About Me
Who i am
A UAE‑based Senior Legal Counsel known for high‑stakes litigation, precedent‑setting wins, and strategic legal insight that shapes the future of local jurisprudence.
Where complex disputes meet strategic clarity and precedent‑setting results
A Senior Legal Counsel and Litigation Expert with over seventeen years of distinguished experience in the UAE, I have built a career defined by strategic advocacy, precedent‑setting litigation, and a deep understanding of the complexities of local law. My work spans high‑stakes disputes, intricate procedural challenges, and arbitration matters requiring precision, foresight, and a command of both local and international legal frameworks.
Throughout my practice, I have secured three landmark judicial precedents that have influenced the trajectory of UAE jurisprudence. These include a pivotal 2017 precedent before the Abu Dhabi Courts, a 2021 ruling issued by the General Authority of the Dubai Cassation Court, and the historic enforcement of the first English court judgment before the Dubai Courts in 2023—an achievement that marked a significant milestone in cross‑border judicial cooperation.
Alongside my litigation practice, I bring extensive experience in arbitration, advising clients on complex disputes and representing them before leading regional arbitration centers. My arbitration work is grounded in strategic case theory, meticulous preparation, and an ability to navigate multi‑jurisdictional issues with clarity and confidence.
Beyond the courtroom and arbitration forums, I am recognized for my expertise in legal analysis and emerging legislation. I am frequently invited to provide insights on newly enacted laws, including performance orders before the Rental Disputes Center and regulatory developments in rental financing. My commentary serves as a reference point for practitioners seeking clarity on how evolving laws will reshape the UAE’s legal landscape.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, I continue to support clients facing complex legal challenges with strategic guidance, meticulous preparation, and advocacy that delivers results. Whether navigating high‑stakes litigation, leading arbitration proceedings, or interpreting new legislation, my focus remains on providing clarity, direction, and outcomes that stand the test of time.
Experience
Jan 2025 - Present
Clyde & Co.
Senior Associate
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department
Currently handling arbitration cases under the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), with a focus on commercial, construction, and real estate disputes.
I'm drafting statements of claim and defense, preparing evidence bundles, and advising clients on strategy throughout the arbitration process.
My work spans complex contractual matters, high-value construction claims, and real estate development disputes, ensuring comprehensive representation aligned with DIAC rules and procedures.
Real Estate: Represented developers in complex disputes involving SPAs, hotel management agreements, investor claims, and project delays. Successfully defended against termination claims and unit specification disputes.
Commercial Disputes: Advised landlords on residential and commercial rental disputes and secured a landmark judgment enforcing an English High Court decision in Dubai.
General Litigation: Managed diverse civil disputes, including torts, employment, professional liability, construction, and
medical negligence. Successfully obtained damages, injunctions, and other legal remedies for clients.
Specialized Practice Areas
White-Collar Crime: Specialized in the defense of white-collar crime cases.
Family & Personal Status Law: Experienced in Sharia-compliant family law, including divorce, child custody, guardianship, and alimony. Successfully enforced foreign judgments in personal status matters.
Client Management & Case Strategy
Conducted in-depth legal research and analysis to develop effective litigation strategies.
Negotiated settlements and represented clients in court proceedings.
Worked closely with experts to strengthen case foundations.
Provided strategic legal counsel to clients across various sectors.
Dec 2021 – Dec 2024
TaylorWessing LLP (Dubai Branch)
Head of Local Law Practice
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department
Real Estate: Represented real estate developers in complex litigation involving SPA and hotel management agreement disputes, investor compensation claims, and project delay matters. Successfully defended against termination claims and unit specification disputes.
Commercial Disputes: Advised landlords in residential and commercial rental disputes. Secured a landmark judgment enforcing an English High Court decision in Dubai.
General Litigation: Handled a wide range of civil disputes including torts, employment, professional liability, construction, and medical negligence. Successfully represented clients in obtaining damages, injunctions, and other remedies.
Specialized Practice Areas
White-Collar Crime: Specialized in white-collar crime defense.
Family and Personal Status Law: Experienced in Sharia-compliant family law matters including divorce, child custody, guardianship, and alimony. Successfully enforced foreign judgments related to personal status issues.
Client Management and Case Strategy
Conducted thorough legal research and analysis to develop effective case strategies.
Negotiated settlements and represented clients in court proceedings.
Collaborated with experts to build strong case foundations.
Provided comprehensive legal advice and counsel to clients.
Oct 2018 - Nov 2021
Abdulla Al Awadi & Associates
Senior Legal Consultant
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department
Complex Commercial Litigation: Represented accounting audit firms in both defense and plaintiff matters.
Handled a wide range of commercial disputes including debt recovery, bounced checks, torts, employment, professional liability, construction, and medical negligence.
Arbitration: Represented clients in arbitral proceedings before the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
Family and Personal Status Law: Provided legal counsel on Sharia-compliant family law matters including divorce, child custody, guardianship, and alimony. Successfully enforced foreign judgments related to personal status issues.
Client Management and Case Strategy
Conducted in-depth legal research and analysis to develop tailored case strategies.
Negotiated settlements and represented clients in court and arbitration proceedings.
Supervised junior legal team, providing mentorship and guidance on case management.
Stayed current on legal developments by conducting and presenting internal training sessions on new laws and regulations.
Additional Responsibilities
Collaborated with experts to build strong case foundations.
Provided comprehensive legal advice and counsel to clients.
Aug 2015 - Sep 2018
Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
Senior Legal Consultant
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department
Successfully represented clients in a wide range of complex civil disputes, including debt recovery, commercial disputes, employment law, professional malpractice, construction litigation, and personal injury.
Provided comprehensive legal counsel to accounting audit firms in both defensive and offensive litigation matters.
Specialized in family and personal status law, handling cases such as divorce, child custody, guardianship, and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Dispute Resolution:
Represented clients in complex arbitration proceedings before the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
Skilled in developing and executing effective litigation and dispute resolution strategies.
Successfully negotiated settlements and resolved disputes out of court whenever possible.
Legal Practice Management:
Provided mentorship and guidance to junior lawyers, overseeing case management and legal research.
Stayed up-to-date on legal developments through continuous research and internal training sessions.
Collaborated with experts to build strong case foundations and achieve optimal outcomes.
Mar 2013 - Aug 2015
Law and Justice for Advocates and Legal Consultancy
Legal Consultant
Provided strategic legal counsel to clients across a diverse range of legal matters including rental disputes, real estate, civil, commercial, employment, and family law. Successfully litigated cases before Dubai Courts, achieving favorable outcomes and exceeding client expectations.
Jan 2014 - Dec 2014
African Center for International Arbitration
Arbitrator
Covering arbitral tribunal procedures and drafting arbitral awards.
Aug 2012 - Dec 2013
Mahmoud Abbas (Local law firm)
Senior Lawyer
Experienced litigation attorney specializing in civil, commercial, real estate, employment, and family law. Proficient in case management, strategy development, and courtroom proceedings. Skilled in drafting legal documents and navigating complex litigation processes.
Mar 2009 - July 2012
Mahmoud Abbas (Local law firm)
Junior Lawyer
Experienced litigation attorney handling a diverse caseload. Specializing in civil, commercial, real estate, employment, and family law disputes. Skilled in managing litigation processes from inception to conclusion, including drafting legal documents and court filings.