International law firm Simmons & Simmons has appointed Amir Ghaffari as Partner and Global Co-Head of International Arbitration in its London disputes and investigations practice.
Amir is a solicitor advocate and trial lawyer specialising in international commercial and construction arbitration. He brings 25 years’ experience of international arbitration and cross-border litigation – including 14 years as a Partner at leading international law firms in London and the United Arab Emirates.
Amir specialises in energy, construction and mega project disputes, as well as post M&A, insurance, reinsurance and healthcare and life sciences matters for clients across key jurisdictions including the Middle East, UK, Europe and Asia. He also sits as an arbitrator under the rules of major arbitral institutions.
The appointment will strengthen Simmons & Simmons’ international arbitration bench and the firm’s energy, natural resources, infrastructure and construction (ENRIC) sector disputes expertise – increasing its ability to act on complex project disputes in the Middle East, while supporting greater collaboration between the disputes and investigations practice and the firm’s wider cross-border ENRIC teams.
Amir will take up the role of Co-Head alongside current Head Philippe Cavalieros.
On joining the firm, Amir Ghaffari said: “I am very pleased to be joining Simmons & Simmons’ London disputes and investigations practice. The firm’s impressive international network and energy, natural resources, infrastructure and construction sector focus provide an ideal platform for my international commercial and construction arbitration work. I look forward to working with colleagues across the global network to help clients navigate complex cross-border disputes and develop new opportunities, particularly in the Middle East and Europe.”
Commenting on the hire, Patrick Boylan, Dispute Resolution International Practice Group Head, said: “Amir is a highly respected Partner who is deeply experienced in significant international commercial and construction arbitration mandates, particularly in the ENRIC sector. In joining our international arbitration practices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia we are continuing to strengthen the support we provide to clients on their most complex international matters.”
