Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration And International Litigation

Partner

Ryan is a Partner in the International Arbitration and Litigation team. He is described as having "star quality" and being “one of the top lawyers in the region”.

Ryan maintains a broad international disputes practice and acts for clients across a wide spectrum of industries. He has acted for sovereign states, national oil companies, private equity firms, contractors, and hedge funds, including in high-stakes infrastructure, construction and energy disputes. His experience includes acting as counsel on multi-billion-dollar arbitrations, global enforcement campaigns, and some of the world’s most iconic megaprojects. He also acts as Project Counsel and sits as an Arbitrator.

Known in the market as “a go-to person for complex disputes” and being “unshakeable even when under immense pressure”, market commentators note that Ryan "is a rising star with an excellent reputation among his peers in the legal community".  Quotes from clients and peers include: “Ryan Whelan has star quality”, "Ryan is extremely smart, tactical and pragmatic" and Ryan has “a heavyweight construction and infrastructure disputes practice”. He is further described as “very intelligent” and “an exceptional lawyer” who possesses “an impressive capacity to manage clients and experts on very large-scale disputes”. Peers and clients also praise Ryan's presentation style, noting that "the way he speaks and writes in front of tribunals is very impressive."

Ryan’s work in the Middle East and beyond has earned him a reputation for securing results. His standing in the market is reflected in Ryan being ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, the Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist, and Lexology’s Future Arbitration Leaders. He has also been previously recognised as the UK Legal Personality of the Year, listed on the FT Innovative Lawyers List (Europe), profiled as The Times Lawyer of the Week, and selected to run with the Olympic Torch in recognition of his pro bono work (which has been commended in both Houses of the UK Parliament).