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United Arab Emirates
5

Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation

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Kennedys

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Primarily regarded for its insurance expertise, Kennedys has a robust disputes practice featuring a deep team of practitioners that serve an array of public and private entities on domestic and cross-border litigation and arbitration. Peter Ellingham, who handles both commercial and insurance cases, jointly heads the team with Mark Wilson, who focuses on construction-related insurance claims. Rishi Sengupta is another name for insurance matters. Mehdi Seadon provides further commercial arbitration capabilities. Celine Abi Habib Kanakri and Khalil Mechantaf left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team - commercially focused and in depth understanding of the working of the local markets.’

  • ‘Peter Ellingham is a highly experienced and very wise commercial litigator with a good eye for detail and a Columbo-like intuition for the key points in a case. Rishi Sengupta is massively clever and brings an infectious exuberance to all his cases. Kelsey Evans is a real rising star: a grafter with brilliant analytical skills and a delight to work with.’

  • ‘The team is exceptionally strong in its legal advises presenting a clear summary and recommendation which makes it easier for the clients to understand and take informed decisions.’

  • ‘Rishi Sengputa is an exceptional partner.’

  • ‘Kennedys in the UAE has a truly diverse practice comprising of individuals with great expertise, and work on a perfect blend of teamwork and assistance. What differentiates Kennedys from the rest is that every single member of their team is always available and ready to help. Where they get involved, they are extremely efficient on reporting and giving clear and precise commercial advice.’

  • ‘Peter Ellingham is hugely experienced and knows how to apply that in giving pragmatic advice. Runs a very effective and capable team and always available when needed.

Key clients

  • Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company
  • Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality SE
  • Diot Siaci Middle East Insurance Brokers LLC
  • GIG Gulf
  • Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers Limited
  • National General Insurance
  • Orient Insurance Company PJSC
  • Starr International (Europe) Limited
  • Sukoon Insurance (formerly Oman Insurance Company PJSC)
  • Swiss Re International SE
  • XL Insurance Company SE

Work highlights

Successfully representing an international insurance broker in a preliminary issues hearing whilst defending a professional negligence claim brought against it in the DIFC Courts by a group of retail companies.
Representing a governmental entity acting as employer of a mega new area in Dubai as lead counsel in six DIFC-LCIA arbitrations consolidated into one, against a local financial institution.
Successfully defended insurers in a USD60 million claim by the Russian owner of a private jet  before the ADGM Courts. The claim was for constructive total loss of the aircraft after it suffered damage from gigantic hailstones during a thunderstorm in Pescara, Italy; and USD 1.4 million for the cost of hiring alternative aircraft.

Practice head

Peter Ellingham; Mark Wilson

Other key lawyers

Rishi Sengupta; Mehdi Seadon