International law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its dispute resolution practice with the arrival of Ryan Whelan, who joins the firm as a Partner in Dubai.  

Ryan’s practice primarily focuses on the infrastructure and energy sector. Ryan has acted on some of the region’s most high-profile and high-value disputes, including multi-billion-dollar arbitrations, and his experience extends to acting as Project Counsel on several megaprojects.  Having spent over seven years with Gibson Dunn in London and Dubai, Ryan most recently led the Middle East Infrastructure Disputes team at Akin.

Ryan’s clients include some of the energy and infrastructure sector’s leading names, as well as sovereign states, sovereign wealth funds, and national oil companies. He has advised clients in over 30 countries, including on market leading energy, renewables, water, and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East, Africa and internationally.

He has acted in international arbitrations under all major institutional rules and litigated in a variety of Courts in a number of jurisdictions, including the London High Courts, local Courts across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East region, as well as The Grand Court in the Cayman Islands.

“The Middle East is continuing to undergo transformative economic growth which is resulting in unprecedented levels of capital expenditure across all sectors, particularly within the construction, engineering and infrastructure markets, resulting in huge opportunities for businesses and investors,” said Partner and Head of Middle East Construction Disputes Ron Nobbs. “Last year marked a record 12 months for the GCC projects market, with project awards of over US$250 billion with ongoing growth anticipated. As the region continues to implement this transformative change, and to attract substantial foreign investment for large-scale and complex projects, it is inevitable that we will see an increase in construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes. Ryan’s top of market regional and global experience make him a valuable addition to the team, bolstering our ability to help our clients manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently at every stage of the project lifecycle.”

“We’re really pleased to welcome Ryan Whelan to our team,” said Rania Tadros, Dubai Office Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood. “Ryan is the eighth new partner to join the Dubai office in less than 18 months. Expanding our presence in the Middle East is a core component of our international strategy. Ryan brings extensive experience and deep understanding of the region, and of managing complex and high-profile disputes. Ryan’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us support our clients’ needs across the region and beyond.”

Stephenson Harwood has a recognised market-leading contentious construction, engineering and infrastructure practice, known for its expertise in managing complex and substantial matters in various jurisdictions around the world, acting for a diverse client base including government bodies, employers, contractors, public authorities, private developers, funders and other stakeholders involved in high-value construction and engineering disputes.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

List of partners to join the Dubai office in the last 18 months:

  • Iwan Walters, Partner, Projects, Energy and Infrastructure
  • Ron Nobbs, Head of Middle East Construction Disputes
  • John Lewis, Head of Middle East General Commercial Litigation & International Arbitration
  • Mohamed El Hawawy, Head of Middle East Shipping and Insurance
  • Khurram Ali, Partner, Maritime, Trade and Offshore

More recently, the below individuals were also promoted to partners in the Dubai office:

  • Jordan Ellis, Private Wealth
  • Toufic Safie, Corporate/M&A and Commercial

 

About Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood is a law firm with over 1,400 people worldwide, including more than 210 partners. Our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients – listed and private companies, institutions and individuals.

Our headquarters are in London, with eight offices across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In addition, we have forged close ties with other high quality law firms. This diverse mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

For further information on Stephenson Harwood LLP, please contact:

Freddie Lindsey‑Harrison​​​​

Senior Communications and PR Manager

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Tel: +44 20 7809 2832

Email:  [email protected]

 

Sarah Owen

Senior Communications Executive

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Tel: +44 (0)207 809 2874

Email: [email protected]

 

 

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