‘A leading team in the region that brings a global worldview to their practice’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts on high-stakes banking, commodities, and fintech disputes before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, and also represents clients in arbitration proceedings in the telecommunications and real estate sectors. Patrick Gearon and Thomas Snider take charge of arbitration proceedings, and 'absolute powerhouse in the region’ Sara Sheffield leads the firm’s litigation efforts, specialising in financial service and contentious insolvency matters. Ghassan El Daye acts on the enforcement of international awards and judgements. Nicola Jackson joined the firm from Clyde & Co LLP in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A leading team in the region that bring a global worldview to their practice.’
- ‘Sara Sheffield is a creative thinker and problem solver. She advised on a particular matter that involved a series of novel strategies as options alongside more traditional options. She worked to cut through complexity to devise the most straightforward solution. She is my 'go to' in the region.'
- ‘I have worked the most with Sara Sheffield in CRS's Dubai office in the context of enforcing a DIAC award in the DIFC and UAE onshore. I was impressed with Sara's responsiveness, business acumen and readiness to find a solution for her client, who had a good claim but was unable to fund the litigation himself. Sara and CRS offered this client a fully contingent fee pricing model (secured by an insurance policy).'
- ‘The team is distinguished by its deep expertise in complex disputes and litigation matters, and contentious insolvency and restructuring matters. Their strong local knowledge combined with international experience makes them well-equipped to handle diverse client needs in the UAE and the wider GCC.'
- ‘Sara Sheffield is known for her strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex legal landscapes. Sara brings a wealth of experience that complements the team's strengths in dispute resolution. She has a stellar reputation both in the region and internationally, and has had an ever growing practice in the region. Nicola Jackson comes with over 15 years of experience in the Middle East. She has built her reputation as a prominent insolvency litigator, praised for her practical advice and successful outcomes in high-stakes cases. She knows the market very well, she is very technical, approachable and highly effective. She always has very sound advice and is extremely reliable.’
- ‘Sara Sheffield has been a leading partner for years, offering exceptional legal insight, but also a canny approach to litigating cases for her clients in a way that achieves results, and deploys resources effectively. She is one of the best. Peter Smith is very technically proficient and has a really good understanding of the law, and the local market.'
Key clients
- Huobi OTC DMCC
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Gulf Bank of Kuwait
- Micca Ferrero and others v Drecford Holding Limited and others
- Shiraz Mahmood v Standard Chartered Bank DIFC
Work highlights
Advising Huobi OTC DMCC, a UAE cryptocurrency trader in a claim before the Technology and Construction Division of the DIFC Court against a DIFC investment company for its alleged failure to prevent the loss of a significant amount of Bitcoin during a sale and purchase transaction.
Acted for GBK in setting aside a series of English judgments and defeating enforcement actions arising from long-running, unfounded claims brought in the UK and Kuwait.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Patrick Gearon; Sara Sheffield; Ghassan El Daye; Thomas Snider
Other key lawyers
Peter Smith