Curtis has added to its market-leading international arbitration practice with the addition of a new partner, Antonia Birt, in the Dubai office. Ms. Birt was previously associated with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, where she trained and qualified as a solicitor of England & Wales.

With a sharp focus on disputes in the Middle East and GCC countries, Ms. Birt will be a valuable addition to Curtis’ practice in the region and to the international arbitration team worldwide. Her experience encompasses commercial and construction arbitrations under the ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, DIAC and UNCITRAL rules, where she has represented states and multi-national corporations in complex cross-border disputes.

“We’re very pleased that Antonia will be joining us in Dubai. We are always looking to add highly talented lawyers to maintain our leadership position in dispute resolution, both regionally and internationally. Antonia fits well within this plan,” said George Kahale III, Curtis Chairman and Chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice.

Jeremy Miocevic, the Managing Partner for the Dubai office, added that “she will be an asset to our corporate and commercial disputes practice, with her extensive experience advising on DIAC and DIFC-LCIA proceedings. Her career spent handling disputes for numerous entities in the Gulf and MENA region, including advising on local court litigations and contract disputes, combines a unique understanding of international dispute resolution forums and regional business practices.”

Ms. Birt’s arbitration experience spans projects in the energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors as well as distribution disputes. She also advises on alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, and has experience with regulatory investigations conducted by the World Bank, European Competition Authorities and the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. Ms. Birt also acts as arbitrator. She holds a Master’s degree in Law (LLM) from Cambridge University and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Sheffield University in the UK. Fluent in English, German and Russian, Ms. Birt has dual nationality of Germany and Russia.