Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Bevan Farmer leads the construction disputes offering from Addleshaw Goddard in Doha, supporting clients locally and across the region.

Firms in the Spotlight Dispute resolution

Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Al Sulaiti Law Firm logo

Dispute resolution, international arbitration, and litigation are areas of expertise for our firm. Al Sulaiti Law Firm has one of the largest litigation and dispute resolution departments in the State of Qatar.

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Dispute resolution in Qatar

Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri

Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri combines full-range legal services with in-depth knowledge to support clients through complex, often multinational litigation and arbitration. The team fields local, regional, and international expertise and has rights of audience before Qatari courts alongside proven experience in multinational disputes. Large-scale construction and projects disputes are a key area of strength for the team, which also boasts experience handling disputes which arise from commercial agency and distribution agreements. It is also well-placed to support clients in tax litigation, a sector in which team head Hani Al Naddaf is experienced; Roy Georgiades is a go-to for banking and finance related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Hani Al Naddaf


Other key lawyers:

Roy Georgiades; Mohammed Al Marri


Key clients

Qatari Diar


Siynohydro


Nestlé


Baker Hughes


SEB


Leonardo SpA


BNP Paribas


Standard Chartered Bank


Hitachi


HSBC Middle East


Swatch Group


Richemont


Jaidah Group


Raytheon Technologies


ABB AG


Fincantieri S.p.A.


KONE Elevators


Kuehne + Nagel W.L.L (Qatar)


Acciona


Arab Bank


WSP


Work highlights


  • Representing Fincantieri S.p.A., one of the leading Italian vessels companies in the world, in a €266m commercial agency dispute related to one of the largest vessels deal in Qatar.
  • Represented Q Power, in a dispute against the General Tax Authorities, regarding a tax case at the Court of Appeal and thereafter the Court of Cassation waived the tax amount.

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners‘ dispute resolution consistently acts in sensitive, high-profile litigation: establishing legal principles for Qatar while ‘operating to high international standards’. Thomas Williams heads the arbitration offering for the team, pairing a focus on complex construction and commercial disputes with proven experience in seeking the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards both in Qatar and internationally. Ashraf Feshawi is a key name in the litigation team, which has particular strength in construction, infrastructure and project disputes; Salman Mahmood is also a standout in this regard. A number of team members including Ahmed Durrani and Umang Singh sit as arbitrators, with founder and managing partner Sultan Al-Abdulla also a member of the International Criminal Court.

Practice head(s):

Sultan Al-Abdulla; Ashraf Feshawi; Thomas Williams; Salman Mahmood


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Durrani; Umang Singh


Testimonials

‘A dispute resolution firm operating to high international standards in Doha’

‘Thomas Williams is a skilled and committed litigator who also conducts advocacy well, and has more experience before the Qatar Financial Centre courts than almost all others.’

‘Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners are a very effective and flexible practice. They have attended to construction, dispute, human resources and banking issues for our firm and have provided the same high-level of service across all issues.’

‘Their people are knowledgeable and experienced. They provide all that is required in a clear, concise and timely manner. Their responses to queries are always complete and easy to understand.’

Key clients

Mohamed Abdulaziz Mohamed Ali Al Emadi


Nigel Perera


Stephen Ferris


Thomas Fewtrell and Louise Joan Kidd


Qatar Free Zones Authority


Dukhan Bank


Samsung C&T Corporation


Al Darwish Holding


Darwish Engineering WLL


Beretta Holding SA


Qatar Building Company


HAT Italian Company


Al Seal Company


Contraco Co


First Qatar Company


Work highlights


  • Advised our client Mohamed Abdulaziz Mohamed Ali Al Emadi in the context of litigation before the International Court of the Qatar Financial Centre for a claim of QAR9.5m.
  • Advised and represented our client Stephen Ferris in a high-value claim of QAR3.2m in the Qatar International Court, settled by a Tomlin Order.
  • Advised and represented our client Qatar Free Zones Authority, a government entity in Qatar, contesting the jurisdiction of the Qatar International Court over a claim by the Claimant, a former employee.

