Sean D. Yates – GC Powerlist
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Middle East 2019

Sean D. Yates

General counsel | China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)

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Middle East 2019

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Sean D. Yates

General counsel | China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)

Sean D. Yates - Middle East 2022

General counsel | China State Construction Engineering Corporation

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China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCEC ME)’s general counsel Sean D. Yates received high praise from a nominating source, who commented that ‘he stands apart from other general counsel because of the detailed, hands-on role he takes, even personally advocating some of the disputes in his capacity as an English barrister, which is probably unique among general counsel in the region. Having worked with him and many other general counsel in the Middle East during 13 years of practice, I have no reservations about singling him out as deserving of recognition for his capability, value addition, commitment and work ethic in such a demanding and complex role’. Yates himself mentions a number of career highlights which emphasise his breadth of experience in the region since first joining an in-house role with Tatweer back in 2008. ‘At IMG, my first group general counsel role, I oversaw the legal function for a diverse family conglomerate with activities ranging from a motor driving school, a taxi business, the Sunseeker Yacht franchise and the IMG Worlds of Adventure Theme Park. During my four years, we saw the construction completion and opening of the theme park, then the world’s largest indoor theme park’, he says. At his current role, the successes have continued: ‘As general counsel for CSCEC ME I have the privilege of being part of the world’s largest construction company and some of the region’s most exciting building and civil projects, including the Etihad Rail project and many Expo 2020 activities. The international dynamics of a Chinese state-owned company operating in the Middle East with international employees provides a dynamic environment in which all of my previously learned skills are brought to bear’. Keen to ensure the legal function of CSCEC ME is at the cutting edge of what 21st century in-house legal teams can do, Yates is focusing on increased use of technology among the company’s lawyers. ‘Since my arrival, we have introduced software to optimise legacy contracting documents, rendering them searchable. We have also used indexing software to enable us to undertake document reviews if disputes arise. We have also introduced voice recognition software and the ability to collaborate on draft documents simultaneously in real time’, he says.

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Sean D. Yates

General counsel

China State Construction Engineering Corporation

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