Firms in the Spotlight Dispute resolution

Al Sulaiti Law Firm

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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

The dispute resolution team at Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri is a leader in the Qatar market, handling both large-scale and complex litigation and arbitration. The practice is particularly noted for a capacity to handle construction and project related disputes, advising on contracts including FICID and construction clauses under Qatari law. The team is led by the highly experienced litigator Hani Al Naddaf , whose expertise span a wide range of areas concerning commercial, debt recovery, employment and real estate disputes. Roy Georgiades is highly experienced representing local and international clients on corporate disputes before Qatari courts, while Andrew Symms specialises in construction and engineering matters.

Practice head(s):

Hani Al Naddaf

Other key lawyers:

Roy Georgiades; Andrew Symms

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

The dispute resolution team at Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners consistently acts at the forefront of legal developments and pioneering case law in Qatar. With extensive experience of local courts and customs, the firm has developed an impeccable contentious practice covering both litigation and arbitration. On the disputes side, Ashraf Feshawi leads a team that regularly appears before the local courts. Thomas Williams heads the arbitration team, guiding clients through all stages of the process, from procedural hearings and applications for interim relief to the evidentiary hearing; he and his team also regularly represent clients before the Qatar International Court and Financial Centre Regulatory Tribunal.

Practice head(s):

Sultan M. Al-Abdulla; Dr Ashraf Feshawi; Thomas Williams

Testimonials

‘Good and professional lawyers who work efficiently, they are well known in the Qatar market.’

‘Thomas Williams continues to impress with his client care.’

‘They are one of the lead law firms in the market.’

‘Sultan Al-Abdulla and Thomas Williams are both great lawyers. Thomas has mastered the arbitration law in Qatar in a very short period of time. His experience is a great asset to his firm.’

‘Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners have always paid specific attention to limit the legal costs by focusing on the key points of the dispute. Often the technical issues are extremely complex to understand, but the firm consistently surprises with their capacity to understand the key technical points.’

‘I have been working primarily with Thomas Williams. He is very fast in grasping the points presented to him and attentive to the budget. He also understands the commercial/”political” implications that a dispute carries with it and takes them into account in the strategies he proposes.’

‘Sultan Al Abdullah have unrivalled experience advising on Qatar law in the context of international arbitrations and domestic litigation, they are absolutely outstanding’

‘Salman Mahmood is absolutely superb – extremely bright and very intellectual, thoughtful and conscientious, and immensely knowledgeable. He is able to set out his advice in a way which is crystal clear and succinct.’

Key clients

Dukhan Bank

Olayan Financial Company

Hawar Group

United Engineers Malaysia

Al Darwish Engineering

Qatar Building Company

Trans Gulf International Electro-Mechanical WLL

Al Jaber Group

Al Darwish Holding

First Qatar Company

Clyde & Co LLP

An international firm with an unparalleled local presence, the disputes team at Clyde & Co LLP is adept at handling large-scale arbitrations as well as having extensive litigation experience in the Qatari courts. While the practice is broad in the disputes it handles, the team is especially skilled at handling debt and subrogated recovery claims, shareholder arbitrations and particularly when it comes to head of team Laura Warren, construction disputes. Dual-qualified Jonathan Parker operates out of Doha, is adept at representing clients in the common law based Qatar International Court and Qatar Financial Centre. Associate Christopher O’Brien is building a solid reputation before local courts, particularly regarding construction and tax disputes.

Practice head(s):

Laura Warren

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Parker; Christopher O’Brien

Testimonials

‘Clyde and Co is our preferred international firm in Qatar and the wider region, especially for litigation and arbitration matters. They handle very complex and high value matters.’

‘The Clyde and Co team has diversity in both nationalities and disciplines. They have up-to-date technology which deal with archiving matters.’

‘Each one of Clyde and Co’s team has a unique experience to add.’