Clyde & Co LLP

The team based in Clyde & Co LLP‘s Doha office draws on its full-service capabilities to support a range of clients through large disputes, including those in the tech, insurance, hospitality and infrastructure sectors. Team co-heads Laura Warren and Jonathan Parker both have particular construction sector expertise; Parker’s experience as both a barrister with rights of audience in the QFC courts and a chartered arbitrator bolster the team’s local and international capabilities. Other areas of strength for the practice include debt recovery, shareholder disputes, and arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Laura Warren; Jonathan Parker


Testimonials

‘The team is agile and calm in dealing with complex matters. They simplify complex issues.’

‘Jonathan Parker is a dedicated lawyer for the client’s needs. He is prompt in taking action and manages the team properly. ’

‘The Clyde & Co LLP team in Qatar is exceptional. In particular, the team’s attention to client management and understanding of complex issues sets them apart from other law firms. The team seamlessly integrates with client teams and delivers on time and to the highest standards.’

DLA Piper

At DLA Piper in Doha, office managing partner and dispute resolution co-head George Vlavianos bolsters the ‘excellent construction group’ with his expertise advising on disputes and arbitrations in the sector across the Middle East and globally. Energy-related disputes are also an area of strength for the team, which is supported by Dubai-based team co-head Andrew Mackenzie. Team members’ ‘different capabilities and specialties’ cover a range of jurisdictions and languages; it includes lawyers qualified across the USA, England and Wales, Australia, and Egypt, leveraged to support clients in international arbitrations, as well as in local, high-value, high-profile disputes.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Mackenzie; George Vlavianos


Other key lawyers:

Hasan El-Shafiey


Testimonials

‘Good team and well-resourced. Excellent construction group and led by a strong partner. They have understanding of construction dispute matters and involvement of experts.’

‘Good mix of people that appear to gel together very well.’

‘Good knowledge of the issues at hand. Provide useful information and ideas when needed.’

‘DLA proved to have a team of people with different capabilities and specialties in order to create a group well-coordinated and diverse enough to provide an excellent support in every aspect of a case.’

‘Individuals are proving to be knowledgeable in their area of expertise and proved to work well as individuals as well as as a team.’

‘Very good team with deep knowledge of the dispute resolution process and competent on the matters.’

‘Availability, analysis of the issues, efficiency.’

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s litigation and dispute management-focused team employs its ‘excellent, refined and unique litigation strategy’ to support clients across a range of sectors, including construction, financial services, and large-scale hospitality. ‘Exceptionally engaged‘ team co-head Alexander Whyatt is ‘laser-focused on getting the best result for the client‘. The practice is focused on complex arbitration and litigation and team members have particular expertise in the construction sector. Managing partner and financial disputes expert with extensive arbitration experience Dani Kabbani co-heads the team. ‘Skilled beyond his years’, Omid Mousavi, is developing particular expertise in cross-border construction disputes.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Whyatt; Dani Kabbani


Other key lawyers:

Omid Mousavi; Samir Khatib; Shalagh Massingham


Testimonials

‘Eversheds’ Qatar dispute resolution team has excellent strength in depth. Agile and an expert litigator of commercial disputes.’

‘Alexander Whyatt is exceptionally engaged and responsive, and a real pleasure to work with. You can see that he is laser-focused on getting the best result for the client – an excellent strategist with a highly pragmatic approach, who goes the extra mile.’

‘The most important thing is that the team goes in the technical details of the case, understand it and collaborate with the parties involved in the case.’

‘Alexander Whyatt is a very experienced and highly competent lawyer. He always provides clear and measured advice. His client management skills are excellent and he makes himself available to attend meetings and workshops.’

‘Excellent, refined and unique litigation strategy.’

‘Alexander Whyatt is a calm and safe pair of hands, always striving to do the best for his clients. Perhaps the best litigator in Doha.’

