Vinson & Elkins strengthens its litigation practice with partner hire

Vinson & Elkins has strengthened its litigation practice in Dubai with the addition of Nabeel Ikram as a partner in its global complex commercial litigation (CCL) practice. A leading authority on engineering and construction matters across the Middle East, Ikram is best known for his disputes practice, but also acts as project counsel, assisting clients with risk management.

“Nabeel is a talented lawyer who is highly respected by his peers and clients, whose practice presents an opportunity to deepen our international construction practice in the region, and adds a significant capability to our Dubai office,” said Keith Fullenweider, chairman, Vinson & Elkins. “Our energy and construction IDR practice is one of the best in the world and having a strong Dubai presence to serve the region is vital to best serve clients.”

Ikram joins Vinson & Elkins from Hogan Lovells, his practice focuses on advising clients as they navigate contentious engineering and construction matters. Highly experienced in arbitration under a variety of rules, including DIAC, ICC, DIFC-LCIA, the LCIA as well as ad-hoc arbitration Ikram conducted the first construction case before the DIFC Courts, and has successfully represented clients on some of the largest and most complicated disputes in the Middle East.

“To be part of the prestigious energy and construction IDR practice at Vinson & Elkins is an incredible opportunity and I am delighted to work with former colleagues Roberta Downey and Angus Rankin once again,” adds Ikram. “The practice is a strategic priority for the firm, and its reputation and dedication to developing its high value construction and engineering disputes practice was an attractive prospect.”