Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP

Praised for its ability to combine ‘sharp legal expertise with strong business practices’, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP maintains a strong presence in the maritime, trade, and offshore sectors, acting in high-value and complex matters across both contentious and non-contentious mandates. The team is well-known for handling the full spectrum of dry and wet shipping disputes, including major litigation and international arbitration, as well as providing corporate and transactional advice to maritime clients throughout the region. Rania Tadros, who leads the firm’s global maritime and offshore offering, continues to advise on some of the most sophisticated disputes in the market. Mohamed El Hawawy, head of shipping and insurance for the Middle East, brings deep expertise across marine insurance and transportation disputes. The wider group includes Khurram Ali, who is recognised for his strong practice in Saudi Arabia, and Mark Lakin, who is noted for his work on shipping and international trade disputes. Saif Almobideen remains heavily involved in high-profile civil law litigation, crisis management instructions, and marine insurance matters, while Menelaus Kouzoupis advises on leading superyacht mandates and sanctions-related issues. Chinar Zaidi and Paul Katsouris feature prominently across the firm’s maritime caseload, and Rustum Shah is another highly active member of the department.