‘Omid Mousavi is skilled beyond his years and one to watch for the future; excellent written submissions and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Samir Khatib is easy to deal with; excellent drafting skills.’

Key clients

Bank Audi


Yuanda Aluminium Industry Engineering Company


Leighton Contracting Qatar


Amberberg Ltd


Harinsa Contracting


FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022


Petroserv Limited


Devisers Advisory Services


Redco International


QD-SBG Construction


United Bank Limited


Singapore Engineering and Construction Company


Teyseer Services Company (Sodexo)


Work highlights


  • Acting in a very large ICC arbitration for a global contactor client across three different jurisdictions in respect of a $100m dispute arising out of its works on the Doha Metro.
  • Secured a decision for Amberberg and Prime Financial Solutions LLC from the Qatar International Court which, for the first time since the court was established, extended the court’s jurisdiction over a claimant not registered in the Qatar Financial Centre.
  • Acting in the Qatar courts (in both English and Arabic language) for Harinsa Contracting in a suite of court proceedings against Al Jassim Group.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s dispute resolution offering is comprised of the construction advisory and disputes team, led by Jonathan Collier, and the international arbitration team, co-headed by head of the firm’s Doha office Pamela McDonald. Collier’s extensive experience working in complex infrastructure and energy disputes is sought after by a range of domestic and international clients, valuing the team’s ‘dynamic and refreshing’ thinking. McDonald is continuing to grow the firm’s cross-border arbitration practice, in 2023 working with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Collier; Pamela McDonald


Testimonials

‘The team is very flexible and provides a tailored service to meet the needs of the client. The response time is excellent and the thinking is dynamic and refreshing.’

‘The individuals certainly put you at ease and discuss matters in a clear and coherent manner and provide good, sound explanations of the pros and cons of any matter.’

Key clients

Qatar Airways


Sharq Law Firm

The dispute resolution team at Sharq Law Firm is ‘well-known for its dedication and provision of quality legal services‘, with experience across the banking, insurance, property and construction sectors. Founder Rashid Al Saad heads the team, with strength in cross-border matters alongside substantial experience in the corporate and commercial spheres, where respected co-head Abdelraouf Elbekei lends his expertise. Josias De Salles is recommended for his arbitration work, which has a construction focus.

Practice head(s):

Rashid Al Saad; Abdelraouf Elbekei


Other key lawyers:

Josias De Salles


Testimonials

‘Sharq Law Firm Arbitration Department has extensive experience in construction dispute resolution, well-known for its dedication and provision of quality legal services.’

‘Rashid Al Saad, the managing partner, was of great support with his guidance through the process of our claim leading to the arbitration proceedings.’

‘Josias De Salles was the leading person directing and guiding the process of our arbitration proceedings. He has done excellent work in engaging the experts and coordinating their activities and managing the whole arbitral process including the communication with the other party lawyers and the tribunal.’

‘Close and clear communication, very focused on the matter, always keeping clients well-informed with attention-to-detail, persuasive techniques and good analytical skills.’

Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the majority of the banks in Qatar in relation to credit facility agreements amounting to values exceeding QR 1 billion.
  • Successfully represented a real estate development company in an arbitration amounting to a value of circa QR 2 billion.
  • Successfully represented a high-end luxury fashion brand established in Paris regarding the registration of a trademark in the State of Qatar.

White & Case LLP

Praised for its provision of ‘robust, succinct and first-class advice’, the dispute resolution team at White & Case LLP pairs its established arbitration expertise with specialised construction dispute services to support clients both domestic and international. Large infrastructure and FIDIC disputes are key areas of strength, the team’s expertise in both ‘legal and technical aspects’ alongside its ability to collaborate with international colleagues makes it a ‘go-to firm for construction disputes’. Payvand Vahdat and Michael Turrini co-lead the team; Vahdat is sought after for his large-scale infrastructure work, while Turrini has notable experience in arbitrations. Verena Groß is particularly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Payvand Vahdat; Michael Turrini


Other key lawyers:

Verena Groß; Farah Haidar


Testimonials

‘The team comprises a selection of lawyers with the highest intellect, who readily understand the issues. They give robust, succinct and first-class advice. The teams consists of an equal mix of male and female lawyers, and comprise people of different nationalities, which helps, especially in international arbitration, to understand the culture of the parties.’

