White & Case LLP > Doha, Qatar > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP
Alfardan Office Tower, 7th Floor, P.O. Box 22027
West Bay, Doha
Qatar

Qatar > Projects, real estate and construction Tier 1

White & Case LLP's projects, real estate and construction department has 'significant depth and breadth of skills', and leverages its vast experience in matters with international components, including the development, financing and due diligence of multi-jurisdictional energy projects and construction companies. The team is particularly skilled in energy-related work, and is additionally experienced in major real estate, construction and public redevelopment projects for private investors. Based in Doha, Payvand Vahdat and recent hire Joshua Cohen co-lead the team with Michael Turrini, Gareth Hodder and Philip Stopford. Noted as an 'extremely motivated individual with intense attention to detail', Verena Gross is recommended by clients for her international arbitration expertise in construction and commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Payvand Vahdat; Michael Turrini; Philip Stopford; Gareth Hodder; Joshua Cohen

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Highly motivated, knowledgeable and efficient.’

‘Verena Gross is an extremely motivated individual with intense attention to detail.’

‘Ability to provide heavy support for Qatar-based clients combining local client-focussed practitioners who can lead corporate projects and be supported by their teams wherever located. The physical presence really matters.’

‘Joshua Cohen is a young, up and coming local partner. Very effective working with our organization.’

‘The team have significant depth and breadth of skills in projects and construction, able to bring years of experience to bear on each project.’

‘Stand out individuals are Payvand Vahdat and Verena Gross, both of whom have years of experience of the construction and project life cycle including dispute resolution, and are always prepared to get stuck into the detail of the project to really understand the complexities that are needed for the most successful outcomes.’

Work highlights

Qatar > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Charbel Abou Charaf heads the corporate, commercial and M&A department at White & Case LLP in Doha, which is active across a range of sectors, including the health, food and construction industries. The team particularly stands out for its international expertise, frequently overseeing cross-border cases in multiple jurisdictions in Asia and Europe. The team’s primary area of activity is in transactional work, and it often oversees mergers, acquisitions and post-transactional matters, particularly involving investment and capital markets. Elias Choueifati is an active member of the team in Doha, especially in transactional matters requiring expertise in equity markets and cross-border mergers.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Abou Charaf

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The law firm’s team is distinguished by its deep industry expertise, proactive client collaboration, and innovative use of technology for efficient transactions. They bring a strategic, client-focused approach beyond legal execution. Compared to other firms, they provide seamless integration of global reach with local expertise, delivering tailored solutions that add real business value.’

‘Partners like Charbel Abou Charbel are particularly valued for their insightful guidance on complex issues. What truly sets them apart from competitors is their proactive approach, seamless collaboration, and genuine commitment to understanding our business needs, ensuring that their legal advice always aligns with our broader strategic goals.’

‘All skills are available with a high and consistent standard.’

‘Charbel Abou Charaf (Partner in Qatar): Response time is distinguished. Excellent global network. Great with problem solving. Charbel enjoys a powerful combination of depth, accuracy and speed.’

‘W&C stands out for its deep specialization in any area of law related to corporate and M&A and its client-centered approach. Potential clients should know about the team’s extensive experience in handling complex cases, its strong track record of successful outcomes, and its ability to offer personalized, proactive legal solutions.’

‘Key points which standout: understanding of businesses and transaction, timelines for closures, sense of accountability and responsibility of the work awarded.’

Work highlights

Qatar > Dispute resolution Tier 2

The dispute resolution team at White & Case LLP is noted by clients as 'extremely thorough and hugely experienced in construction disputes', leveraging the firm's international expertise to resolve matters pertaining to settlement claims, employment disputes, project delays and costs. The team has notable experience in the financial, real estate, construction and public infrastructure sectors, and along with high-value local litigation, frequently acts for clients in cross-border arbitrations. Payvand Vahdat and Michael Turrini continue to co-head the team, with Vahdat's expertise in projects disputes complementing Turini's arbitration expertise, often in cross-border matters. Verena GroĂŸ is praised by clients for her 'exceptional organisational skills and deep knowledge of construction disputes'. 

Practice head(s):

Michael Turrini; Payvand Vahdat

Other key lawyers:

Verena Gross

Testimonials

‘Highly motivated and efficient in evertything.’

‘They have allocated the proper team that have the expertise in construction, knowledge, persistency for details, that make sure all the gaps are well closed, all arguments are addressed.’

‘Verena Gross is the standout attorney. She effectively leads the arbitration, keeps clients updated and has an analytical mind.’

‘Verena Gross stands out for her analytical approach, exceptional organisational skills, and deep knowledge of construction disputes. Her ability to manage complex cases with precision and foresight distinguishes her from competitors.’

‘Excellent drafting and staff commitment.’

‘Verena Gross is an excellent operator. Unparalleled work ethic.’

‘Very detail-focused team who use their experience to provide excellent strategic advice on complex disputes in the construction industry.’

‘The W&C team are extremely thorough and hugely experienced in construction disputes.’

Work highlights

Qatar > Banking, finance and capital markets

Typically retained in matters involving the financing of projects, along with intra-banks transactions, the debt finance team at White & Case LLP is often active in high-value matters in Qatar’s financial market. Key names include Kate Chapman, Charbel Charaf, Claire Matheson Kirton, William Watson, Ingrid York, and Jeremy Duffy.

White & Case is an international law firm that serves companies, governments and financial institutions. Our long history as a global firm means we are uniquely placed to help our clients resolve their most complex legal challenges wherever they are.

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Photo Name Position Profile
Verena GroĂŸ photo Verena GroĂŸ Counsel
Payvand Vahdat photo Payvand Vahdat Partner