MackenzieDLA Piper Middle East LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedAndrew Mackenzie is a Dubai-based lawyer who is highly skilled in representing contractors and developers across the full range of construction disputes. He is especially prolific in acting on cases held before the DIFC courts.3 Beau McLarenSimmons & Simmons | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedBeau McLaren is well regarded for his formidable contentious construction practice, and noted for his particular experience in handling arbitrations conducted under ICC rules. His acts for hospitality clients as well as transportation groups.
3 Bevan FarmerAddleshaw Goddard LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedBevan Farmer is well versed in international construction arbitrations, including DIAC and ICC proceedings. Frequent clients of his include developers, contractors and subcontractors. He splits his time between Dubai and Doha.
3 Cameron CuffeAshurst | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedCameron Cuffe represents an impressive list of clients – including project companies, contractors and subcontractors – in construction arbitrations conducted under all major institutional rules.
3 Cheryl CairnsTrowers & Hamlins | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedCheryl Cairns possesses considerable expertise in construction disputes across the region, with a particular focus on Oman and Bahrain. She is adept at handling engineering disputes, especially matters concerning delay issues.
3 Dean RyburnDentons | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 3 Years RankedDean Ryburn co-heads Dentons' construction practice in the Middle East. He is sought after for his extensive experience in acting for clients in arbitration proceedings to resolve high-value and complex disputes arising out of construction projects.
3 Mark H RaymontPinsent Masons LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedMark Raymont is an esteemed lawyer who is deeply knowledgeable in engineering and construction arbitrations. He leads the firm's construction disputes team in Dubai, and has experience of acting for several major property developers, in addition to other high-profile clients.
3 Michael TurriniWhite & Case LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 10 Years RankedMichael Turrini is an adept lawyer who assists clients with construction mandates originating across the GCC. He is well versed in an array of construction disputes, including those related to real estate and infrastructure projects.3 Nabeel IkramVinson & Elkins LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years RankedNabeel Ikram is widely recognised for his longevity in the market and is especially well versed in disputes involving engineering and construction issues.3 Ravinder BhullarSquire Patton Boggs | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 14 Years RankedRavinder Bhullar is an esteemed lawyer who is widely acknowledged for his considerable strengths across a range of construction disputes. He is based in Dubai and is particularly skilled in representing contractors before the DIAC.3 Sachin KerurReed Smith | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 15 Years RankedSachin Kerur splits his time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He is highly knowledgeable in infrastructure construction projects, on both the contentious and non-contentious sides. He heads Reed Smith's Middle East offices and is strongly experienced in arbitrations and contractual construction mandates.
3 Suzannah NewboultDLA Piper Middle East LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedSuzannah Newboult is praised by sources for her strong capabilities in arbitrations before the ICC. She regularly advises on disputes arising from the construction of various public utility projects.
Band 4
4 Dean O'LearyBLK Partners | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedDean O'Leary is a well-known figure and one of the most experienced construction lawyers currently active in Dubai. He is well versed in the rules of all major arbitral fora and is capable of acting for employers, contractors, subcontractors and a variety of other stakeholders.4 Jed SavagerPinsent Masons LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedJed Savager assists clients with construction contracts and any contentious work that follows, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has experience in UNCITRAL arbitrations.
4 Joseph Chedrawe KCCovington & Burling LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedJoseph Chedrawe KC is the senior dispute resolution lawyer in Covington & Burling LLP's Dubai office. He has extensive experience in construction cases, which includes arbitration proceedings arising from the early termination of contracts. He is frequently called upon to assist with disputes relating to the construction of energy plants, as well as major infrastructure projects.
4 Nick OuryHerbert Smith Freehills | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedNick Oury leads the firm's regional contentious construction practice from Dubai and is widely recognised for his skills in arbitration. His clients include international oil and gas companies.4 Paul CoatesClifford Chance LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedDubai-based Paul Coates is the partner in charge of Clifford Chance's Middle East construction disputes practice. He is well respected within the market and has considerable experience relating to contentious construction issues in the energy sector.4 Randall WalkerHogan Lovells (Middle East) LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedRandall Walker is a seasoned construction disputes partner who has notable experience in defending employers against claims brought by contractors. He divides his time between Dubai and Riyadh.
