International disputes in the power, construction, and projects sectors are a core focus of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s ’very approachable and very knowledgeable’ international litigation and arbitration practice. Managing partner Stuart Paterson acts for leading multinationals, domestic corporates, and government entities on contentious and ongoing cross-border matters. Joint venture disputes are the main area of focus for Nick Oury, who acts in relevant DIAC arbitrations. Thomas Furlong moved to the firm’s Dubai office from Singapore in 2025, and has a background in asset tracing and enforcement matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Good strategic thinkers, with a good combination of legal and commercial nous.’
- ‘Very approachable and very knowledgeable of the legal points.’
- ‘The firm provides excellent services in arbitration including pre-arbitration support. They proved to be very effective in managing disputes at their early stages with the objective of either avoiding the escalation of the dispute or being legally prepared and well positioned for satisfactory results if arbitration proceedings are unavoidable.'
- ‘Nick Oury is very capable in joint venture disputes. He does not spare effort to deeply understand the client’s business model and commercial priorities. He always finds a way to align the legal support and services with our broader strategic goals.’
- ‘A very well established presence in the UAE arbitration and international litigation practice with all of the polish and gravitas of HSFK as an international player.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Stuart Paterson; Nick Oury
Other key lawyers
Thomas Furlong