Akin’s disputes team handles complex arbitration, litigation, and enforcement matters across a range of sectors, including finance, energy, and infrastructure. The practice is distinguished by its focus on high-value, high-stakes cases and its ability to navigate technical and precedent-setting issues with global implications. Team co-head Graham Lovett is widely considered ‘one of the most experienced lawyers in the UAE’ and has an extensive cross-border practice that covers the full spectrum of disputes. He has also been a key advisor to the development of the UAE legislative and judicial framework. Fellow co-head Michael Stewart is noted for his strong track record in regional award enforcement, professional negligence claims, and fraud matters. Ryan Whelan spearheads the firm’s infrastructure disputes offering and is trusted by marquee energy companies, logistic service providers, and construction groups. Emily Kemp also comes recommended.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with Graham Lovett, Michael Stewart and Emily Kemp. They have all been great to work with but Michael in particular is fantastic. He is incisive, efficient, comes up with great ideas and, most importantly, is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Ryan Whelan is one of the top lawyers in his field. He is well respected in his field and known for giving clients the services they need, talking straight. His drafting and simplicity is unparalleled.’
‘The culminated knowledge between the team is second to none, made even sweeter by the incredibly pragmatic commercial advice they can deliver. The team carries some impressive heavyweights who have truly earned their reputation in the region, market and internationally.’
‘Ryan and Graham in particular tick all the boxes of a trusted pair of hands, and are always a breath of fresh air to engage with. They have provided the soundest, most business-beneficial solutions and always manage to go that extra mile in creativity in their advice.’
‘Senior Counsel Ryan Whelan at Akin is recognised as a leading figure in the realm of complex dispute resolution, particularly in the Middle East. His extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of this dynamic region has established him as a top-tier lawyer who consistently delivers results for his clients.'
‘Long-standing experience in the region and high-quality lawyers.’
‘Michael Stewart is the consummate professional. Graham Lovett is one of the most experienced lawyers in the UAE, a very effective operator who fosters constructive working relationships with clients and experts alike.’
'Graham Lovett and Michael Stewart know the UAE (and wider MENA) market exceptionally well. Graham is a fixture in Dubai. He has worked and socialised with most of the legal professional services and judicial community and so knows their strengths and weaknesses intimately. This is invaluable when navigating local court process or choosing advisors.'
Key clients
- Iraq Telecom Limited
- Investcorp
Work highlights
Acting on behalf of Iraq Telecom Limited in securing a judgment for US$75 million against the Defendant, Mr. Raymond Rahmeh, a Lebanese national, for breach of directors’ duties and managing the global enforcement process.
Acting on behalf of Investcorp in a claim of misrepresentation brought in the Abu Dhabi Courts by a prominent Emirati investor.
Acting for a major Middle East conglomerate as claimant in international arbitration proceedings relating to a finance agreement valued at US$1.2 billion.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Graham Lovett; Michael Stewart
Other key lawyers
Ryan Whelan; Emily Kemp