Michael Hartley joins DWF as Dispute Resolution partner

DWF has announced Michael Hartley’s appointment as a Dispute Resolution partner in Dubai.

Hartley joins DWF with significant experience in energy, construction and infrastructure (both onshore and offshore). He has handled complex, large-scale international disputes before courts and arbitration centres, including in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and the International Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout his career, Hartley has collaborated with expert counsel across various Middle Eastern jurisdictions, enhancing his ability to navigate the region’s legal landscape and growing focus on the energy and infrastructure industries. His arrival reflects DWF’s ongoing expansion and dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its clients in the UAE and wider Middle East region.

His appointment also builds on a series of senior hires in DWF’s energy sector team, which now boasts 80 partners who are able to advise on energy projects through the full lifecycle from beginning to end.

James Fox, managing partner for DWF in Dubai, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our team as we continue to enhance our practice and deepen our capabilities in the Middle East. Over the past two years, we have made significant strides in expanding our presence in Dubai, with seven new partner hires since the beginning of 2023. This is helping us to strengthen our relationships with existing clients and win new mandates.”

Hartley added, “I look forward to joining DWF’s team in Dubai and continuing to support our clients to achieve successful resolutions. DWF has grown quickly in the region in recent years and I am excited to be part of its next phase of growth.”