Counting EPC contractors, public sector entities, and project developers on its client roster, Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s construction offering is led by Cheryl Cairns. Cairns is well-regarded in the engineering, as well as oil and gas sectors, while Karie Akeelah is a key contact for construction disputes. Other key members of the practice include Yuen Phing Choo and Hasan Rahman. Magda Kofluk joined the firm from Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP in October 2025 to provide further disputes capabilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Cheryl Cairns and Karie Akeelah have been involved in high profile construction arbitration in the UAE for 20 years and they are leaders in their field.’
- ‘Cheryl Cairns understands every aspect of a construction project and a construction contract. She makes brilliant strategic decisions and will run a case in the most cost effective manner to get the best available result.'
- ‘We have been working with the T&H's UAE and UK teams on major energy developments. Their expertise, know-how, and service levels have been excellent.’
- 'Yuen Phing Choo deserves special mention for her excellent technical expertise, commercial approach, and service delivery throughout our projects.’
- ‘Very proactive and exceptional value for money with deep understanding of the construction sector and client requirements. ’
- ‘Very strong when working as a team. Good knowledge of the construction and arbitration industries.'
Key clients
- ADNOC Group
- BEEAH Group
- be'ah (Oman Environmental Services Company)
- St Christopher's School, Bahrain
- Galfar Engineering and Contracting
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (Bahrain Campus)
- Biochemicals Production Company
- Gama Aviation
- Aldar
- Qassim Cement Company
- Colliers Project Leaders
- Waha Capital PJSC
Work highlights
Advised Abu Dhabi Company for Offshore Petroleum Operations Ltd on three engineering, procurement, and construction contracts for the USD 7.5 billion multi-package Lower Zakum Long Term Development Plan megaproject off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
Acting as lead counsel for ADNOC Gas on the EPC project which includes upgrading the new Maximising Ethane Recovery and Monetization (MERAM) facility at Habshan 5 gas processing plant and construction of new process facilities.
Advising BEEAH Group on all aspects from procurement to construction of the development the Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah, UAE.
Practice head
Cheryl Cairns
Other key lawyers
Karie Akeelah; Yuen Phing Choo; Hasan Rahman; Magda Kofluk