Legal 500 EMEA Rankings 2025

Serle Court is delighted to once again be recognised as a leading set in the Legal 500 Europe, Middle East, and Africa 2025. Renowned for our extensive expertise in offshore trust matters and our comprehensive knowledge of various jurisdictions, we are described as "a ‘powerhouse when it comes to DIFC court litigation’, Serle Court remains a popular choice for commercial, banking, civil fraud and asset recovery litigation and arbitration proceedings.”

Highlights in the Legal 500 EMEA guide this year include our set's advancement to Tier 2. Additionally, Rupert Reed KC and James Weale have retained their rankings, while Zoe Sullivan KC and Gregor Hogan move up to Tier 1. This recognition showcases Serle Court’s extensive expertise in commercial dispute resolution in the Middle East, with members frequently appearing in the DIFC Courts, as well as in DIFC-LCIA and DIAC arbitrations.

Our clients have commended Serle Court as "excellent", with feedback highlighting that our set “always provide training on topical issues whenever they are in Dubai and these go down well with the team, and are pitched at a level that enables understanding by those who do not engage in as much work in the DIFC Courts.”

Rupert Reed KC (Tier 1) has been praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable on issues that concern the conflict of jurisdiction between the DIFC Courts and other courts of the UAE. Rupert is extremely user friendly and provides prompt turnaround.'.

Zoe O’Sullivan KC (Tier 1) is recognised as ‘tenacious, forthright, not afraid to make the tough calls and to advise strongly and directly.’

Gregor Hogan (Tier 1) is noted as ‘well versed in DIFC Court procedure, particularly jurisdictional elements.’

James Weale (Tier 2) is lauded as ‘his drafting, responsiveness and attention to detail are all excellent, as can be expected. His advocacy is where his energy really comes through, however. As an advocate James is enthusiastic and aggressive in all the right ways which helps to instill confidence in his handling of the case.’

We take great pride in our members, clerks, and staff for their hard work and commitment, which have collectively led to this outstanding recognition. We are extremely thankful to our referees for their continuing instructions and invaluable feedback, and to The Legal 500 for their thorough research.

Click here for more information and the full rankings: https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-middle-east-the-english-bar/commercial/9533-serle-court

Read more about our practice in the UAE & DIFC here.