HAS Law Firm acts on commercial litigation before the ADGM and DIFC Courts on cross-border financial, shareholder, and contractual disputes, and is praised as ‘supportive, solution-oriented, and bringing a profound knowledge of English common law’. Robert Whitehead is a ’a superb litigator’ with experience in global litigation and arbitration proceedings. Rachel Mannam and Adhiraj Malhotra are other leading names.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘HAS is distinguished by its flexibility and pragmatic approach to client needs. The team is responsive and collaborative, which makes working with them straightforward, and their flexible billing arrangements provide transparency and predictability for clients.’
- ‘I have collaborated with Robert Whitehead, Adhiraj Malhotra, and Fahad Khalid. All three are professional and approachable. They stand out for their responsiveness and pragmatic guidance.’
- ‘Through my experience with HAS, they proved accuracy and attention to detail. Although our case was a difficult one, each member of the team has demonstrated sound case management, accuracy, professionalism and confidence. ’
- ‘The HAS Team are always there when you need to reach out for them, and this makes a big difference. Robert Whitehead, who is the head of the team, has always been available to respond on all our concerns, managing the case strategy and leading the hearings and pleadings in the best way. Rachel Mannan was the key person handling our case, she demonstrated sound attention to all the details, perfect case management and communication skills with the DIAC and with us as client. Fahad Khalid has demonstrated accuracy and patience in legal research and sound understanding of the facts of our case.’
- ‘HAS Law Firm is a team of distinguished professionals who combine integrity, expertise, and a deep understanding of the law. They demonstrate the rare ability to manage complex legal matters with clarity, dignity, and exceptional acumen. What sets them apart is their honesty, their commitment to applying proven strategies, and their adherence to best industry practices. Engaging HAS Law Firm as counsel ensures the highest level of professionalism.'
- ‘We have had the privilege of working with several touchpoints at HAS Law Firm, including Senior Partner Mr. Robert Whitehead, Mrs. Rachel Mannam, and Mr. Syed Azam Uddin. Where necessary, they also engage subject-matter and dispute-resolution experts, ensuring that every matter is addressed with the highest level of expertise. Their depth of knowledge, ability to grasp complexities, and talent for transforming them into practical, workable solutions is truly exceptional.'
- ‘Robert Whitehead is a superb litigator who has headed up the disputes team at HAS for some years now. He is bright, engaged and always sees an angle for his client.’
- ‘Robert Whitehead is an effective team leader and very pleasant to work with. Zuhaib Habib, although very junior, is very conscientious and pro-active.’
- 'Extensive knowledge and networks in GCC and abroad.'
- 'Knowledgeable , Punctual , Professional.'
Key clients
- Dario Echeverry Campos
- Mohamed Seddiq Mohamed Samea Al Mutawa
- Dijllah Jewellery FZE
- Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty
- MARJ Holdings and Mohammed Ahmad Ramadhan Juma
- ARJ Holding Limited
- DP World UAE Region FZE
- Pulsar Capital Holdings Ltd
- Brand Lounge FZ LLC
- MARJ Holding Limited, ARJ Holding Ltd, Mohammed Ahmad Ramadhan Juma (DIFC Court, Court of First Instance)
Work highlights
Represented MARJ Holdings and Mohammed Ahmad Ramadhan Juma in DIFC Court proceedings against a leading international bank, challenging an immediate judgment application and a worldwide freezing order.
Acted for DP World UAE Region FZE in a high-profile DIFC Court dispute involving environmental risks, tariff compliance, and complex cross-border service requirements, strategically managing multi-party litigation to protect the client’s commercial interests in a matter with significant regulatory implications.
Represented Dijllah Jewellery FZE in an ADGM Court dispute over the wrongful deduction of funds by a trading platform, securing a favorable judgment at a Preliminary Hearing which confirmed the governing law and account status.
Practice head
Robert Whitehead
Other key lawyers
Rachel Mannam; Adhiraj Malhotra; Fahad Khalid; Syed Azam Uddin; Zuhaib Habib
