Michael Black KC is an advocate and arbitrator in international commercial disputes. While his practice is truly global, Michael is well known for his Middle East practice having acted throughout his career in cases concerning the Region.

Michael’s  expertise encompasses:

Arbitration; Construction & Projects; Energy, Oil & Gas; Commercial Litigation; Civil Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery; Banking and Financial Services; Hedge Funds and Structured Investment Vehicles; Insolvency; Company.

Appointed a Judge at the DIFC Court of Appeal and Judge in charge of the Digital Economy Court (DEC) (2022) Member ADGM Arbitration Centre Panel of Arbitrators (2020) Member of Commercial Litigators’ Forum Panel of Arbitrators (2020) Member SIAC Panel of Arbitrators (2019) Member of ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR (2017) Chartered Arbitrator (2017) Member of Court of Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (2016) BVI International Arbitration Centre Panel of Arbitrators (2016) ICC UK Committee for Arbitration and ADR (2015) ICC Commission Task Force on Emergency Arbitrator Proceedings (2015) Bencher Middle Temple (2006) Member Civil Justice Council (2005-9) Deputy High Court Judge (2008 – 2013) Member of Court of Appeal panel of mediators (2001 – 2003) Member Civil Procedure Rule Committee (2000 – 2004) Assistant Commissioner, Parliamentary Boundary Committee for England (2000) Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Panel of Mediators (2000) Deputy Judge of Technology and Construction Court (1999-2013) Recorder of the Crown Court (1999-2013) RICS President’s Panel of Arbitrators (1999) Presenter (Disciplinary Prosecutor) for Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (1995) FIMBRA panel of arbitrators (1993 – 1995)

Singapore International Commercial Court (Full Registration) Bar of the Dubai International Financial Centre Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Bar of the Isle of Man (ad hoc) Bar of the Cayman Islands (ad hoc) Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Swiss Arbitration Association International Council for Commercial Arbitration London Court of International Arbitration International Bar Association COMBAR Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Chinese Arbitration Association Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre

University College, London; Harvard Law School (accredited mediator); visiting professor Manchester University.