Atkin Chambers has ‘vast experience and remarkable knowledge in international arbitration in construction disputes’ and is seen as the ’go-to’ set for construction, energy and infrastructure matters across the Middle East. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC and Simon Lofthouse KC continue to excel in disputes and arbitrations arising out of large construction projects across the Gulf, while Stuart Catchpole KC’s broad practice includes energy and natural resources, insurance and professional negligence disputes. Junior members of the set include Zulfikar Khayum, whose strong arbitration practice includes numerous complex construction disputes in the DIAC and ICC, Rónán Hanna, who has experience in transport and oil pipeline disputes and Samar Abbas Kazmi, who has recently been active on disputes relating to mixed-use commercial developments and luxury resorts. Recently promoted silk Camille Slow KC continues to handle power plant and desalination project disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Samar Abbas Kazmi specialises in commercial, construction and technology disputes. Samar has a broad domestic practice as well as being particularly well-respected internationally where he has developed an excellent international arbitration practice.
He has been involved in disputes concerning parties in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean, and has particular expertise in technically complex matters concerning large developments and infrastructure projects, energy and cross-border litigation. As an advocate, he has experience of handling disputes arising from joint ventures, long-term commercial relationships and infrastructure projects.
Samar is an Honorary Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Construction & Project Management, University College London, where he teaches contract administration and law.
Career
Called 2011; Lincoln’s Inn. Publications of note: contributor to Construction Contracts: Law and Practice 3rd Ed.
Languages
Urdu, Punjabi (proficient), French (basic).
Memberships
LCIA Young International Arbitration Group
ICC Young Arbitrators Forum
International Bar Association
ICCA
TECBAR
COMBAR
Society of Construction Law
Education
Yale University, USA (2006 BA distinction).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is highly professional and dedicated, making it a pleasure to collaborate with them. In particular, Justin Wilson stands out as an excellent clerk. He is always available to assist and is proactive in managing client relationships, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and efficiently. Highly recommended!'
- 'Great clerks. David Barnes particularly outstanding.'
- 'Excellent clerks - always very helpful and responsive and providing clear communications. Andrew Burrows and Freddie Buckle have been particularly helpful.'
- 'David Barnes has a business acumen like no other - he is extremely well connected, responds super quickly with great suggestions, is very kind.'
- 'Atkin is one of the best construction law sets with a very dynamic head clerk David Barnes who inspires confidence. The market of top quality barristers in this field is relatively small and this chambers is a go to place.'
- 'Akin Chambers has no weakest link - from junior to young silk to experienced silk.'
- 'For construction, Atkin Chambers is obviously go-to. There is very good strength-in-depth, counsel availability is good and the clerks are very well able and placed to ensure that client needs are met.'
- 'What makes the practice of Atkin Chambers unique is its vast experience and remarkable knowledge in international arbitration in construction disputes.'