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a firm renowned for its capability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional claims covering the full spectrum of dispute resolution matters, combining a comprehensive on-the-ground presence in Qatar with an integrated network of offices throughout the Middle East. The regional practice is co-headed from Dubai by Andrew Mackenzie, who joined from Baker McKenzie in March 2022. George Vlavianos is the other co-head in Qatar, and is particularly adept at handling multi-party construction disputes and arbitrations. Legal Director Hasan El-Shafiey has significant experience of commercial arbitration and cross-border litigation for multinational corporations.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Mackenzie; George Vlavianos

Other key lawyers:

Hasan Al-Shafiey

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP boasts a ‘vast range of experienced lawyers’ in dispute resolution, handling some of the largest and most complex construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes in Qatar and the wider region. Alexander Whyatt leads the team, acting on international and domestic arbitration, in addition to an increasing number of instructions in Doha for mediations and expert determinations. Managing partner Dani Kabbani is also adept at handling complex financial disputes and cross-border debt recovery claims, while Shalagh Massingham assists the team from Dubai, with a practice focusing on ICC and DIAC construction arbitration. Associate Omid Mousavi comes very well recommended.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Whyatt; Dani Kabbani

Other key lawyers:

Shalagh Massingham; Omid Mousavi

Testimonials

‘This is a small but very impressive team, particularly Alexander Whyatt. They have a strong focus on client objectives, and unparalleled understanding of the QFC regulatory regime.’

‘Alexander Whyatt is a star to watch in the Qatar/UAE market.’

‘The team was cooperative, responsive and easy to deal with.’

‘Alexander Whyte provides a commercial and pragmatic solutions he works together with the client and his consultants as part of a seamless team, he also write clear and persuasive pleadings.’

‘Alex Whyatt and Omid Mousavi  are robust in support of their client’s best interests.’

‘Their speed of reaction is something to particularly highlight, providing support exactly when needed.’

‘Omid Mousavi is always prompt and accurate, brining a level of analysis which allows information to be presented to different internal stakeholders quickly.’

‘Vast range of experienced lawyers who throughout the last 4 years have provided an abundance of services in a dispute process in Qatar.’

Key clients

Bank Audi

Prime Financial Solutions LLC

Yuanda Aluminium Industry Engineering Company

Amberberg Ltd and International Financial Services LLC

Harinsa Contracting Company

Petroserv Qatar

Doha Bank

Leighton Contracting Qatar

Yuanda Aluminium Industry Engineering Company

United Bank Limited

Sodexo

China Gezhouba Group (part of China State Construction)

Singapore Engineering and Contracting

Work highlights

  • Acting in a very large ICC arbitration for a global contractor client across three different jurisdictions in respect of a $100m dispute arising out of its works on the Doha Metro.
  • Secured a ground-breaking and ‘novel’ (as described by the Court) 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, including securing an injunction against the payment of an on-demand performance bond, guiding court-appointed experts to decisions in our client’s favour, and making representations before both the Courts of Urgent Affairs and Courts of First Instance.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Having appointed Pamela McDonald as practice head in June 2022, Pinsent Masons LLP continues to invest in its dispute resolution offering, developing extensive expertise to advise on disputes related to the construction and energy sectors. McDonald is particularly renowned in these areas and specialises in international arbitration, working closely with the Contract’s Association at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce on the introduction of the minimum wage in Qatar. She is assisted by Jonathan Collier who mostly advises the infrastructure and energy sectors and also specialises in arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Pamela McDonald

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Collier

Testimonials

‘The team has good knowledge, solid experience and a positive attitude.’

‘Pinsent Masons displayed a detailed knowledge of the ICC Arbitration Process and act proactively to assess all relevant information.’

‘The personnel in Pinsent Mason display agility and logical thinking to understand the real time issues encountered during a construction project. As a result of this, they can correlate the demands of construction with the requirements of contract law.’