‘I worked on an international arbitration with Payvand Vahdat who took a hands-on approach and gave sage advice.’

‘Verena Groß is extremely bright. Her ability to seamlessly digest information is tremendous, her drafting is first-rate, as are her cross-examination skills. She successfully managed the entire process, much to the satisfaction of her client. She is also marvellous to deal with.’

‘Farah Haidar is an excellent lawyer who delivers, produces fantastic work and is a pleasure to work with. ’

‘Great knowledge of the region having had a strong presence in Qatar for a number of years, coupled with the highly competent team of lawyers who have extensive experience of construction projects, makes White & Case a go-to firm for construction disputes. They also have a great network of external advisors and can bring external expertise to the project.’

‘Michael Turrini consistently develops great relationships with clients that allow him to provide considered and genuine advice on strategic dispute matters.’

‘Verena Groß is technically excellent, her knowledge of contract law is exceptional and she always ensures she gets into the detail of a dispute so can provide clear advice on the merits of her client’s case.’

‘White & Case can draw on a pool of exceptionally talented legal professionals that are highly experienced in construction disputes. In my experience, the breath of their experience both in legal and technical aspects allows them to quickly identify the key issues and to ensure that every member of the team is working to address them.’

Al-Ansari & Associates

The team at Al-Ansari & Associates leverages its ‘wide experience in dispute resolution both in Qatar local courts, as well as in local and international arbitrations’ to support major Qatari organisations, international corporates and government bodies. Salman Al-Ansari, Hossam Farooq, Rafi Sajian and Mohammed Al-Ansari co-lead the team, with experience spanning corporate, regulatory and transactional matters. Farooq’s practice particularly focuses on litigation and arbitration: qualified across Qatar and Egypt, he supports clients internationally, with particular expertise in the oil and gas sector.

Practice head(s):

Salman Al-Ansari; Hossam Farooq; Rafi Sajian; Mohammed Al-Ansari


Testimonials

‘This firm has wide experience in dispute resolution both in Qatar local courts, as well as in local and international arbitrations. Their deep knowledge of local laws and local markets is impressive which makes us confident in seeking legal advice and services in terms of any dispute resolution matters.’

‘Al-Ansari & Associates has a team of experienced lawyers who are specially dedicated for court-related matters. Their team has readiness to provide updates to the client, to explain the court procedures, and to manage client’s expectations.’

‘They have a team of lawyers who have experience in construction-related arbitrations which makes them a top choice for arbitration matters in this sector.’

Key clients

Uber & Careem Inc


Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy


Talabat Services W.L.L


Voltas Qatar WLL


Sidra Medicine


Hill International


MATCH Hospitality Consultants LLC


Al Jazeera Media Network


GWC (Gulf Warehousing Company QPSC)


Vodafone


London Language Factory Limited QFC Branch


KEO International Consultants


Work highlights


  • Acting for Uber & Careem Inc, providing local law advice in relation to merger control risks and analysis of various issues arising out of ride hailing giant Uber’s acquisition of its regional rival, Careem.
  • Representing Talabat Services W.L.L, which is an online food ordering company founded in Kuwait, before Qatari courts in challenging over 300 judgments and fines imposed by local authorities.
  • Represented Gulf Warehousing Company QPSC in multiple cases, including collection matters, fraud issues, criminal and IP infringement cases.

Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP ‘s international dispute resolution team works in collaboration with its colleagues across the US, the UK, and Brussels. It has notable strength in international arbitration, alongside niche expertise in global aviation infrastructure. Clients include government bodies, oil and gas corporates, and real estate investment firms. Charbel Maakaron heads the team, and is chairman of the ICC Arbitration and ADR Commission in Qatar.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Maakaron


Key clients

Black Cat Engineering and Construction (BCEC)


Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C


Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development


Al Mana Fashion Group W.L.L.


