Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP works widely across maritime disputes, corporate advisory, and maritime asset finance, with particular expertise handling complex, high-value cases in the Middle East and internationally. The firm has a speciality in contentious matters including conventional litigation and international arbitration concerning both dry and wet shipping issues. Rania Tadros leads the global maritime and offshore practice, while Mohamed El Hawawy heads the shipping and insurance practice for the Middle East, bringing extensive litigation experience in marine insurance and transportation disputes. Other key figures include Khurram Ali, noted for his experience in the KSA, and Mark Lakin, who is described as ‘knowledgeable and approachable’. Saif Almobideen continues to act on some the most high-profile civil law litigation, crisis management and marine insurance matters to occur in the region and Menelaus Kouzoupis also acts on many leading super-yachts and sanctions related matters. Chinar Zaidi and Paul Katsouris also come recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The shipping team at Stephenson Harwood is by far the best in the market, and one of the best and most complete that we have worked with.
- 'The team is well-equipped to address all the issues we have faced, from general enquiries to handling our litigation, and from structuring advice to employment issues.’
‘Mark Lakin is an excellent commodities and trade lawyer, which is something that is missing in the Dubai market. He is knowledgeable and approachable, and is always available to offer clear and effective guidance on our matters. His industry knowledge is impressive.'
'All very approachable and provide guidance on the drafting of security documentation in relation to our shipping business. We had the opportunity to meet them last year as they visited our country, and were able to meet up the face-to-face which adds to our good rapport. They are available even after their office hours, in case of urgent matters.'
- 'Great, responsive and effective.’
‘Rania Tadros stands out as a great lawyer, she is empathetic and effective. She is very responsive and delivers great results.'
‘The team is great. They are able to service every aspect of our business. The partners are industry leaders, and some associates are even better than the partners. They are responsive, effective, and commercial. ’
Key clients
- Columbia Shipmanagement Limited
- Bahri Logistics Co
- Meck Petroleum DMCC
- Dr Morteza Rajabieslami
- British Marine
- Aggregates Manufacturing Trading
- Stolt-Nielsen Middle East DMCC
- Symphony Marine for Ship Management & Operation Co. L.L.C
- Sol Commodities Import & Export FZ-LLC
- Sahara Energy Resource Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing the manager of a Panamanian-registered cargo ship, MV Matthew, that was intercepted and detained by the Irish police off the coast of Ireland on 26 September 2023.
- Representing Bahri Logistics Co, the national shipping carrier of Saudi Arabia and the world's largest owner and operator of VLCCs and chemical tankers, in a high-value and cross-border dispute with a major trading company in the Middle East.
- Representing one of the region's largest dredging companies in a collision claim involving their tug and a barge.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
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Next generation partners
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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
Rania Tadros
Other key lawyers
Mohamed El Hawawy; Mark Lakin; Khurram Ali; Saif Almobideen; Menelaus Kouzoupis; Chinar Zaidi; Paul Katsouris