‘The firm has a number of huge selling points. The leadership and partners are excellent, but so are the more junior fee earners. They are extremely intelligent and well-resourced individuals, and are very knowledgeable about construction disputes.’

‘Paul Coates is very charming, hardworking and highly intelligent. He has a good understanding of the law and, in particular, strategy.’

‘James Abbott leads the group and he’s an outstanding litigator. His strategic thinking is unparalleled and he is extremely user-friendly and down-to-earth.’

‘Bethany Lightley-Hunt is an up-and-coming associate to watch out for. Clients adore her commitment and hands-on approach.’

‘Arun Visweswaran has an excellent eye for detail.’

‘Great team that enjoy dealing with complex problems and breaking new ground.’

‘James Abbott is very relaxed and easy to work with, nothing ever flusters him and he always seems to have the correct answer at the top of his head.’

‘Arun Visweswaran is able to give thoughtful, practical advice and has a great experience dealing with DIFC Court matters.’

‘King & Wood Mallesons have an incredibly talented team who are well-poised to deal with the most complex and challenging international arbitrations in the Middle East. They always retain a practical and commercial perspective whilst being outstanding legal strategists.’

‘Joanne Strain is an exceptionally talented lawyer. Incisive, clear and thoughtful.’

‘Parnika Chaturvedi is a brilliant lawyer and gives measured, realistic advice, but has a creative flair that inspires.’

‘One of the most diverse teams in Dubai, with Joanne Strain and Parnika Chaturvedi. They are absolute trojans when it comes to work.’

‘This is a team that has a rare combination of legal skill, organisational discipline, and personal warmth. They are a delight to work with.’

‘Joanne Strain is committed, unflappable, and great in a crisis; she has excellent judgment and always knows the right question to ask.’

‘Parnika Chaturvedi is immensely knowledgeable and insightful, and always has complete command of the papers.’

‘Joanne Strain, Daniel Xu, and Parnika Chaturvedi make a highly professional team, have a pleasant attitude with clients and are extremely knowledgeable of the local laws and courts practice.’

‘Intelligence and business acumen of partners. Dedication of associates to clients’ work.’

‘Paul Stothard and Alexander Field both stand out for their brilliance, eloquence and business acumen.’

‘Matthew Showler has been doing work in the UAE for over a decade and has a wealth of experience. He has been involved in a number of firsts in the DIFC Courts and is equally at home in arbitration.’

‘Knowledgeable, focused, friendly, timely and relevant.’

‘Matthew Showler delivers an excellent service, focused advice and is a strategic expert.’

‘Matthew Showler sees straight to the heart of any dispute and can immediately identify the strategic implications of any event in the proceedings. A brilliant tactical thinker with a remarkable ability to cut through the detail.’

‘Very prompt and complete responses. Adaptable and able to incorporate client input.’

‘The partners support clients’ corporate goals, which has led them to winning and retaining long term clients.’

‘Matthew Showler is a highly recommended arbitrator, and a talented negotiator.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and are very supportive of the client. They consider client requirements above everything else.’

‘They have enormous experience and some of the best litigators in the market, which makes them a great value team.’

‘An excellent team conducting banking and financial services litigation in the UAE, and in particular in the DIFC at the highest level. The partners are hands-on and proactive, the associates are intelligent and reliable.’

‘Shane Jury is an outstanding up-and-coming partner in the region, a delight to work with, and great at inspiring his team.’

‘Antonia Grieve-Yates is a very hardworking associate, diligent and enthusiastic.’

‘Charlotte Davis has really hit the ground running; a good, reliable associate.’

‘The team is knowledgeable, approachable and highly efficient. They relieve the burden when dealing with disputes, providing practical and timely advice.’

‘Emma Tormey is not just approachable and knowledgeable, but also extremely efficient. I felt confident that I was in capable hands.’

‘Shane Jury is the standout member of the team. He is exceptionally intelligent, thorough, and meticulous with detail.’

‘Great knowledge of the market place.’

‘Stuart Walker is very responsive and has good judgement.’

‘Great use of technology and a really strong team able to work seamlessly with external counsel and technical experts.’

‘Haider Afridi, Chatura Randeniya and Mevan Bandara are all supremely competent, and have great attention to detail and a laser-like ability to hone in on the true issues in a case. Not only are all of them exceptionally able, but they are a true delight to work with.’

‘Great commitment to the client; kind and professional.’

‘Sulakshana Senanayake is an associate who is extremely hardworking and one to watch.’

‘They are excellent and recommended.’

‘The one thing that made this practice truly unique was the work was carried out pro bono. This is a testament to Bird & Bird, their beliefs, and how important supporting the community is.’

‘Lucas Pitts’ knowledge, trusted advice, delicacy in handling the tricky legal issues at hand, and strategy are standout.’

‘Lucas Pitts’ knowledge not only around the legal aspects, but also governance and schooling, were second-to-none.’

‘Lucas Pitts is a commercially-focused lawyer who is able to provide legal advice in the context of the business drivers for clients.’

‘A really strong team that has great depth of knowledge of the Middle East.’

‘Paul Taylor always provides clear strategic direction, and is able gently to guide clients through difficult issues.’

‘Shalagh Massingham is an absolute firecracker of a lawyer. Brilliant levels of energy and enthusiasm, and a really hard worker. She has real knowledge across the commercial and construction sphere.’

