Dispute resolution counsel based in Dubai.
High-value, general commercial disputes in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Court.
Complex, cross-border international arbitration under a variety of governing laws and institutional rules.
Multi-jurisdictional experience, having worked in Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Michael Stewart has wide-ranging experience in both international arbitration and commercial litigation. He has had a particular focus on work in the DIFC Court, representing clients in high-value, high stakes disputes in both the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal.

In the international arbitration space, Michael typically acts in complex, multijurisdictional ‘bet the company’ arbitrations. Regional award enforcement is also a key area of focus.

From 2014 to 2015, Michael was the Associate to the then President of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. At University, Michael received first class honors, the Jean Rogerson Scholarship for graduating top 5 in his honors class, and various other subject prizes.

Representative Work

Acting for the DIFC Authority and DIFC Investments in the successful defense of a US $500 million claim in the DIFC Courts (first instance and appeal) relating to a failed joint venture development.
Acting for a publicly listed conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in multiple International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration and DIFC Court proceedings relating to a failed investment (claim values in excess of US$1 billion).*
Acting for one of the biggest companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to a joint venture dispute in Bahrain. This was coupled with a strategic advisory role in multiple related local court proceedings.*
Acting for a major Kuwaiti conglomerate in DIFC Court proceedings against a director of a related entity, ultimately leading to a US$75 million judgment for our client.*
Acting for a major Kuwaiti conglomerate in DIFC Court of First Instance and Appeal proceedings relating to service and enforcement of a DIFC seated Arbitration Award. Ultimately, the client was successful in overturning existing DIFC Court precedent and setting new DIFC law.*

Acting for a leading IT infrastructure company (as interested party) in judicial review proceedings in the High Court of Hong Kong.*
Acting for one of the leading main-contractors in the Asia Pacific region in relation to upstream and multiple downstream infrastructure arbitrations arising from a major casino and resort project in Macau.*
Acting in Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) arbitration proceedings for a Hong Kong company against its U.K. insurer and buyers arising out of a failed metal trading agreement.*
Acting for a leading executive search consultancy firm in defamation and breach of Deed proceedings in the High Court of Hong Kong.*
Acting for an English trading company in proceedings relating to the enforcement of an English arbitral award in Hong Kong and Singapore.*

* Work completed prior to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.