Bird & Bird's Middle East dispute resolution team is recognised for its expertise in managing commercial litigation, arbitration, and intricate fraud investigations. The firm also has a robust sports law practice, supporting governing bodies, federations, and athletes with regulatory matters and sports-related arbitrations. Team head Lucas Pitts covers a range of disputes across multiple sectors, including aviation, defence, logistics and tech. Yannick Hefti-Rossier is the key driver behind the firm’s sports offering. Kimia Kalantarian supports on domestic and cross-border cases.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes them special is the depth of collaboration with their client in order to fully understand all aspects of a matter and the subsequent level of commitment towards their client.'
‘I have been working with Kimia Kalantarian for a little over two years now. Her approach totally suits me as her client: she is proactive, clear and precise as to what she wants from us and as to what happens next, she understands the complexities of a global organization and she adjusts accordingly, without giving easily in to what her clients want - she always balances customer needs with what needs to be done.’
‘Strong customer focused leadership of the team. Works well with internal lawyers and understands what our business needs.'
Key clients
- Sheikh Alesayi
Work highlights
- Advising longstanding client, the FIA, on regulatory, governance, and contentious matters, including in relation to the FIA Formula One World Championship, Formula E and other championships.
- Continuing to advise Sheikh Alesayi’s Will Establishment in a high-value matter in respect of attempts by a guardian of the Will Establishment to dissipate assets in breach of fiduciary duty.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lucas Pitts