Eversheds Sutherland expands global disputes platform

Eversheds Sutherland has continued the expansion of its global Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice with the appointments of David Pere in Paris and Philipp Duncker in Munich as partners, alongside further investment in its Middle East disputes practice through the relocation of its Head of Construction, partner Jonathan Douglas, from London to Dubai, and Mohamed Khanaty rejoining the Dubai team as Legal Director.

The appointments reflect the firm's continued focus on supporting clients facing increasingly complex disputes, infrastructure projects, investigations and regulatory challenges that span multiple jurisdictions, sectors and legal disciplines.

Joining the firm's Paris office, David Pere brings more than two decades of experience advising corporates, senior executives and public figures on corporate crime, investigations, compliance and regulatory matters. His practice covers corruption, fraud, money laundering, tax investigations and cross-border enforcement issues, acting for clients across sectors including financial services, retail, food and infrastructure. David has also built and led white-collar crime and investigations practices in Paris and is recognised in Chambers and Legal 500.

Philipp Duncker has joined the firm's Munich office from Fieldfisher. He specialises in international arbitration and complex commercial disputes, with particular experience across the automotive, energy and insurance sectors, as well as major infrastructure projects. His work has included disputes relating to long-term gas supply arrangements, supply chain issues, offshore wind developments and solar energy projects.

Mark Davenport, Global Co-Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution at Eversheds Sutherland, said:

"Businesses are operating against a backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical uncertainty and more complex cross-border disputes. Clients need teams that can bring together litigation, arbitration, investigations and sector knowledge across multiple jurisdictions.

“David and Philipp are outstanding additions to our practice. They strengthen our offering in two strategically important European markets and further enhance our ability to support clients on their most significant and business-critical matters. Their arrival reflects the continued momentum of our disputes practice and our ambition to build one of the most connected global disputes offerings in the market.

“Jonathan’s relocation constitutes a renewed commitment to and investment in the Middle East and reflects the evolving needs of our clients. He brings over 25 years of London based domestic and international disputes expertise to the Middle East."

David Pere, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, said:

"Much of the work clients face today sits at the intersection of investigations, regulation, compliance and litigation, often across several jurisdictions at once. What attracted me to Eversheds Sutherland was the firm's international platform and genuinely collaborative approach, bringing together lawyers across offices and disciplines to help clients navigate complex situations.

“I am excited to join the team in Paris and work with colleagues across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US to continue growing a practice that supports organisations through some of their most challenging moments."

Philipp Duncker, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland said:

"Clients are increasingly looking for advisers who can help them manage disputes that cut across borders, industries and legal regimes. Eversheds Sutherland's international reach, collaborative culture and sector strength create a compelling platform for that work.

“I look forward to working alongside colleagues across the firm's global disputes network and helping clients resolve complex arbitration and litigation matters wherever they arise."

Strengthening a connected international disputes platform

Alongside the appointments in Paris and Munich, Eversheds Sutherland is further strengthening its international disputes capabilities in the Middle East through the relocation of its Head of Construction, partner Jonathan Douglas, from London to Dubai, together with the return of Mohamed Khanaty to the firm's Dubai office as Legal Director.

Jonathan will continue to lead the firm's Construction & Engineering practice, with the move reflecting the increasingly international nature of clients’ needs in construction, infrastructure projects and disputes and the firm's commitment to serving its clients where major projects are being delivered.

Mohamed rejoins the firm after more than eight years at Freshfields’ International Arbitration Group in Dubai. His appointment marks a return to the Dubai office, where he previously spent almost five years with the firm between 2013 and 2018. Mohamed is fluent in Arabic, and brings extensive experience in international arbitration and cross-border disputes across the Middle East, advising clients on commercial disputes, M&A and joint ventures claims, energy matters, regulatory issues, and major projects.

Jonathan Douglas, Partner and Head of Construction and Engineering at Eversheds Sutherland said:

"Many of the most significant construction and infrastructure disputes now involve stakeholders, assets and projects spread across multiple jurisdictions. Being based in Dubai strengthens our ability to support clients on major international projects while continuing to lead a team that operates across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

“This is not about a single market. It reflects the increasingly international nature of our clients' businesses and the way our construction and disputes teams work together across borders to deliver joined-up advice on complex matters."

Mohamed Khanaty, Legal Director at Eversheds Sutherland said:

"I am delighted to return to Eversheds Sutherland at a time when demand for sophisticated cross-border disputes advice continues to grow. The Middle East market continues to attract high value and sensitive mandates, and the need for experienced counsel, particularly in international arbitration, is only increasing. The firm's established regional practice, international platform, sector focus and collaborative culture create an excellent environment to support clients across the Middle East and on matters that extend into multiple jurisdictions.”

The appointments continue a period of sustained growth for Eversheds Sutherland's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice, following a number of strategic hires across key international markets and ongoing investment in its litigation, arbitration, investigations and regulatory capabilities.