Serle Court is pleased to be ranked by The Legal 500 Middle East guide 2023 for the English Bar (commercial) and is recognised as “a go-to set, especially for DIFC litigation.”

The following barristers have received individual rankings: Rupert Reed KC (Tier 1), Zoe O'Sullivan KC (Tier 2), James Weale (Tier 2) and Gregor Hogan (Tier 2). These rankings reflect Serle Court's depth and breadth of experience in commercial dispute resolution in the Middle East with members regularly appearing in the DIFC Courts as well as in DIFC-LCIA and DIAC arbitrations.

Our barristers have acted in many of the most significant and high-value disputes of the last few years in the region, including SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd v Renish Petrochem FZE and Prime Energy FZE, which involved a $31 million trade finance #fraud claim, and Europe Bank (Dubai) Ltd v New Medical Centre Trading LLC and NMC Healthcare LLC, obtaining the first worldwide freezing order against NMC Healthcare entities in the UAE in litigation concerning the company's #insolvency.

Our clerking team is well-known in the Middle East region and praised by local clients for being commercial and responsive. Our designated Middle East clerk, Dan Wheeler, is regularly in touch with our clients in the region, and also our contacts in the DIFC, to ensure immaculate service is provided at all times.  Our clerks are recognised as, “very responsive and pleasant to deal with. We have had a positive experience with Paul Ballard and Dan Wheeler.”  “Dan Wheeler is top-notch – very professional and a good networker.” 

Rupert Reed KC: "Rupert is an astute, articulate and above all personable barrister, who combines a profound technical knowledge of commercial legal issues with an advocacy style that is both understated and brilliant."

Zoe O'Sullivan KC: "Zoe is a first rate silk who speaks with authority and clarity. Her presentation skills are excellent, and she has the ability to explain complex issues in simple terms." 

James Weale: "James is eloquent and persuasive in his advocacy; he thinks on his feet and has an excellent mastery of guiding the judge through the issues at hand. He is also very commercial in his decision making and advice." 

Gregor Hogan: "Gregor is hardworking, receptive to client feedback, and has real clarity of thought. He understands his practice area and is an impressive barrister." 

We would like to thank all of our clients in the region for their continuing instructions, strong support and supportive references, and we look forward to catching up with clients and colleagues during our spring roadshow later on this month. 

To view all the rankings, please click here.

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