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Richard Briggs

Richard Briggs

Executive Partner, Dubai

Dubai

+971 4 429 2999

r.briggs@hadefpartners.com

Richard is a recognised leader in commercial dispute resolution in the UAE and has practised contentious business law in the UAE and Middle East region for most of his career. His areas of specialisation are in the commercial litigation and arbitration fields, particularly with reference to commercial disputes, fraud and asset recovery, maritime, trade and insurance law in the United Arab Emirates and larger Middle East area. 

Prior to working as Executive Partner at Hadef & Partners, Richard trained with Clifford Chance in London, worked with Clifford Chance in London and Dubai (1992 - 1996), later joining Al Tamimi & Co as partner (1996 - 2004).

Richard is a member of the Law Society and a Practicing Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. He is also a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), the Inter Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) and ICC FraudNet Member for the UAE.  

Richard is the current President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), and former Chairman of the Host Committee for the IPBA Annual Meeting and Conference held in Dubai from 7 to 10 March 2023.

Richard has recently been appointed Board Member of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and is also the Chairman of the Host Committee of the International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators (ICMA) Conference coming to Dubai from 5 to 10 November 2023.

Richard was formerly the Chairman of the ICC FraudNet S&P Committee from 2017 - 2019 and member of the ICC FraudNet Advisory Board, and former Vice Chair of the IBA Maritime Committee from 2008 – 2014. Richard is also former Vice Chair and Board Member of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC).

 

  • “Richard Briggs is the leading shipping lawyer in the UAE. A great blend of local UAE knowledge delivered in a way international clients can understand.”

    Legal 500, 2022

  • “One of the most professional, clever and most experienced lawyers in UAE, with deep knowledge of law (English law and local UAE practice, due to his long experience in the area). He is very hard working with a commercial approach and always available whenever the client needs him.”

    Legal 500, 2022

  • “Adrian Chadwick and Richard Briggs are the star performers for me. Richard has got me out of plenty of tangles over the years, and between them, there is nothing they will not know that you need to know.”

    Legal 500, 2021

  • Executive partner Richard Briggs is highly regarded by the market. He is commended for his wealth of experience in dispute resolution, including both litigation and arbitration, and remains a key contact for clients.

    Chambers Global, 2021

  • Executive partner Richard Briggs is commended for his long-standing dispute resolution practice which encompasses shipping disputes in addition to general commercial cases. Sources declare him “the doyen of the Middle East legal fraternity,” noting that “he has a lot of experience in the region handling shipping matters and is one of the best.”

    Chambers Global, 2021

  • Richard Briggs continues to be seen as a go-to contact for many clients, not least for his “good analysis of legal issues”.

    Chambers Global, 2020

  • One of his clients stated that he possesses “very good insight into the jurisdiction and understands not only shipping law but also our practice”.

    Chambers Global, 2020

  • Richard Briggs is noted as a strong force in arbitration, with one commentator finding him “very, very good; on top of the complex procedural law in Dubai”. He is also very experienced in litigation, with notable focus on the maritime sector.

    Chambers Global, 2019

  • “His peers state that he is ‘respected and knows his shipping stuff’, further describing him as "one of the most experienced in the sector.”

    Chambers Global, 2018

  • “Richard Briggs is a powerhouse in commercial litigation and has vast experience in the maritime and insurance sectors.”

    Who’s Who Legal Litigation, 2017

  • “Sources say that Richard Briggs is ‘very knowledgeable, he's been around for a long time’.”

    Chambers Global, 2017

  • “Described as ‘an old hand’ in the UAE, renowned expert in maritime dispute resolution”. “Client say: ‘He is very balanced in his approach, he understands the problems particularly in the Middle East and he always suggests a very practical approach’.”

    Chambers Global, 2017

  • Recognised as a “Leading Lawyer”

    Legal 500, 2017

  • Recommended for IP (contentious and non-contentious)

    Legal 500, 2017

  • “Richard Briggs, who is ‘well informed on local dynamics’, is prominent in the maritime, insurance and trade space.”

    Legal 500, 2017

  • “Litigator and arbitrator Richard Briggs heads the Dubai dispute resolution team. He is praised by clients for understanding the business and ‘being very well versed on marine matters’.”

    Chambers Global, 2016

  • “Richard Briggs, who has ‘a stellar reputation’ for shipping disputes.”

    Legal 500, 2016

  • Recognised as a “Leading Lawyer”.

    Legal 500, 2016

  • 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.

    Chambers Global 2015

  • 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."

    Chambers Global 2015

  • Richard Briggs earns great acclaim for his work on sensitive cases, with clients saying: "I wouldn't think of anybody else to work on delicate matters." Commentators hold him in high regard for the strategic advice he provides. Richard Briggs is a standout performer on contentious matters relating to maritime law, insurance and trade. Richard Briggs is active on many of the firm's construction disputes. Clients report he is "extremely helpful in providing prompt advice."

    Chambers Global 2014

  • “Richard Briggs commands huge respect across the market.”

    LEGAL 500 2014

  • 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)

    Chambers Global 2013

  • Commended External Counsel of the Year 2021

    BY : In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards

    Lawyer : Dina Mahdi

  • Winner for UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year 2022

    Winner for UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year 2022

    BY : Chambers Middle East Awards

    Lawyer : Lucy MelvilleRachel HillSuzanne Gingles

  • Commended External Counsel of the Year 2020

    Commended External Counsel of the Year 2020

    BY : In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards

    Lawyer : Dina Mahdi