Editorial: Commercial Litigation in the UAE
01 August 2008
Litigation before the local courts is restricted to UAE nationals, and as a result, local firms dominate the litigation listings. International firms are, however, starting to make their mark on the scene, and are able to work on international matters and appear before the courts at the Dubai International Financial Centre, which counts as an independent jurisdiction. These parallel outlets allow local and international firms to excel in the litigation sphere despite the apparent restrictions.
Nine lawyers appear in the listings, from seven firms. The most highly recommended of these is Al Tamimi & Company, "one of the best on the scene and great for litigation", according to sources. Essam Al Tamimi's commercial litigation experience spans 20 years and a wide range of commercial industries. A "dean of the local Bar", his ability to deal with a wide range of issues "with authority" was noted. Hassan Arab, head of the litigation department, is "widely respected" in the community and his expertise in IP and banking received praise.
Galadari & Associates is the only other firm to achieve the representation of more than one partner in this chapter. This domestic firm's litigation capability was roundly praised as "coordinated, confident and reliable". Founder and managing partner Ziad Abdulla Galadari received praise, as did colleague Ahmed Galadari.
Habib Al Mulla & Co is "an ever-growing presence" in the litigation community and boasts lawyers from various nationalities on its team. One contributor from an international firm enthused: "we often refer local work to them - they do a great job". Head of the commercial and civil litigation group Hussein Shabana received a great deal of praise from sources.
Clifford Chance LLP's litigation department sits on the DIFC Court Users' Committee and was the first law firm to be registered to issue and conduct proceedings before the DIFC courts. The group recently defended an international investment bank against claims brought by customers regarding alleged trading losses. Graham Lovett is "a great name for international disputes" - his cross-border work and handling of litigation in other jurisdictions was applauded.
At Allen & Overy LLP, Simon Roderick was recommended as a "good litigator with an impressive knowledge base", and at Al-Suwaidi & Company, Mohammed Al-Suwaidi is "a local practitioner with fantastic credentials". Ali Al Aidarous, founder of Ali Al Aidarous International Legal Practice, rounds off the listing; he is praised for his "great dynamism".