- Thanos KarvelisCharles Russell Speechlys | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 4
Band 5
5 Alexa HallClyde & Co LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 7 Years RankedAlexa Hall works on a range of arbitrations, and her disputes practice is complemented by her experience in assisting with the non-contentious aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects.
5 Antonios DimitracopoulosBSA Law | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 14 Years RankedAntonios Dimitracopoulos of BSA Law is acclaimed by the market for his depth of expertise in UAE construction law. Based in Dubai, he often acts for contractors and subcontractors on arbitrations relating to delay claims. He also has extensive experience in engineering disputes.
5 Lyndon RichardsBeale & Co (Middle East) | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedLyndon Richards is a well-regarded lawyer who represents clients in both contentious and non-contentious work. He is well versed in assisting engineering companies, contractors and design consultancies with a wide range of issues.5 Mark WilsonKennedys | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedMark Wilson heads the Dubai-based construction team at Kennedys. He is especially notable for his expertise in construction-related insurance claims, with further experience in handling a variety of other construction disputes.
5 Mohamed El GhatitOGH Legal | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 10 Years RankedMohamed El Ghatit is a highly experienced disputes lawyer who is regularly called upon to oversee construction disputes before the local courts of the UAE.
5 Nesreen OsmanPinsent Masons LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedNesreen Osman has experience in counselling on construction disputes occurring across the GCC and wider Middle East. She regularly acts for contractors and developers.
5 Patrick StoneFenwick Elliott | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedPatrick Stone has a good reputation among his peers in the Dubai legal market. He heads the Fenwick Elliott team in the Middle East and is well versed in the representation of clients in construction arbitrations, as well as in the provision of pre-action advice.
5 Scott HuttonHadef & Partners | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedScott Hutton leads the engineering and construction practice, having joined Hadef towards the end of 2024 after leaving BLK Partners. His considerable experience encompasses disputes originating from the construction of high-end residential real estate projects, hotels and office towers.
5 Slava KiryushinHFW | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedSlava Kiryushin of HFW is best known for his handling of construction disputes in the oil and gas space, with further experience concerning infrastructure matters. He is additionally noted for his in-house experience in the oil and gas sector.
Up and Coming
U Daniel XuEversheds Sutherland (International) LLP - Dubai | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming | 3 Years RankedDaniel Xu is noted for his frequent work on behalf of Chinese clients. He is frequently to be seen advising on international arbitration proceedings and litigation arising from construction projects.
U Greg SibbaldCMS (UAE) LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming | 2 Years RankedGreg Sibbald is well recognised for his increasingly high-profile construction disputes work. He represents several multi-jurisdictional clients in arbitration proceedings arising out of large-scale infrastructure matters.
U Jennifer PatersonK&L Gates | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming | 2 Years RankedJennifer Paterson formerly practised as a barrister in London prior to relocating to Dubai. She is notable for her lead roles representing employers, and is increasingly visible on the firm's major Middle East construction cases.
U Suzannah FairbairnDentons | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming | 2 Years RankedSuzannah Fairbairn is an up-and-coming lawyer with experience in acting for architects, government entities, commercial banks and petrochemicals companies on an array of cases stemming from the construction of airports and other assets.
- Oliver DupenoisDWF (Middle East) LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming
- Richard DupayBryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Up and Coming
Associates to watch
- Amr OmranFreshfields | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Associates to watch | 4 Years Ranked
Amr Omran is recognised for his assistance with a variety of contentious construction matters. He frequently represents contractors and engineering companies in high-stakes arbitration proceedings.
- Stephen RigbyAshurst | Construction: Dispute Resolution2025 | Associates to watch | 1 Years Ranked
Senior associate Stephen Rigby has experience in advising on numerous significant construction disputes, including matters arising during the development of hotels and resorts.