Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a versatile and dedicated commercial disputes practice with notable strength in shareholder, insurance, contractual and banking and finance cases. Recently, the firm has been involved in a diverse body of work, including complex, high-profile cases of regional significance. Helming the practice is Matthew Showler, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator who is frequently instructed by corporates, financial institutions, and prominent high net-worth individuals. Cheryl Cairns is a go-to for infrastructure-related disputes. Nikita Patel, who joined from Clyde & Co LLP in March 2024, is building a strong reputation for her growing portfolio of cross-border work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very strong and experienced team with real expertise in litigating disputes in the Middle East.’
‘Nikita Patel is a very impressive lawyer who is fantastic with clients and is a real team player. She also has a very good commercial and tactical approach to cases.’
‘Matthew Showler is an absolute treat to work with. Daniel Smith is very diligent.’
‘Matt Showler and his team are very practical in their approach, with a sense of commerciality alongside their technical advice.’
‘The team has a great depth of experience in DAC arbitration, and arbitration generally in ME disputes. ’
‘Cheryl Cairns was magnificent throughout both from a strategic position but perhaps more importantly never appearing flustered (even when timings got tense) and exudes an air of calmness which certainly served to calm nerves from our end at times. Her manner with clients is to be commended, particularly when the going gets tough.’
‘Impressive team at the partner and senior associate level, good mix between foreign and local talent’
‘Matthew Showler is a real asset and great to work with.’
Key clients
- Shell
- Sandra Holdings Limited
- The Administrators of the International Banking Corporation
- SpaceCom International LLC
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
- Pearl Petroleum Co Ltd
- Sayacorp B.S.C.
- Power and Integrated Projects Company
- First Energy Bank
- GEMS Education Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Administrator of The International Banking Corporation in its claims against Ahmed Hamad Algosaibi Brothers Company worth USD 2.5 billion and involving highly complex multi-jurisdictional proceedings with claims in the DIFC, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Switzerland, the USA and other jurisdictions.
- Advised Sandra Holdings Ltd in highly complex proceedings before the DIFC Courts. This case was worth in excess of USD 200 million and involved proceedings in the DIFC, onshore UAE, England, France, Switzerland, Kuwait, Cayman Islands, BVI and the USA.
- Act for a senior member of a royal family from a country in the Gulf in a dispute regarding commercial and family assets. The proceedings are taking place in the Courts located in the Gulf, Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The value of the dispute is c. USD 1bn.
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.
Daniel Smith
Practice head
Matthew Showler
Other key lawyers
Cheryl Cairns; Nikita Patel