‘Gillian Flannighan is a really strong up-and-coming associate. She can be trusted to get the answer right first time.’

‘Energetic, thoughtful and experienced team with a very hands-on approach and long Middle Eastern experience.’

‘High calibre lawyers with extensive experience in the GCC region.’

‘Rebecca Copley is highly responsive and provides accurate advice.’

‘Nasser Ali Khasawneh is highly supportive and understands the clients’ businesses.’

‘The litigation and arbitration team provide excellent, client-focused advice and have a deep knowledge of international arbitration and the local market.’

‘One of the top teams in the UAE for dealing with complex commercial arbitration.’

‘Great leadership with Sheila Shadmand, but also great depth. The team are practical, commercial, have a good mix of actual in-house experiences prior to joining the firm and are a strong team.’

‘Sheila Shadmand is a superstar – she will do anything that she can to help.’

‘Heather Martin is commercially-focused and brings significant in-house experience to the table. She is also very detail-focused, and she really knows her stuff.’

‘King & Spalding’s dispute resolution team are very forward-leaning with their clients. They dig into all the details and evaluate the risks and mitigation factors openly with their clients.’

‘The lawyers are direct and to-the-point in their conversations and do not waste time’

‘Ben Williams has his hand on all matters concerning the case and people involved.’

‘Sarah Walker brings a great wealth of experience from litigation in the UK and the Middle East.’

‘King & Spalding have a great local team with support out of the UK.’

‘Sarah Walker has a wealth of experience and a great bedside manner with clients.’

‘They have the ability to quickly understand the dynamics in clients’ businesses, and to effectively communicate with every level of the internal hierarchy.’

‘Strategic farsightedness and superb drafting skills.’

‘Alex Bevan is easy to work and get along with, and he has extremely deep knowledge of the matter.’

‘David Hume has exceptional drafting skills, is up-to-speed at all times, and never off-guard.’

‘Shearman & Sterling have a longstanding and deep understanding of the Abu Dhabi market.’

‘Alex Bevan is a star in the market.’

‘Small but nimble practice, and very responsive.’

‘Alexander Lütgendorf is very experienced in the UAE, and really brings that experience to matters.’

‘Alexander Lütgendorf has real arbitration pedigree in his background. He is extremely responsive and committed to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients.’

‘Very strong lead in Sara Sheffield. She is technically very able and a fierce opponent.’

‘True expertise across the Middle East region.’

‘Sara Sheffield is one of the most dedicated lawyers I know. She has built her practice and reputation in the regional market and internationally through the quality of her work. Not only an extraordinary counsel for her clients, but also an amazing leader.’

‘The CRS team are a group of very capable and intelligent lawyers. They are particularly strong and adept at handling disputes with cross-border elements.’

‘Sara Sheffield is an extremely dedicated and innovative partner, who is tremendously effective at understanding her client’s goals and finding a way to achieve those.’

‘Rachel Warren is very good at handling complex and long running disputes, particularly in financial regulation and investigations.’

‘Peter Smith is an excellent lawyer, with superb drafting skills and who always has a detailed understanding of his cases.’

‘Professional team, very responsive and can work fast when required. Ghassan El Daye has extensive experience in litigation.’

‘One of the biggest strengths this team has is the diverse individuals that specialize in different aspects of the field. This makes them prepared for any case with an expert ready in that field.’

‘They are quick to take action and come up with original ideas and perspectives outside the box.’

‘Clients value their work ethic and their approaches to different cases. They use their expert skills and approach cases with resourcefulness and original ideas.’

‘They are a group of quick-witted individuals, whenever there is a problem they are quick to take effective action.’

‘A well diversified team, carefully listen to the client’s point of view, and reflect a sincere desire to protect the best interests of the client.’

‘Jeremy Miocevic and Matthew Harley are helpful, knowledgeable, and sincere in their advice. They have always reflected a high level of professionalism, competence, and understanding of client’s needs.’

‘Lawyers with first-class intellect and dedication to their clients.’

‘Jennifer Paterson is one of the brightest minds of her generation, with the judgment of a senior partner.’

‘High quality work product, and seamless collaboration with international offices on larger matters.’

‘Jonathan Sutcliffe is an excellent lawyer: accurate, measured, calm, responsive, and easy to work with.’

‘The firm has international presence with lawyers of various qualifications and experience.’

‘Jonathan Sutcliffe is technically very strong. His years of advisory experience is useful, blending his legal advice with commercial elements and strategies.’

‘Charlotte Bijlani is the benchmark by which other dispute resolution practices are to be judged.’

‘Soraya Corm-Bakhos and Charlotte Bijlani are efficient, on the ball and they deliver. They have substantial arbitration experience and are themselves highly effective advocates with the ear of the tribunal.’

‘Charlotte Bijlani always has the big picture in mind and always sees the wood from the trees. She is practical, tactical, methodical, and always puts her clients first.’

‘Haya Al-Bawab has great initiative, is hands-on and get things done.’

‘Soraya Corm-Bakhos is excellent under pressure, and is a great critical thinker.’

‘The dispute resolution team at Watson Farley is very professional, diligent and attentive’

‘The lawyers at Watson Farley are knowledgeable and innovative, always coming up with new ideas and concepts.’

‘Regional reach, great team, pleasant and easy to deal with. Soraya Backhos is instrumental to the team’s success.’