Work highlights

  • Advised the Contractor’s Association at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce on its entitlement as a result of the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of a minimum wage in Qatar in 2021. Pamela’s legal advice was reviewed at the highest level of government in Qatar, and resulted in a Ministry of Finance Circular, which granted contractors working for public entities time and cost as a result of these events.

Sharq Law Firm

Sharq Law Firm is renowned for its ability to handle complex litigation, regularly appearing before the entirety of the Qatari courts, from the Court of First Instance to the Court of Cassation. The litigation team is run by associate Abdulla Mohamed Al-Hadhry , who is highly skilled when appearing before both the civil and criminal courts. Founder and senior partner Rashid Al Saad, as well as Abdelraouf Elbekei are key figures.

Practice head(s):

Abdullah Al Hadhri

Other key lawyers:

Rashid Al Saad; Abdelraouf Elbekei

Testimonials

‘The dispute resolution team at Sharq Law Firm has extensive experience and a strong background in Arbitration. They maintain good communication with the client and are very collaborative.’

‘Senior associate Josias De Salles has solid experience in arbitration and an ability to meet deadlines in the most pressured situation. He pays attention to the details and always ensures the quality of the submissions is maintained.’

White & Case LLP

With a specialist construction service focusing on FIDIC and large infrastructure disputes, White & Case LLP has consolidated its presence in Qatar as a trusted firm for contentious work. Michael Turrini and Payvand Vahdat lead the practice, both being particularly adept at handling large-scale arbitration in the construction and social infrastructure sectors. The team is bolstered by Verena Gross, who has experience representing clients in commercial arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Payvand Vahdat; Michael Turrini

Other key lawyers:

Verena Gross

Testimonials

‘The team consists of a selection of lawyers with the highest intellect, who readily understand the issues and are alive to the vagaries of the construction and engineering industries. This enables them to comprehend at ease the matters in dispute and give considered thought as to how best to advise their client.’

‘They give robust, succinct and first class advice.’

‘The team have excellent knowledge of the dispute processes and all forms of contract.’

‘Michael Turrini provides clear honest advice and assists in developing suitable strategies.’

‘White & Case’s strengths in dispute resolution is due to the international expertise it can draw upon and the size of its teams around the world.’

‘Verena Gross puts client’s at ease and has an excellent strategic mind.’

‘The White & Case team provide excellent advice to clients regarding the merits of a dispute, which allows the client to focus on the areas of value. They are exceptionally knowledgeable in the construction dispute industry and always provide excellent advice when it comes to managing and pursuing a case. The whole team are approachable and appear genuinely eager to assist in delivering the best value from a dispute.’

‘Verena Gross – is an excellent lawyer who is extremely diligent in her approach to setting out a client’s position. She is tireless in her determination to resolve issues and will leave no stone unturned when seeking to understand the facts behind an issue.’

Al-Ansari & Associates

Led by Hossam Farooq, the dispute resolution practice at Al-Ansari & Associates handles a steady stream of contentious work, including adversarial litigation and advising clients on how to navigate Qatari administrative and regulatory issues. The team is also noted for its capacity to handle international arbitration, with Salman Al-Ansari being highly active in disputes in the construction and oil and gas sectors. Rafi Sajian leads the firm’s corporate department and is experienced regarding employment disputes.

Practice head(s):

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

Testimonials

‘The team is extremely professional in their representation of clients. Not only is their great knowledge of the law an important factor in their success, the speed of reporting and reacting is unprecedented in this market.’

‘The knowledge and reach in the legal market in Qatar and their ability to think of positive and creative solutions, as well as the speed of their responses and reporting, makes this the best firm to work with here.’

Key clients

MATCH Hospitality Consultants LLC

Uber & Careem Inc

Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy

Talabat Services W.L.L

Voltas Qatar WLL

Sidra Medicine

Hill International

Al Jazeera Media Network

GWC (Gulf Warehousing Company QPSC)

Vodafone

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 and acquisition of its regional rival, Careem.
  • Represented 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.
  • Representing Voltas Qatar WLL in a complex multi-million construction arbitration claim before the International Chamber of Commerce.

