Andrew Mackenzie > DLA Piper > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper has a strong focus on economic sanctions and export controls, offering expert advice on complex, cross-border investigations and compliance issues. The team is also well-placed to handle a broad range of matters including fraud, bribery, money laundering, sanctions breaches, cyber-security issues, and supply chain and ESG concerns. Group lead Andrew Mackenzie is recognised for his skill in commercial litigation, while co-lead Adam Vause leverages over twenty years of investigative experience to comprehensively advise a strong roster of international and regional clients on regulatory and compliance issues and reporting obligations to regulators in a number of jurisdictions. Ramsey Jurdi is praised as a ‘highly knowledgeable partner with a practical, proactive approach’ and acts on regulatory and enforcement matters arising from economic sanctions. Laura Shingler also comes recommended.

A key port of call for contractors and project finance sponsors, DLA Piper is experienced in contentious construction matters. Andrew Mackenzie is proficient in energy and engineering disputes, Suzannah Newboult is versed in infrastructure issues, while Adam Haque is knowledgeable of construction contracts. Terrick McCallum and Kara Henderson-Price are other key members, while Nacim Bounouara has relocated to the firm’s Dubai office from London.

DLA Piper is widely regarded for its expertise in handling complex, high-value, and multi-jurisdictional cases, including onshore and offshore litigation, international arbitration, and regulatory investigations. The team is renowned for its skill in construction, engineering, and infrastructure disputes, as well as its standout capabilities in sanctions, compliance, and white-collar investigations. Team head Andrew Mackenzie has a notable track record in the DIFC, ADGM and major arbitration forums, specialising in construction, engineering, financial services, and post-M&A disputes. Henry Quinlan  stands out for his skill in arbitration, while Wissam Dagher is active across ons-hore courts, arbitral tribunals and off-shore courts. Adam Bradshaw and Andrew Massey also come recommended.

Leveraging the firm’s strong international presence, DLA Piper Middle East LLP has a strong track record in contentious matters in the energy, financial and construction segments, and frequently oversees cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration involving insolvencies, debt claims, and contract breaches. Mohamed Toorani co-heads the team with  Andrew Mackenzie, both sought after by clients for their experience in major arbitration forums.

DLA Piper‘s dispute resolution team is noted by clients for its ‘high competency, direct approach and availability’, leveraging the firm’s international presence to advise multinational clients on cross-border disputes. The department stands out for its track record in cases in the construction industry, and is retained to advise clients on disputes both in Qatar and those occurring abroad, including Europe. George Vlavianos co-heads the team with Andrew Mackenzie. Mackenzie’s background in commercial cases, including shareholder disputes, white-collar crime and international arbitration in the technology and financial industries, complements Vlavianos’ focus on energy and construction sector disputes, along with his work in regional matters.

The finance and projects department at DLA Piper stands out for its ‘excellent knowledge of the construction law and market in the Middle East’. It advises clients most notably on contentious matters, where the team frequently represents companies in international arbitration. The team’s experience also extends to regulatory and advisory roles in the real estate, energy and construction sectors, including the development and financing of public infrastructure, leasing of workspaces and other projects. Andrew Mackenzie co-heads the team with George Vlavianos and Nacim Bounouara. Duncan Pickering adds significant real estate expertise to the department.

DLA Piper Legal Consultants handles commercial, finance and construction disputes, including complex matters arising from economic sanctions, employment, tax, data protection and bankruptcy. In addition to litigation, the team boasts significant arbitration experience, representing clients in major international and regional arbitration centres. The team is led by Dubai-based Andrew Mackenzie, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator.