Hadef & Partners is praised as ‘one of the pre-eminent firms in the region for international litigation’ for its work before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, and also acts in a range of international and domestic courts on commercial litigation and arbitration matters. The firm advises clients across the construction, logistics, finance, and investment sectors, and has recently led on complex contentious instructions, including applications for interim relief and injunctions. Zarghona Fazal heads the practice and advises on enforcements orders, and co-head Adrian Chadwick ’has a wealth of experience’ in litigation and arbitration. Maria Lezala advises on asset tracing and recovery, while Harriet McLaughlin leads on shareholder, insolvency, and sanctions-related disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hadef & Partners is one of the pre-eminent firms in the region for international litigation, having a truly global team of lawyers who understand the complexities of litigating in the DIFC, in the UAE and in foreign jurisdictions. In my experience, their analysis is always thorough, accurate and practical.'
- ‘I have worked, as English counsel, with Maria Lezala and Kim Mullins on a potential DIFC investment mis-selling case. Their approach to the case was pragmatic and commercial, and their own analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in the client’s position was excellent. They handled our client very well, and provided a seamless interface between him and me. Above all, they were a delight to work with. I have also dealt with Walid Azzam and Karim Mahmoud, who are extremely knowledgeable and highly respected international litigators.'
- ‘Have one of the deepest knowledge and understanding of the local legal system, which makes Hadef trustworthy as a law firm to provide the best answer promptly. When urgency is required, they are very responsive.’
- ‘The partner is available, advising and commercial, gives the extra-mile to assist her clients without unnecessary billing The associate is available, transparent on her bandwidth and expectations on deliverability.'
- ‘Hadef & Partners offers a comprehensive litigation and arbitration service with extensive and in depth knowledge of DIFC practice and Dubai based arbitration. Few other firms can offer the detailed knowledge of local laws and practices combined with the experience of multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration.'
- ‘Zarghona Fazal is a creative, insightful and able lawyer with excellent strategic judgment. She is very good with clients, always available and instinctively knows which legal points are likely to be attractive to judges and arbitrators. Zarghona knows how to win and in my experience never makes strategic mistakes. Her advice is always borne out by subsequent events.'
Key clients
- LXT Real Estate
- Globe Investments
- Junhe LLP
- The Securities House Company
Work highlights
Providing advice in relation to cost assessment proceedings in the DIFC Court filed by the Claimants for the outstanding costs of the main proceedings as recorded in the Judgment.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Adrian Chadwick; Zarghona Fazal
Other key lawyers
Walid Azzam; Karim Mahmoud; Maria Lezala; Harriet McLaughlin; Kim Mullins