3VB receives Tier 1 set ranking in The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
The Legal 500 have released the 2023 edition of their Europe, Middle East and Africa guide, ranking 3VB as a Tier 1 set for Commercial work in the regions.
Of the set, the guide says,
“3 Verulam Buildings is a leading commercial set, and it is particularly well regarded for its expertise in banking and finance disputes and international arbitration in the Middle East. In Abu Dhabi, Rajesh Pillai KC has been acting as lead counsel for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in the ADGM, London and BVI courts in the ADCB v Shetty cases concerning the collapse of NMC Healthcare; David Quest KC and Ewan McQuater KC continue to act for the banks in NMC Healthcare v Dubai Islamic Bank, another case on the same theme in the ADGM. On the other end of the E11, Saima Hanif KC has a strong DFSA regulatory practice. Farhaz Khan KC took silk in the 2022 round.”
The following 17 members have been individually selected for recommendation:
Middle East: The English Bar (Commercial):
Leading Silks
Ewan McQuater KC – Tier 2
Ali Malek KC – ‘Ali has an excellent sense for what will win or lose a case, and he is razor sharp in focusing on those issues to the benefit of the outcome of the dispute.’
Hodge Malek KC – ‘Hodge is an intellectual powerhouse, a first-rate advocate, and one of the go-to senior silks at the commercial Bar. He is a masterful tactician and is always ten steps ahead, has a commanding authority over his case, and his analysis is flawless.’
Andrew Onslow KC – ‘Andrew’s advocacy and cross-examination is heavyweight. He is extremely impressive on his feet, and entirely unflappable.’
David Quest KC – Tier 1
Tom Montagu-Smith KC – ‘Tom is a major name in the UAE market. He is an exceptional oral advocate who has the ear of the judges, and commands the confidence and respect of his clients. World class.’
Nicholas Craig KC – ‘Top drawer advocate – calm under pressure, measured and extremely effective.’
Rajesh Pillai KC – ‘Smooth but forceful advocate, and great with clients. Rajesh is forensic but also has astute commercial awareness.’
Saima Hanif KC – ‘Saima is a go-to silk for financial services and sanctions work.’
Farhaz Khan KC – ‘Farhaz is astute, gives great commercial and straight talking advice, and wins the confidence of his clients.’
Leading Juniors
Tariq Baloch – Tier 2.
Adam Temple – ‘Adam is diligent and articulate. He is clear and direct in his advocacy, and his arguments are persuasive, logical and to the point.’
Yash Bheeroo – ‘Phenomenal ability to process reams of complicated and detailed information. Excellent manner, easy to work with, and highly intelligent yet very approachable.’
James Potts – ‘James is a very hardworking and technically-able barrister. He has a good presence and is a persuasive advocate.’
Matthew Watson – ‘Matthew is a star in the making. His written advocacy and drafting is superb, and he is a huge asset to any case team. He has excellent judgement and is always commercial in his advice.’
Mark Wassouf – ‘Mark is brilliant, phenomenally hardworking, and has a really in-depth knowledge of Arabic and the way the Middle East works.’
Georges Chalfoun – Tier 1.
