Outer Temple Chamber barristers ranked as commercial and construction law leaders in the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA

We are delighted to share that Outer Temple Chambers and our team of barristers have yet again been ranked for our commercial and construction expertise at the English Bar in the Middle East.

Legal 500 announced their 2024 EMEA results and we are proud to have been ranked as a Tier 1 set in the ‘Middle East: The English Bar: Commercial’ guide including nine barrister rankings, as well as barrister listings in the ‘Middle East: The English Bar: Construction’ guide. 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 nearly 20 years and is widely recognised as a leading set in the region. Legal 500 EMEA 2024 described Outer Temple as a “heavyweight commercial chambers with a deep bench of excellent counsel“. Researchers observed that Outer Temple Chambers’ Dubai office served as a hub for the set’s expertise in the region’s civil, common and Sharia legal systems; particularly in relation to commercial, employment and arbitration-related matters. In addition to a Tier 1 commercial set ranking, the following members have achieved individual rankings; 

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. David is described as “an outstanding barrister with a very strong reputation within the global legal community. He has in-depth knowledge and expertise in matters of common law and international taxation.“

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

Andrew Spink KC is described as “an impressive advocate and great leader. His advocacy style commands respect and his experience and manner demands the judge’s attention.” Legal 500 noted that Andrew Spink KC led Justina Stewart in the landmark case of Huobi and another v Tabarak Investment Capital, representing the appellant in a significant case for cryptocurrency transactions in the region after the appeal was granted in February 2023.

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.

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

Stephen Doherty is described as “…phenomenal. He can absorb huge amounts of complex information extremely rapidly and gives clear, commercial and tactical advice; he is a joy to work with.” Stephen Doherty has been involved in a landmark and novel ADGM judgment, representing the defendant in Mingguo v Sadeghnia, providing a significant decision on governing law and jurisdiction clauses.

Stephen’s construction practice has also been ranked by Legal 500 EMEA 2024: Middle East: Construction. “His legal approach and analytical skills to deal with complex technical issues are very impressive. He is good at conducting research along with his ability of performing the tasks in an organised and efficient manner.”

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

Based in Dubai, Philip Punwar has significant experience of the laws and practices of both civil and common law jurisdictions gained as counsel and arbitrator in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Philip has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in England and the Dubai International Financial Centre, up to and including the Courts of Appeal of each jurisdiction.

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

Based in Dubai, Sean specialises in international arbitration and civil and commercial litigation with a focus on construction and infrastructure, real estate, energy and natural resource disputes. More widely, Sean has experience in employment, fraud and regulatory, as well as substantial experience in the tourism, leisure and entertainment sectors.

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

Justina’s practice encompasses the full range of commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on banking and financial services, civil fraud, fintech and digital assets, insolvency and international arbitration. She is described by Legal 500 as having “strong intellectual capabilities which translate well into pragmatic and commercial advice. She demonstrates a dexterity not often seen in barristers.“

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

Peter specialises in employment and commercial disputes including both UK and international 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.“

Anson Cheung (Rising Star, The English Bar: Commercial)

We are delighted that Anson has been recognised by Legal 500 as a Rising Star this year. Anson’s practice encompasses the full range of commercial disputes, including international arbitration, general commercial litigation, construction, shipping and commodities, pensions and financial services. Anson has particular experience with litigation in the GCC region, having spent six months on secondment to a leading firm in Dubai. 

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 Sam Carter on +44 (0)203 989 6669.

News 9 Apr, 2024