Natalie Jensen > Watson Farley & Williams > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Lawyer Profile

Watson Farley & Williams
Office 1702, Level 17, Index Tower, West Entrance
Dubai International Financial Centre
PO Box 506896
United Arab Emirates

Work Department

NATALIE IS A PARTNER IN THE MARITIME AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION GROUPS

Position

Natalie specialises in contentious and non-contentious matters in the shipping, international trade and energy sectors.

She advises a broad range of global clients who span the full range of actors across the maritime industry. This includes advising shipowners, charterers, their insurers and P&I Clubs in connection with charterparty, bill of lading and contractual disputes, as well as disputes arising out of collisions and allisions, to name just some of the areas of her diverse and busy practice.

One of Natalie’s core specialisms is in relation to bunkers quality disputes, on which she regularly advises and represents clients in both UK and Singapore-based arbitrations. Her reputation in the market means that she regularly speaks at industry fora on issues affecting the bunkers industry.

Natalie regularly provides sanctions advice to multiple clients in the fast-evolving global regulatory landscape.

Natalie’s practice is enhanced by her early career experience in the Freight Defence & Demurrage department of an International Group P&I Association, which enables her to provide unique commercial insight to clients on maritime insurance and P&I matters.

Natalie has extensive experience in English arbitrations and High Court proceedings, as well as DIFC and UAE onshore litigation.

Natalie is ranked by Chambers & Partners and recognised by Legal 500 as a Key Lawyer in Shipping, Insurance and Dispute Resolution. She is one of only a few lawyers to be twice honoured as a ’20 Under 40 Leader of Tomorrow’ by SeaTrade Maritime Middle East, affirming her reputation as a talented lawyer who paves the way for industry change.

She is described by Chambers and Legal 500 as “…an exceptional younger lawyer. She understands client requirements and comes highly recommended”; “…on the ball and is very knowledgeable about the industry and practices”; “…responsive, helpful and thorough in how she responds to requests, prompt in delivering feedback and gives high-level responses quickly”.

The leading directories also describe her as having “…developed a speciality in bunker disputes in the UAE”; “…a growing reputation in the market [and] is increasingly to be seen leading…standout work”; and she “…understands her clients’ needs exceptionally well and has a drive to bring matters forward in a very efficient manner”.

Languages

French and German

Memberships

WISTA
British Business Group

Education

2007 – 2009 · Law LLB (Hons) – The College of Law
2003 – 2007 · Modern European Languages & Cultures (French & German) – Durham University

Lawyer Rankings

United Arab Emirates > Shipping

(Next Generation Partners)

Natalie JensenWatson Farley & Williams

Watson Farley & Williams‘ team excels in handling complex, cross-border shipping disputes, including vessel construction, charter party, and international trade matters, with a strong focus on litigation and arbitration. The firm represents a broad scope of clients, including P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers, insurers, and offshore operators across the UAE and beyond. Charlotte Bijlani, head of the Dubai Maritime Dispute Resolution team, is recognised for her expertise in shipping litigation and international arbitration, with a particular focus on high-value disputes. New additions Natalie Jensen and Khalid Hamed bring significant experience in arbitration, adding further depth to the firm’s capabilities in resolving maritime issues.

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation

Watson Farley & Williams has further strengthened its disputes offering through the hire of Natalie Jensen and Khalid Hamed from Ince & Co in March 2024, with the duo bringing extensive expertise in insurance and maritime disputes. The team is headed by Charlotte Bijlani who is praised as an ‘outstanding lawyer that goes the extra mile to make sure that her clients are satisfied, covered and properly informed and advised.’ Haya Al Bawab is valued by clients for her expertise in cybercrime and tech disputes.