Squire Patton Boggs hires new IDR partner

Squire Patton Boggs has announced the appointment of International Dispute Resolution (IDR) partner Alain Farhad, who has joined the firm from Freshfields Bruckhaus and Deringer in Dubai.

Farhad’s practice focuses on international disputes arising from commercial contracts and investment protection treaties. He acts on behalf of clients in a variety of industries including oil & gas, real estate, pharmaceutical and telecommunications. He has also represented investors and states in investment treaty disputes.

Farhad has acted in more than 40 international arbitration proceedings under the ICC, ICSID, DIAC and UNCITRAL rules. He is often appointed as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator or chairman of arbitral tribunals in international arbitration proceedings.

Fluent in English, French and Farsi, Farhad is admitted to the bars of the State of New York, Paris, and the DIFC Courts in Dubai. He serves on the Steering Committee of the ICC UAE arbitration commission and is a regional representative for the ICC’s Young Arbitrator Forum.

Thomas Wilson, head of Squire Patton Boggs’ construction and arbitration practices in the Middle East, said, “Alain is one of the rising stars in the growing international commercial arbitration market in the Middle East; his reputation, experience and capabilities will be a great asset to have. We are delighted to welcome Alain into our growing regional arbitration practice.”

Farhad said, “This is an exciting time to be developing an international arbitration practice in the Middle East which is attracting an increasing number of sophisticated disputes and international arbitration lawyers. I see great potential for Squire Patton Boggs in this market because it has a longstanding history and presence in the Middle East and an excellent team of talented international arbitration lawyers across its network. I am delighted to join the partnership of Squire Patton Boggs and thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to its continued success.”

Global Chair of Squire Patton Boggs’ International Dispute Resolution practice, George von Mehren, commented, “The expansion of the Middle East IDR team is of strategic importance both to the firm as a whole and to the regional practice. Alain will play a key role in expanding our team, giving us a partner and advocate in the Middle East who focuses on commercial arbitration. Alain is also a good strategic fit for the development of our representation of sovereigns in investment treaty arbitration based on his prior experience. He will be a tremendous asset to the firm and our clients.”