Global law firms Stephenson Harwood and Bird & Bird have expanded their dispute resolution practices in the Middle East.
Stephenson Harwood has appointed Ryan Whelan as a partner in Dubai.
He focuses primarily on disputes in the energy and infrastructure sector. He previously led Akin’s Middle East infrastructure disputes practice as senior counsel, based in the firm’s Abu Dhabi office, and spent over seven years at Gibson Dunn in London and Dubai.
Whelan advises clients ranging from sovereign wealth funds to national oil companies on energy, renewables, water, and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East, Africa, and internationally.
“The Middle East is continuing to undergo transformative economic growth which is resulting in unprecedented levels of capital expenditure across all sectors, particularly within the construction, engineering and infrastructure markets, resulting in huge opportunities for businesses and investors,” said Ron Nobbs, partner and Middle East construction disputes head at Stephenson Harwood. “As the region continues to implement this transformative change, and to attract substantial foreign investment for large-scale and complex projects, it is inevitable that we will see an increase in construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes.”
“Ryan’s top of market regional and global experience makes him a valuable addition to the team, bolstering our ability to help our clients manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently at every stage of the project lifecycle,” added Nobbs, who relocated from the firm’s London office to Dubai in October 2024.
Stephenson Harwood Dubai office managing partner Rania Tadros said: “Ryan is the eighth new partner to join the Dubai office in less than 18 months. Expanding our presence in the Middle East is a core component of our international strategy. Ryan brings extensive experience and deep understanding of the region, and of managing complex and high-profile disputes. Ryan’s expertise will be invaluable in helping us support our clients’ needs across the region and beyond.”
Bird & Bird has announced the relocation of partner Bill Smith from the firm’s Sydney office to Dubai to lead the dispute resolution practice for the Middle East. He initially joined Bird & Bird’s Sydney office in October 2024 as part of a planned transition that would see him ultimately relocate to Dubai.
Smith has been advising clients in the region for almost 15 years, having previously worked in the Dubai office of Ashurst and Pinsent Masons. His Middle East practice focuses on advising and representing businesses engaged in complex disputes, particularly in the aviation, technology, energy and infrastructure sectors. He has extensive international experience, with an arbitration focus, gained through working across a range of diverse jurisdictions while practising abroad for more than half of his career. He brings particular expertise to Bird & Bird’s construction practice in the Middle East given his experience working on major projects across various sectors.
Smith’s relocation also strengthens the relationship between Bird & Bird’s Middle East and Australia offices.
Bird & Bird Middle East managing partner Anders Nilsson said:Â “Bill’s arrival in Dubai represents a significant strengthening of our dispute resolution capabilities in the region. His unique combination of international arbitration expertise, deep understanding of construction disputes, and recent experience working within our Australian operations makes him perfectly positioned to serve our Middle Eastern clients whilst maintaining our strong ties with Australia. This appointment underscores our commitment to building a truly integrated international disputes practice.”