DWF

Kirk Durrant leads the dispute resolution team at DWF in Doha which is praised for its ‘proactive communication’ with clients. Durrant acts as an arbitrator, and specialises in bespoke construction agreements. The growing team, which is valued for its diversity, works with international colleagues to support clients across the construction, oil and gas, hospitality and tech sectors, with additional experience in asset recovery and enforcement, from high-value disputes to advisory work in regards to clients’ business.

Practice head(s):

Kirk Durrant


Testimonials

‘The diversity of their team is what makes DWF Qatar so valuable. They have knowledge and experience from so many situations that it allows me to feel confident that we will be taken care of.’

‘We dealt with Kirk Durrant and his proactive communication was what set him apart from other people and firms we dealt with in Qatar. All of his communication was well researched and thought-out. His time was always available for when we needed his support or guidance on our case.’

Key clients

Veolia Propreté


Veolia Environnement


Asian Development Bank


Peshawar Development Agency


Transpeshawar


Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm

The ‘exceptional’ dispute resolution team at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm is commended for its ‘remarkable range of expertise’, including its experience in sports law, hospitality, tech and construction. Founder Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti sits as an arbitrator in addition to bolstering the team’s sports law expertise. Sports law is also a specialist area for Ricardo Cid who also heads the international division, and is a member of the Portuguese Bar Association. Ahmed Al Sharif specialises in real estate, financial and commercial law, and is qualified in Egypt. The three oversee the practice.

Practice head(s):

Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti; Ricardo Cid; Ahmed Al Sharif


Testimonials

‘I have been truly impressed by the exceptional depth and breadth of Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm’s team. They possess a remarkable range of expertise and knowledge across various legal areas. What sets them apart is the calibre of their professionals, who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table. ‘

‘The team’s collective strength and expertise instils complete confidence  in us in their ability to handle any legal matter that arises. I am grateful for their exceptional team and the value they bring to our partnership.’

‘Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm have provided invaluable support in contractual agreements and represented us in litigation and dispute resolution. We greatly appreciate their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to our success.’

‘I highly commend Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm for their outstanding ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. Their expertise, strategic approach, and attention-to-detail have consistently impressed me. I have complete confidence in their capability to navigate intricate legal challenges and provide effective solutions.’

‘Essa Al Sulaiti and Abdulraouf Gharibeh are great communicators.’

‘Ahmed was great at communicating the details of the issue and worked on it within the limited time available. My issue was resolved within a month and thankfully it didn’t drag out longer.’

‘The in-depth knowledge of the team is essential – ESLF has proved their capabilities in solving a case in a very professional way.’

‘Each individual I worked with showed great knowledge and experience in their field. But also the proactive and clear communication from especially the team leads, which is essential for clients to understand their position, was extremely good and helped me in many ways.’

Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm

Praised for its ‘in-depth knowledge’ of ‘court precedent on a national and international scale’, the dispute resolution department at Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm conducts both international arbitration and civil and commercial litigation for a range of local and multinational clients. The team is co-headed by founder and managing partner Hamad Al Yafei, whose expertise spans the investment, real estate, corporate and construction sectors, and experienced enforcement and amicable dispute resolution specialist Mustafa Basyoni.

Practice head(s):

Hamad Al Yafei; Mustafa Basyoni


Testimonials

‘Their in-depth knowledge of the Qatar Court system, and court precedent on a national and international scale as well as their understanding of local and regional laws stands out. They are very responsive and catering.’

‘The individuals are well-versed on local and regional laws and precedent. They have extensive experience in various legal fields and easily adapt no matter the query posed.’

‘It is a well-organised local law firm. The lawyers understand client’s needs and can advise on how to best achieve those needs in the circumstances.’

‘Good collaboration, and the people are passionate.’

‘The team has a good attitude.’