DWF

Led by the highly experienced Kirk Durrant, the dispute resolution team at DWF has become well known in the Qatar market. The practice is particularly noted for handling construction and engineering related disputes, advising and representing significant contractors, developers and subcontractors in the region.

Practice head(s):

Kirk Durrant

Testimonials

‘The team has impressive legal expertise relevant to the local laws and regulations, especially the knowledge in ICC procedures and regulations.’

‘They offer professionalism and a positive attitude when supporting the client with legal advice.’

‘DWF professionals are experts in the field of FIDIC Contracts and dispute Resolution. When you deal with experts, they reach to the bottom of issues and give solutions which are acceptable to both parties.’

Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm is noted for the breadth and depth of its disputes offering, assisting clients on a wide range of matters from construction and employment to real estate and sport disputes; with team head Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti being particularly experienced regarding the latter. Ricardo Cid is another name to note, regularly advising government institutions and developers on construction-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Essa Al Sulaiti; Ricardo Cid; Abdelraouf Gharibeh

Testimonials

‘The ESLF team consists of lawyers that have many different backgrounds and countries. They have a diversity of lawyers that can provide services in many different languages such as English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, and French.’

‘The team are able to help with international matters because the lawyers have experience in different countries like the U.K., France, Portugal, Italy.’

‘The team care about their clients and take time to answer calls and return messages and follow with updates. This is very important because as a client, it is stressful to have cases running in court. Even the chairman, Mr. Essa, is available to meet with clients and answer questions. This is very different from other firms where the chairman is not involved.’

Key clients

WJ Groundwater

SENER Ingenieria y Sistemas S.A.

Services & Trade Company LLC

Katara Hospitality

Mr. Mohammed Al Sulaiti

David Adamson Group

Losberger De Boer Trading & Contracting LLC

Minnitz Doha

Tabiboba Café

Work highlights

  • Represented WJ Groundwater in an arbitration case in the London Court of International Arbitration as the Claimant of outstanding sums amounting to QAR 8 million in relation to a contract for dewatering services.
  • Acted as co-counsel for the claimant Services & Trade Company LLC, in ICC arbitration proceedings with a matter value of over QAR 684 million in relation to a contract for fit-out works on a high-profile hotel in Doha.
  • Represented Katara Hospitality in the Qatari courts in a QAR 142 million claim.

Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm

Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm’s dispute resolution offering is highly sought after by local and international corporates across a broad array of sectors spanning construction, real estate, investment and technology. One of those leading the team from Doha is named partner Hamad Al Yafei, highly experienced in commercial arbitration. He is supported by co-head Mustafa Basyoni, who has a strong reputation for expertise in complex and high-value construction disputes.

Practice head(s):

Hamad Al Yafei

Other key lawyers:

Mustafa Basyoni

Testimonials

‘The team is very professional and also the turn around time is really good.’

‘They are highly educated and know exactly what has to be done .’

K&L Gates

K&L Gates offers an accomplished dispute resolution practice throughout Qatar, which particularly adept when it comes to construction disputes, arbitration, and other complex commercial disputes. Matthew Walker leads the team and splits his time between Doha and London; his experience spans ICC and QICCA arbitrations, as well as litigation in the Technology and Construction Court and the Court of Appeal.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Walker

Testimonials

‘Exceptional lawyers with a real commitment to Qatar and providing a valuable insight into the Qatari markets.’

‘Matthew Walker is the leading international commercial and construction disputes lawyer in Qatar. Clients love his business acumen and his commitment to getting the best possible result.’

‘K&L Gates in Qatar is very diverse and has competent lawyers.’

‘K&L Gates have an all-star team in dispute resolution, their work and performance meets all expectations. They are very dedicated and provide an excellent follow-up and quality of work.’

