We know our market and are proud to be regularly involved in groundbreaking developments that shape the region’s business environment. Although many of our lawyers have a specialist focus, our collaborative approach ensures that the expertise of the firm as a whole is available to meet the requirements of any transaction or case.
Dubai office managing partner Sadiq Jafar forms an overwhelmingly positive impression on sources and is an important point of contact for many regional clients, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Described by client as ‘the wisest counsellor in the region’.
Sadiq Jafar is a key contact for the group, and is also the Dubai office's managing partner. (Capital Markets) Sadiq Jafar is managing partner of the Dubai office and continues to garner respect for his management skills and extensive local experience. (Corporate/Commercial)
Richard Briggs has vast experience in the UAE market and is a frequent choice for international and domestic clients who need "someone who really understands the court system." He has a prestigious background advising on disputes in the shipping and trade industries.
Richard Briggs has a sterling track record on insurance, shipping and trade disputes. Sources appreciate his profound knowledge of the UAE court systems, noting: "He adds a lot of value to the firm."
Clients enjoy working with the highly respected Richard Briggs, who earns praise for the combination of his local knowledge and international experience. One commentator remarked: "He is at the cutting edge of issues in the UAE. He has a huge experience base, a good feel for the jurisdiction as well as a real understanding of how we do business here." (Dispute Resolution) Richard Briggs is a noted disputes lawyer in the UAE. He regularly lends his experienced hand to some of the team's most complex construction disputes work. (Construction)
Abu Dhabi-based partner Basil Siddiqi heads the real estate practice and has an extremely well-established reputation throughout the UAE. His practice spans a range of contentious and transactional matters, including the acquisition of real assets for outbound investors.
Clients can call on the deep knowledge of Basil Siddiqi when it comes to resolving disputes. He assists with both construction and real estate matters.
Adrian Chadwick focuses on shipping, trade and commercial disputes resolved through DIFC litigation or arbitration. Sources describe him as "skilled, extremely practical, and generally a pleasure to work with."
Walid Azzam is a well-regarded practitioner in the UAE, and was promoted to the partnership in 2012. He regularly assists with the team's highest-profile matters.
Michael Lunjevich is a well-known name for commercial transactions in the real estate sector. Clients describe him as "one of the best property lawyers in the country - very sharp when advising on complicated real estate issues."
The impressive Michael Lunjevich is a key name on the real estate side. Market sources consider him "very strong, the driving force behind the relationship. He knows what we want, and understands why we want it." (Real Estate) Practice head Michael Lunjevich offers in-depth knowledge of the sector. One source remarked: "He is good at explaining both the legal questions and practical issues that are relevant to us." (TMT)
"A bastion of local law expertise, frequently engaged as local counsel on large-scale banking and finance deals or to handle regulatory matters. Notably experienced in the financing of real estate developments and energy projects."
Sources find Alan Rodgers a valuable source of UAE law advice on banking and finance deals, saying he is "very useful in shepherding us through the process." He has particular expertise relating to project finance, infrastructure funds and restructurings.
Alan Rodgers is widely respected by clients and peers alike. Sources describe him as "proactive and on the ball from a UAE perspective."