K&L Gates

The dispute resolution team at K&L Gates is made up of ‘extremely talented lawyers‘, offering a ‘depth of capability at all levels‘. Its arbitration capabilities are particularly praised, with sector expertise across construction and engineering, oil and gas, and banking and finance matters. Team head Matthew Walker works across Doha and London, while Burak Eryiğit is noted for his ‘extraordinary‘ attention-to-detail.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Walker


Other key lawyers:

Burak Erygit


Testimonials

‘K&L Gates have a strong and diversified arbitration team that has a proven record in the arbitration field. they have handled complex cases with efficiency, using the latest technology. They are very organised and efficient.

‘Burak Erygit’s focus and attention-to-detail is extraordinary. His analysis of contractual matters and ability to see issues which were previously not apparent is particularly notable. Burak has relentless focus and work ethic, and ensures the strongest possible position is advanced in pleadings. Burak is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with him again.’

‘The members of the team are individually good performers and together highly efficient. They stand-out in the market and maintained the quality of their work and their growth. Their leader Matthew Walker is very good lawyer and team leader with high ethics.’

‘K&L Gates’ has a team of extremely talented lawyers and depth of capability at all levels. Their attention-to-detail and commitment to develop the strongest possible case is clearly evident – and they do so in an affable and exceptionally professional manner.’

‘Matthew Walker’s knowledge of construction law is exceptional and highly commendable. He is able to quickly grasp complex and technical construction issues and develop these into compelling arguments in support of our case. Furthermore, Matthew is a true gentleman and a pleasure to work alongside.’

Key clients

QFC Employment Standards Office


Work highlights


  • Acting as counsel to the QFC Employment Standards Office in respect of two related appeals from the decision of the Commissioner of the QFC ESO in respect of unlawful deductions of salary from two employees.

Rashed Al Marri Law Office in Association with Claudia el Hage Law Offices

The ‘outstanding, multilingual’ dispute resolution team at Rashed Al Marri Law Office in Association with Claudia el Hage Law Offices leverages its ‘incomparable experience of the legal system in Qatar’ to support clients in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and consultancy matters. Rashed Raja Al Marri co-heads the team with Claudia El Hage. ‘Always on top of her game’, El Hage is praised for her strategic approach to civil, corporate and commercial cases, and international experience. The construction sector is a key area of strength for the team, which has experience advising on some of Qatar’s most complex projects disputes.

Practice head(s):

Rashed Raja Al Marri; Claudia El Hage


Other key lawyers:

Amale El Baba; Myriam Eid; Marilyne Zghaib


Testimonials

‘A team full of heavyweight lawyers who are capable of providing a full-range service.’

‘Claudia El Hage is always on top of her game, she is recognised in the market as being the strategic lead but also she is involved in details in the work delivery.’

‘Claudia and her team are an outstanding, multi-lingual team who are equally at home handling litigation in the Qatari courts, litigation in the QFC Courts and arbitration. Claudia and her team have an outstanding work ethic, are very approachable and hardworking. They are also excellent listeners.’

‘The stand-outs are Claudia El Hage as the overall lead partner, Myriam Eid in the arbitration team and Amale El Baba in the litigation team. Marilyne Zghaib is a notable associate.’

‘The thing that sets them apart from their competitors is their communication – they work hard to integrate themselves into the delivery team for the arbitration or litigation; they remain part of a team. They want to work with you, not for you.’

‘Multifaceted, multilingual team that is able to handle civil law and common law based cases in different matters, be it construction, venture capital, private equity, arbitration, taxation or litigation. The managing partner Ms. Hage is a respected attorney in Qatar.’

‘Myriam Eid is a truly complete lawyer: an excellent drafter, excellent strategist and very good advocate. She writes in a very persuasive manner and is able to produce work product in a very fast manner.’

‘This practice is one of the few in Qatar that offers a wide-range of services. Arbitration, legal proceedings before the courts, legal opinions in a wide-variety of subjects including construction and banking paired with an incomparable experience of the legal system in Qatar. This team is the one to have by your side especially if you are an international company working in Qatar. In addition, they can provide you services in English, Arabic and French.’