The project development and finance, construction, and dispute resolution-focused teams at White & Case LLP in Doha have ‘great knowledge of the region’: with leadership from Payvand Vahdat in Doha, Michael Turrini in Dubai and Philip Stopford in London, the team pairs regional strength with local expertise. Energy projects are an area of expertise for the team, which has a longstanding relationship with QatarEnergy which is spearheaded by Stopford. The project finance team are ‘recognised experts’ in the market. Both front-end construction work and construction disputes are strengths, Vahdat in particular is a key name for arbitration in the construction sector.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘When working on an international arbitration with Payvand Vahdat, he took a hands-on approach and gave sage advice.'

  • 'Verena Gross is extremely bright. Her ability to seamlessly digest information is tremendous, her drafting is first-rate, as are her cross-examination skills. She successfully managed the entire process, much to the satisfaction of her client. She is also marvellous to deal with.'
  • 'Farah Haidar is also an excellent lawyer who delivers and produces fantastic work and is a pleasure to work with.’
  • ‘Good established leadership in project finance, with recognised experts. Advice is comprehensive and actionable.’

  • ‘Philip Stopford is great in project finance.'

  • ‘Great knowledge of the region having had a strong presence in Qatar for a number of years, coupled with the highly competent team of lawyers who have extensive experience of the construction projects, makes White & Case a go-to firm for construction disputes.’

  • ‘Michael Turrini consistently develops great relationships with clients that allow him to provide considered and genuine advice on strategic dispute matters.'

  • 'Verena Gross is technically excellent, her knowledge of contract law is exceptional and she always ensures she gets into the detail of a dispute so can provide clear advice on the merits of her client’s case.’

Key clients

  • QatarEnergy
  • Qatargas Operating Company
  • Qatar Aluminium Limited (Qatalum)
  • Qatar Investment Authority
  • Ras Laffan Petrochemical Company

Work highlights

  • Advising QatarEnergy and its joint venture partner in connection with a US$6bn petrochemical complex in Ras Laffan, Qatar.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Philip Stopford, Payvand Vahdat, Michael Turrini

Other key lawyers

Verena Gross, Farah Haider