Mediator Resume

International chartered arbitrator and accredited mediator with significant experience in commercial disputes in both the Civil and Common Law systems. Formerly a lawyer at a top-tier New York law firm, went on to join a prominent American firm in 2008 to expand Middle East operations. Currently, serves as a partner at Chrysalis LLP, a Dubai-based arbitration firm established in 2016. Having served as arbitrator on over 40 cases under a variety of rules, specializes in disputes pertaining to construction, infrastructure, international trade, shareholder and joint venture matters, and real estate.

Chrysalis (FZE) - Founding Partner

Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator, ADR Practitioner, Dispute Board Member

Founding Partner, Chrysalis (FZE), 2016 – Present; Counsel, Nabarro LLP (now CMS), 2014 –2016; Senior Associate, Chadbourne & Parke LLP (now merged with Norton Rose), 2012 – 2014; Senior Associate, Patton Boggs (now Squire Patton Boggs), 2008 – 2012; Associate, Peckar & Abramson P.C., 2003 – 2008.

Extensive experience (as counsel and arbitrator) with arbitrations arising out of construction of social and economic infrastructure projects in a variety of countries in Eurasia, the Middle East, North and South America and India. Disputes have related to crude oil pipelines, gas compressor stations, airports (including maintenance hangers), telecom towers, catering facilities, educational facilities, roadways, waterway systems, luxury residences, high-rise commercial towers, and mixed-use facilities. Experienced in arbitration related to international trade and business-related matters, including disputes arising out of international mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder/commercial agency disputes. Trained and accredited as a facilitative mediator in commercial cases; mediated a dispute in relation to the assets of a family office. As counsel, represented the steering committee of a major airport in the Middle East in two evaluative mediations in relation to the construction of various phases of the airport.

As Mediator: Successfully mediated a family dispute, bringing together estranged family members to address contentious issues. Employed active listening and conflict resolution techniques to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Played a neutral third-party role, fostering trust and open communication among the family members. Assisted in crafting mutually acceptable agreements, restoring harmony within the family. Maintained strict confidentiality to create a safe space for open discussions, earning the trust and respect of all parties involved. As Counsel: Acted as legal counsel in two large-scale and complex construction mediations involving multi-million-dollar project. Represented clients, (owners) in resolving the dispute. Conducted thorough legal assessments of each case, analyzing contracts, project documentation, and relevant laws to formulate effective strategies. Collaborated closely with clients to understand their objectives and priorities in the mediation process. Advised them on potential risks and outcomes. Emphasized problem-solving and compromise to reach mutually beneficial resolutions. Maintained a professional demeanor throughout the mediation process, even in the face of highly contentious and complex issues. Achieved successful resolutions in both construction mediations, saving clients from protracted litigation, reducing costs, and preserving business relationships. CIArb Accredited Mediator (2019) – the training involved 3 months of workshops, a written and a mock mediation role play assessment.

As a mediator, successfully led a high-stakes effort to resolve a complex family office dispute involving assets located in Canada, the UAE, and Iran. Assets involved various businesses including a commercial agency contract for import of goods into the UAE, several real estate assets in the three countries, a monthly publication with respect to a specific product, and the expenses related to treatment of an elderly parent. In this role: Acted as an impartial third-party intermediary to promote open communication and trust among the disputing siblings. Conducted a thorough assessment of the intricate legal and cultural aspects related to assets spread across multiple jurisdictions, adapting the mediation process accordingly. Conducted numerous negotiation sessions, utilizing active listening and conflict resolution techniques to guide the parties toward consensus. Contributed to the development of creative, win-win solutions that safeguarded the interests of all involved parties. Collaborated closely with legal experts and financial advisors to ensure a comprehensive understanding of asset valuations and legal frameworks in each country. Maintained the highest levels of confidentiality throughout the process, thereby earning the trust and respect of both parties. Key Achievements: Successfully mediated a highly contentious dispute, resulting in a mutually agreed-upon resolution of a significant portion of the issues which effectively prevented litigation and loss of reputation. As counsel, participated in two construction related mediations on a large and complex airport project in the Middle East. The mediation process spanned over 6 days and involved expert, and fact witness presentations. The Parties were a mix of Middle Eastern European and Euro-Asian companies requiring enhanced cultural understanding.