‘Mathew Walker has extensive experience in the Middle East and acts as litigator and arbitrator. He has proven to be exceptional, very cultivated, calm and in command of his cases. A highly recommended lawyer for dispute resolution cases; you simply cannot go wrong by working with him and his firm. He is one of the best.’

‘The team at K&L Gates is led by extremely capable lawyers, it is their ‘people’ that make them stand out from other legal practices.

‘A diverse team with expert knowledge of the construction market in Qatar.’

‘Matt Walker is a standout arbitration lawyer. He is commercially minded but detailed in his approach. Matt has an impressive grasp of complex delay and quantum issues but gives his experts space to work.’

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

Rashed Al Marri Law Office in Association with Claudia el Hage Law Offices regularly represents international and local firms and institutions in court litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. The practice is particularly noted for their capacity to service clients who operate in construction projects, engineering consultancy and real estate development. Claudia El Hage leads the team and is highly regarded in the region, also bringing expertise in corporate, banking and M&A disputes. Myriam Eid has extensive experience of complex international construction disputes, while Amale El Baba is a skilled arbitrator and litigator on a wide array of commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Rashed Raja Al Marri; Claudia El Hage

Other key lawyers:

Amale El Baba

Testimonials

‘Good and vast knowledge of Qatari law.’

‘Claudia El Hage and her team are the leading litigation lawyers in Qatar. She is a brilliant and fearless trilingual lawyer, who provides outstanding service in English, French and Arabic. She has also assembled around her a talented and hard-working team of excellent lawyers.’

‘Claudia El Hage is an outstanding lawyer, and the stand-out in Qatar for litigation – and also for acting as co-counsel to the international law firms in arbitration.’

‘Claudia El Hage is responsive, pragmatic and a fearless advocate. She is ferociously hard-working, and provides excellent advice and service.’

‘The construction arbitration practice of the firm is strong and they have good knowledge of local Qatari law coupled with strong expertise in construction. This makes them unique.’

‘The lead partner, Claudia El Hage is well respected in local circles and is excellent in her presentations.’

‘The firm comprises of a very experienced team, notably in conflict resolution. The firm also is adopting the latest technologies for a greener practice.’

‘What makes the team stand out is the expertise and the courage to always push further to reach their goals and the best interests of the clients. They will not stop until they get what they want!’

Key clients

Obrascon Huarte Lain SA (Spain)

Sinohydro Corporation Limited (China)

Hamad Bin Khaled Contracting Company WLL (Qatar)

Arabian Construction Company LLC (UAE- Lebanon)

EMCO Engineering Inc. (Qatar) LLC

Alfa Consult SA

APE Events Management Artistic and Entertainment WLL

SEIB Insurance & Re-Insurance

Sarens NV – (Belgium)

Egis International Qatar – (France)

Hitachi Zosen International

DG Jones & Partners (Regional)

Bin Omran Trading & Telecommunication WLL (Qatar)

Galfar Al Misnad Engineering & Contracting W.L.L (India- Oman)

Cassina SPA (Italy)

Investment Holding Group (Qatar)

Projacs International for Project Management WLL

Blom Bank Qatar LLC

Harinsa Contracting Co WLL

K&L Gates Law Firm

Pinsent Masons Law Firm

Blue Steel Factory WLL

Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Co

Contraco WLL

China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd

Libano-Suisse

Bardawil Specialities Qatar LLC

Electro Mechanical Engineering Co. W.L.L.

Maamoura Mall

ITEC Qatar

Punj Lloyd Ltd

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd

QPay International Corporation LLC

Arcadis Consulting Middle East Limited

KAEFER Bahrain W.L.L.

Debbas Enterprise Qatar

General Engineering Technologies – GET – LLC

Servotek Group Building Material W.L.L.

Siemens WLL

Trelco for Building Material Company

Yoon & Yang Law Firm

Triptikum SAL/Hopscotch Middle East