AC&H boosts cross-border disputes expertise

Experienced commercial disputes lawyer Alex Layden has been appointed as a partner in the Dubai, UAE, disputes practice of Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota (AC&H).

Alex specialises in complex commercial disputes and has extensive experience handling cross-border disputes for clients in the Middle East and internationally. His appointment reinforces AC&H’s commitment to strengthening their international dispute offering.

“Alex’s appointment will significantly enhance our ability to handle local and cross-border dispute matters for our clients from Dubai,” commented AC&H Country Partner, Adil Shafi. “His hire reflects his extensive dispute experience and advocacy skills creating value for our clients.” 

Alex is a barrister admitted to practice law in the UAE (including the DIFC & ADGM), the UK (England and Wales) and the EU (Ireland). He regularly appears as counsel before common law courts and acts in both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. He has extensive experience advising and representing clients across multiple jurisdictions in banking, insolvency, corporate, commercial, employment, professional and regulatory disputes. These matters span sectors such as energy, trade, technology, construction, real estate, education and healthcare. 

AC&H is a member of ALN, Africa’s largest legal alliance, and Alex’s arrival will strengthen ALN and AC&H’s disputes offering for international clients using Dubai as a hub.

“I am delighted to join AC&H and the ALN alliance which has a market-leading reputation for serving clients across Africa and the Middle East,” said Alex. “Joining the dedicated international disputes practice is an exciting opportunity to be part of a skilled and dedicated team with a strong track record of delivering exceptional service to clients facing increasingly complex cross-border disputes. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the practice in the region and internationally.”

Karim Anjarwalla, ALN Board Director and ALN Kenya Senior Partner is also delighted about Alex’s appointment to this pivotal role. “Alex’s extensive experience and deep understanding of litigation and arbitration in multiple jurisdictions make him invaluable to our team. His experience will greatly enhance our capacity to serve clients navigating complex cross-border disputes, and we are confident he will play a key role in furthering our vision to deliver unparalleled solutions across regions,” Karim said.

Aisha Abdallah, ALN Kenya Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, is equally as enthusiastic about Alex’s appointment to ALN’s growing cross-border disputes team. “As an experienced barrister and disputes practitioner, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, significantly bolstering our dispute resolution practice,” she said. “His approach to client service and insights into the regulatory and commercial landscapes across key markets will be a tremendous asset. As the region continues to evolve, we are committed to helping our clients navigate new challenges, and Alex’s appointment reinforces this commitment.”