Trained as and prefers Facilitative Mediation where possible. Style includes but not limited to the following: Facilitating Informed Decision-Making where parties can make informed decisions considering their needs and priorities. By presenting the evaluations, parties are empowered to realistically assess the risks and potential outcomes of litigation versus a negotiated settlement. Negotiation Guidance - While remaining neutral, providing guidance to the parties through discussion and brainstorming sessions, emphasizing the importance of compromise and collaborative problem-solving. Helping the parties explore potential settlement options. Reality Checks - Providing "reality checks" when necessary, helping parties manage their expectations and avoid unrealistic demands where possible. This ensures that parties stay grounded in practical terms. Emphasis on Confidentiality - Upholding strict confidentiality creating a safe and secure environment when sharing sensitive information, is protected throughout the process. Where evaluative mediation becomes necessary provides an impartial and objective evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position. This evaluation is based on an assessment of the available evidence and the facts provided by the parties and assists the Parties reach a resolution.

Familiar with various online platforms (i.e. Zoom, GoToMeeting, MS Teams, etc.) and willing to conduct arbitrations virtually where possible. Preference for sharing electronic documents throughout the case (hard copies of exhibits not encouraged at the evidentiary hearings). Working knowledge of MS Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Excel, etc.

Oxford (Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration-2021); Fordham University (LL.M, International Business and Trade Law-2002); Tehran University (LL.B-2000). CIArb Accredited Mediator (2019). Chartered Arbitrator (CIArb)

Admitted to the Bar: New York (2002); U.S. District Court: Southern District of New York (2005); U.S. Supreme Court (2008). United Arab Emirates, DIFC Courts in Part II (2015).

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UAE Branch (Committee Member); Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Council Member of the International Bar Association (IBA); Society of Construction Law (Gulf) (Member); Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow and Chartered Arbitrator - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb); London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) (Member); ICC Arbitration Committee, UAE and UK Chapters (Member); ArbitralWomen (Member). Vice-Chair Construction Law Committee (International Bar Association), United Arab Emirates Delegate to the Global Commission of Arbitration and ADR (ICC -Paris)

Mediation: What Are the Benefits to Clients and Counsel?", Lawyer Monthly/Online (July 2023). "Article/Questionnaire Diversity & Inclusion Initiative IBA", Construction Law International, vol. 16, no. 4 (Dec. 2021). "Country update - Changes to Dubai’s legislation on arbitration centers", IBA’s Construction Law International (Mar. 2022). "Keys to Successful Project Establishment", IBA’s Construction Law International quarterly journal (Apr. 2019). "IBA Guidelines peer reviewed Persian/Farsi translations of The IBA Guidelines on Conflict of Interest in International Arbitration", Online and in print (Apr. 2018). "IBA Guidelines peer reviewed Persian/Farsi translations of The IBA Rules on Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration", (Apr. 2018). "IBA Guidelines peer reviewed Persian/Farsi translations of The IBA Rules on Taking on Party Representation", Online and in print (2018). "Tackling Global Construction Claims in the Middle East", BCDR International Arbitration Review, vol. 4, issue 1 (2017), pp. 175-193. "The Road to Qatar’s Construction of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Stadiums", IBA’s Construction Law International (Oct. 2016). "Tips for Construction Contractors to Avoid Costly Missteps", Chadbourne’s Project Finance NewsWire and Lexology online (Apr. 2013). "Construction Law 2008", United States Chapter Getting the Deal Through (2008). "Construction Law 2007", United States Chapter Getting the Deal Through (2007). (several other publications in the process)

United Arab Emirates

Hourly Rate: $650.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $600.00/hr Cancellation: $2,500.00/Day Cancellation Period: 3 Days Comment:

English; Persian

United Kingdom

United Arab Emirates