Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 3

With Arabic-speaking civil law specialists and common law litigators, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts on complex, high-value disputes for governments, regulatory bodies, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, frequently navigating cross-border issues. The firm is particularly strong in asset tracing and recovery work, and also has a solid body of work relating to extradition and treaty-related disputes. Patrick Gearon is well-reputed for his contentious financial services expertise. Sara Sheffield ‘is a leader in litigation and arbitration in the jurisdiction‘ and has an extensive cross-border practice. Ghassan El Daye has civil law and common law capabilities and acts on financial crime and shareholder disputes and debt recovery issues. Thomas Snider joined from Al Tamimi & Company in August 2024 and and heads up the arbitration offering. Nicola Jackson joined from Clyde & Co LLP in May 2024 bolsters the team’s capabilities in insolvency litigation. Peter Smith and Max Davis also offer support. John Lewis left the firm.

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: compliance and investigations Tier 3

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s team specialises in handling complex investigations, offering strategic guidance on areas such as financial crime, anti-bribery, asset tracing, whistleblowing, and emerging issues like virtual assets and cybercrime. Sara Sheffield has a broad remit of work including cross-border commercial disputes, fraud, asset tracing and recovery, contentious insolvency, and regulatory investigations. Ghassan El Daye focuses on civil litigation. John Lewis left the firm in 2024.

United Arab Emirates > Intellectual property Tier 3

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is often engaged in intellectual property enforcement, management, and registration. With over three decades of experience in the sector, Mark Hill spearheads the team and is a key port of call for financial service entities, technology providers, and telecommunications firms. Lara Haidar is knowledgeable of brand custodianship and Anna Hackworth is another key team member.

United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s wide-ranging real estate expertise encompasses asset management, off-plan work, and property financing. Simon Green is noted for his strength in master-planned development projects; Reem Al Mahroos handles strata structuring mandates; and Glenn Bull is well versed in an array of transactional matters. Dana Marshad is another key team member.

United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 3

Especially reputed for its experience in SIM card swap fraud cases, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well versed in a host of AI, digital, and technology work. Practice head Mark Hill is a key contact for app providers, film producers, and telecoms companies, while Lara Haidar is noted for her experience in intellectual property enforcement and protection matters.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP showcases strong expertise across corporate and commercial instructions, recently advising on substantial M&A in the banking and finance industry, complex PE transactions in the real estate sector, and negotiating commercial agreements in the media, entertainment, and retail spaces. Prominent work is also evident in the aviation and transport industries, with the firm working with a number of state-backed and owned companies. Team head William Reichert covers the full suite of corporate work including M&A, internal restructurings, and joint ventures. Co-head Mark Hill is chiefly recognised for his skill in the TMT and IP spaces and often works alongside fellow TMT specialist Lara Haider, while Alex Reid has been highly active in the real estate and retail sectors. Sarah Kadhum and Mo Nawash also come recommended.

Bahrain > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Mark Hill and William Reichert co-head the corporate and commercial offering at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, with the team being recommended for advising on corporate policies, M&A, commercial contracts, joint ventures, and regulatory matters. Praised for its ‘strong industrial and jurisdictional expertise’, the department is active in a diverse range of industries, including aviation, finance, and hospitality and offers notable expertise in complex cross-border restructurings, an area that senior associate Jonathan Fisher is experienced in. Alex Reid is highly active in matters requiring expertise in the technology, natural resources, and financial industries.