The Legal 500

Clyde & Co LLP’s eminent construction practice has a longstanding reputation for its contentious and non-contentious expertise. The team represents a range of clients on issues stemming from the Nakheel restructuring process, and 
also acted for master developers on several construction projects underway in Abu Dhabi. Michael Grose, Mark Blanksby and David McElveny are all highly regarded.

‘Among the best for construction disputes’, Pinsent Masons’ ‘thoroughly professional’ practice enjoyed significant expansion in 2011, with Simon Harvey and Björn Gehle joining from Baker & McKenzie and Clayton Utz, respectively, and Daniel Tain relocating from the London office. On the non-contentious side, the team acted for China Petroleum Engineering Corporation in the EPC contract and associated agreements for the construction of the Habshan to Fujeirah oil pipeline. Sachin Kerur leads the team; Michelle Nelson, who ‘gives her all for her clients’, is the key disputes lawyer.

SNR Denton’s ‘established and well-respected’ construction practice provides ‘clear strength in depth across the sector’. The team, including Paul Stothard and the ‘highly responsive’ David Risbridger, notably represented the government committee responsible for the $4.8bn Midfield terminal building project at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Nick Kramer provides ‘solid technical advice in a commercial context’.

Al Tamimi & Company’s construction practice provides ‘thorough analysis and appropriate advice’, and has ‘an excellent understanding of the issues governing the local market’. There is a strong contentious bent to the practice, and the team recently recently acted for a Chinese contractor in a $1bn construction dispute arising from the Makkah rail project, Saudi Arabia’s first rail project. Steven Hunt heads the team, in which senior associate Eric Teo impresses with his ‘in-depth knowledge and high level of competency combined with his prompt care, personal touch and attention to complex legal issues’.

Hadef & Partners provides ‘high levels of service compared with a lot of other firms’. In 2011, it acted for CAN Integrated Technologies in a DIAC arbitration relating to a joint venture between Malaysian and UAE contractors involved in the Nad Al Sheba racecourse project. Other clients include BMG Middle East Investment and Al Badie Group. Dubai-based Anthony Edwards is ‘a smart litigator with an eagle eye’. Basil Siddiqi in Abu Dhabi is also recommended.

Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP’s construction practice remains a key player in the market, despite Jonathan Brufal’s move to Wragge & Co LLP. It continues to act as preferred adviser to Mubadala Development Company on its construction, real estate and hospitality transactions. Martin Preston, who advises on non-contentious matters, acted for the project sponsors in the Dammam 7 petrochemicals plant project in Saudi Arabia, while litigator Patrick Bourke advised a Singaporean development company in a dispute with a Bahrain-based engineering firm.

Reed Smith combines ‘good technical and industry knowledge’ with ‘top-notch responsiveness’ for government and private sector entities including Reem Investments. The three-partner team represented the Abu Dhabi Prince Crown Court in a mixed-use development and football stadium project in Al Ain. Arash Amai is ‘an indispensable team member and trusted adviser’, with Tarek Abdalla and Chau Ee Lee also recommended.

Trowers & Hamlins’ construction practice has developed solid local expertise under the guidance of Andrew Greaves and Michael O’Reilly. Recent highlights include advising the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport on the procurement of six long-term concession agreements for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of new car parks.

At Clifford Chance, Sandy Hall is regularly called on to advise on construction aspects of major real estate finance and power projects. Highlights in 2011 included advising Lukoil on the ongoing development of an oil field near Basra, Iraq. It also handles contentious construction matters for its oil and gas and real estate clients.

DLA Piper Middle East LLP’s team of ‘smart and dynamic litigators’ represent clients such as Aldar Properties and the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai.

Gateley’s Paul Taylor handles construction disputes for international developers and construction companies.

Habib Al Mulla & Company’s ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ construction practice has a core focus on contentious matters, making it a go-to option for disputes. The team recently advised an Australian company on the construction of a public-private car park facility in Abu Dhabi. Former team headKarim Nassif left the firm in December 2011.

Herbert Smith LLP’s construction practice adeptly handles contentious and non-contentious infrastructure and power-related construction matters, and represents clients such as Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Mubadala-GE Capital. It advised a consortium comprising Sumitomo and KEPCO on its successful bid for the $1.5bn Shuweihat 3 IPP in Abu Dhabi.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s busy contentious construction practice represents local and international contractors, and the wider, full-service practice can advise on all stages of projects. Dual-qualified solicitor Paul Suckling has eight years’ track record in the market.

Kennedys’ Nick Carnell and Mark Wilson provides contentious and non-contentious construction advice to clients such as ACE Global.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton opened its Dubai office in 2008 with a deliberate focus on contentious construction matters. Managing partner Thomas Wilson is ‘very experienced, capable and practical’, and acted for Khatib & Alami Consolidated Engineering Company in DIAC and ICC arbitrations relating to an AED200m claim brought against it by CAYAN Investment & Development and Marina Infinity Limited.

LG adopts ‘a very professional yet extremely friendly and personal’ approach, and can demonstrate ‘a broad knowledge base’. Head of construction James Foster is ‘an experienced and able arbitration lawyer’. Clients include BK Gulf LLC and Schindler Group.

Led by Adrian Cole, Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP has been advising Cebarco LLC in connection with high-value claims by a subcontractor arising from site preparation works for the Abu Dhabi Formula One grand prix race track. Other clients include Abu Dhabi Municipality and Mubadala Development Company.

Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP represents developers in construction disputes. Mark Fraser is the key figure.

WongPartnership LLP is ‘a very personable firm that listens to the client’s needs and requirements in advance of making its assessment and recommendations’. Litigation expert and joint head of the Middle East practice Paul Sandosham is ‘clear in his instructions and fully in command of the assignment’. In 2011, the team acted for a subcontractor in ICC arbitration relating to an AED10m claim for non-payment for materials supplied.