Outer Temple Chamber ranked as leading commercial set in the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA 2025 

We are delighted to announce that Outer Temple Chambers and our team of barristers have yet again been ranked as leaders in commercial law and construction law in the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA. 

Legal 500 announced their 2025 EMEA results this month and we are proud to have yet again been ranked as a Tier 1 Set in the ‘Middle East: The English Bar: Commercial’ guide. Legal 500 EMEA described Outer Temple Chambers as “a preeminent set active in the Middle East with particular focus on Dubai and UAE law, exemplified by the set’s active contributions in the drafting of new legislation and amending of foundational laws, recently in relation to the new Digital Assets Law”. 

These rankings reflect competency in providing expert advisory and advocacy services and facilities for Contract and Commercial, Construction, Financial, Regulatory, Taxation and Trusts, Employment, and Arbitration work in the region.  

Outer Temple Chambers and its members have been in the Middle East for over 20 years and is widely recognised as a leading set in the region.  In addition to a Tier 1 Commercial Set ranking, eight members have achieved individual rankings in the Commercial guide as well as a barrister ranking in the Construction guide;  

Ranked Members

David Russell KC  (Leading Silk, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Based in the Middle East, tax and trusts specialist David Russell KC is seen as a leading silk around the world and is ranked in Tier 1 yet again. He was noted for co-leading an OTC Team in the significant project of drafting new legislation and amending foundational laws in relation to the new Digital Assets Law. 

Andrew Spink KC  (Leading Silk, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Andrew Spink KC has been described by Legal 500 as “an impressive advocate and great leader.” He was noted, alongside David Russell KC, for co-leading an OTC Team in the significant project of drafting new legislation and amending foundational laws in relation to the new Digital Assets Law. He also led Justina Stewart in the landmark crypto-fraud appeal in the DIFC Court of Appeal; Huobi & Anr v Tabarak Investment Capital (2024). 

Ali Almihdar (Leading Junior, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Dr Ali Almihdar has a wide-ranging practice and splits his professional time between London and the Middle East. He is regularly described as the “go-to expert on Saudi law” by directories and clients. He was nominated for Junior of the Year (The English Bar in the Middle East: Commercial) at the Legal 500 MENA Awards 2024. 

Stephen Doherty (Leading Junior, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial) (Leading Junior, Tier 2, The English Bar: Construction)

Legal 500 ranked Stephen in both Commercial and Construction again, saying of his Commercial practice; “Stephen’s advocacy is clear and structured. He is not easily flustered, even when confronted with questions from left field. He is very knowledgeable about the law of the DIFC and its history.” 

Stephen is also said to “stand out among construction law barristers for his depth of knowledge and practical solutions. While there are other strong practitioners, his strategic approach makes him a key player in this area.” 

Philip Punwar (Leading Junior, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Based in Dubai, Philip Punwar is noted for his expertise in the DIFC’s law of privilege; “Philip is a very pleasant individual, articulate and easy to work with. He has a good connection with the arbitral tribunal.” 

Sean Yates (Leading Junior, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Based in Dubai, Sean has “a meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic. He brings to bear a wealth of private practice and in-house legal expertise which makes him quite unique as a barrister. He is incredibly well versed in Middle East law and practice.” 

Justina Stewart (Leading Junior, Tier 1, The English Bar: Commercial)

Justina’s practice encompasses the full range of commercial litigation, and Legal 500 notes her for her expertise in financial matters. She has been described by Legal 500 as having “strong intellectual capabilities which translate well into pragmatic and commercial advice.” Justina acted in the landmark crypto-fraud appeal in the DIFC Court of Appeal; Huobi & Anr v Tabarak Investment Capital (2024). 

Peter Linstead (Leading Junior, Tier 2, The English Bar: Commercial)

Peter specialises in employment and commercial matters. He has particular experience in the DIFC courts and was recently involved in drafting aspects of DIFC primary legislation. Peter is described by Legal 500 as having “excellent communication and is very clear in his speaking.” 

The complete set of rankings can be viewed here. 

Find out more

Outer Temple Chambers is a leading set of expert, global barristers, specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration, company and employment law-multinational and cross-border law, regulatory issues, Islamic Finance and wealth management, and work in the world’s leading courts, including in DIFC Courts. Outer Temple has offices in London and Dubai with a wide variety of barristers and professional associates permanently based in the Middle East to ensure our established presence in the region.

To find out more about our expertise or to instruct a member of our team, please contact Lexie Johnson on + 44 (0) 207 427 0801 for more information.

News 28 Mar, 2025