Deputy Head of Clerking
Practice Manager
Assistant Practice Manager
On 27 July 2022, Michael Black KC was appointed as a Judge at the DIFC Court of Appeal and Judge in charge of the Digital Economy Court (DEC). Michael continues to accept appointments as arbitrator and instructions in arbitration-related matters as counsel outside the DIFC.
The leading legal directories have described Michael as “a superb and seasoned professional” and refer to his “extensive experience in commercial litigation and arbitration disputes related to the construction, energy and funds sectors … sources consider him a “great name” in London and internationally”. In the court-room his “amazing eye for detail” and “brilliant legal mind” are said to be a “deadly combination” and “his cross-examinations are something to behold”.
WWL: Arbitration records: “Michael is a formidable arbitrator” “I cannot recommend him more highly for cases of true complexity” “He is client friendly and a joy to work with“.
While his practice is truly global, Michael is well known for his Middle East practice having acted throughout his career in cases concerning the Region. Chambers and Partners recognises him as one of the “Most in Demand Arbitrators in the UAE” and he is “singled out for his extensive knowledge of UAE law”. Clients described him as “an excellent arbitrator with superb knowledge of the law and exceptional case management skills”.
In addition Michael has substantial experience in the PRC, India and across Africa where he has been involved in some of the leading cases including Kensington v Congo, IPCO v NNPC, and ZCCM v Kansanchi.
Michael’s expertise encompasses:
Michael has practiced as an international arbitration lawyer throughout his career and for more than 20 years has regularly received nominations as sole arbitrator, party-appointed arbitrator and chairman under the City Disputes Panel, ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, LMAA, SCMA and DIAC Rules as well as under ad hoc procedures. He is recommended in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners in this area and said to be “top of many people’s list for international arbitration work” and one of the “Most in Demand Arbitrators in the UAE“.
He has appeared as counsel in several leading English and Privy Council cases concerning arbitration including B v A – whether failure to apply chosen law a “mere error” or procedural irregularity – status of dissenting opinions; Michael Wilson & Partners v Emmott – challenging tribunal’s award as to its substantive jurisdiction – decision on procedural matters; Cetelem SA v Roust Holdings Ltd – whether judge has jurisdiction to make interim mandatory order pending ICC arbitral proceedings – whether court usurping arbitral process; Henry Boot Construction (UK) Limited v Malmaison Hotel (Manchester) Limited – powers of Court of Appeal to review decision of Judge on appeal from arbitrator; Al-Naimi v Islamic Press – duties of judge when considering stay of court proceedings; IPCO v NNPC – enforcement of a New York Convention award subject to challenge at the seat; Anzen v Hermes One – optional arbitration clauses and stay of proceedings. ZCCM v Kansanchi – procedural order or award – section 68 Arbitration Act 1996.
He has an international reputation as an expert in dispute resolution procedures. He spent nearly 5 years as a member of the English Civil Procedure Rule Committee. In that time he was particularly involved in the draftsmanship of the English Court Rules relating to Arbitration Claims. As a result of this experience he was retained to draft the procedure rules for the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre and was involved in the draftsmanship of the DIFC Arbitration Law 2008.
Michael is a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR and the Task Force on Emergency Arbitrator Proceedings. He is also a member of the Court of the Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Centre.
In his capacity as Visiting Professor at Manchester University he lectures and supervises at Masters’ and Doctoral level in international dispute resolution. He has written widely on arbitration both in the UK and the USA. Most recently he has completed the chapter on arbitration in the leading English text on compromise and a chapter on ethics in international arbitration in a US textbook.
Recent and current cases include –
As arbitrator:
As counsel:
The Legal 500 decribes Michael as “a first-rate advocate who is thoroughly recommended”.
Michael has particular expertise in banking and funding disputes and arbitrations involving the Middle East and the Cayman Islands :
Michael’s work often involves civil fraud, asset tracing and recovery. He was instructed by Singaporean liquidators in one of the largest ever insolvencies, Amedeo Development Corporation Sdn Bhd v HRH Price Jefri Bolkiah concerning a $24 billion claim by the Brunei Investment Agency for misappropriation of state assets. He appeared in the British Virgin Islands in Kensington International v Montrow International to resist the liquidation of a project finance structure owning offshore oilfields on the grounds that it amounted to a conspiracy between international oil companies and banks to assist the Republic of Congo to place its assets outside the reach of its creditors.
Other recent examples of his work include:
Michael has practiced as an international commercial disputes lawyer for over 38 years. Over the span of that career he has dealt with most aspects of commercial law, but he has particular experience in the areas of banking, insurance and the funding of infra-structure projects. He is recommended by Chambers & Partners for his offshore practice, it being noted that, as well as his well-known Gulf practice, he is frequently seen in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, BVI and Channel Islands. He is recommended in the Legal 500 for Commercial Litigation and it is said “his great skill is distilling a huge number of complicated issues”.
Recent examples of his work include:
Company work forms an important part of Michael’s practice and one for which he is recommended in The Legal 500.
He has particular experience in disputes between shareholders and co-venturers in the financial services, energy, oil & gas, construction and property sectors.
Michael’s company practice is almost exclusively international and focussed on the Middle East, Far East and Caribbean.
He is recommended for Company and Partnership in The Legal 500 and said to be “diligent , very hardworking and a real team player”.
Some of his recent cases include:
Michael has decades of experience dealing with large construction projects as counsel and latterly as Adjudicator, Arbitrator and a Deputy Judge of the Technology and Construction Court in London. He is Visiting Professor of Construction Law at Manchester University and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
He has developed expertise in all aspects of infra-structure projects particularly involving government and publicly-owned entities under EPC/Turnkey, Design & Build, EPCM, BOOT and DBO forms of contract (both bespoke and FIDIC) amongst others. He is recognised as having the experience not only to master technically complex engineering issues, but also to deal with related funder, shareholder and joint venture disputes, off-shore project finance structures, insolvency and professional liabilities. He is regularly retained by Owners, Sponsors, Contractors and Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurers alike.
Michael has longstanding and extensive experience in India and the Middle East and Dubai in particular. Not only was he the principal draftsman of the Rules of the Court of the Dubai International Financial Centre and was involved in the draughtsmanship of the Arbitration Law, but he has also acted for many prominent individuals and corporations in relation to project disputes both within the region and in arbitration and court proceedings in England, Switzerland and off-shore jurisdictions.
He is ranked as a leader in the Construction field by both the current editions of The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. He is said to be: “very successful, very experienced and awfully popular with clients” as well as “extremely bright, very commercial and excellent to work with” and “stupendously hard-working”. He also appears in the International Who’s Who of Construction Lawyers.
He has appeared in a number of important English cases on Construction and Arbitration Law, including – Henry Boot Construction (UK) Limited v Malmaison Hotel (Manchester) Limited, the leading authority on the calculation of extensions of time and Al-Naimi v Islamic Press, concerning the application of arbitration clauses.
Current and recent cases include:
As counsel:
As arbitrator:
Michael has written extensively on Construction and Arbitration topics.
Michael has been associated with the Energy, Oil and Gas industry for over 25 years since he was instructed as junior counsel in connection with the Piper Alpha Disaster. He has been involved in many different aspects of the industry as counsel and latterly as arbitrator. Michael’s practice often involves advising or acting for and against state entities. Some of his most recent matters include:
Michael has particular experience in dealing with claims by and against hedge funds. He is recommended by Chambers & Partners for his offshore expertise, it being noted that he has handled a number of hedge fund related matters and is frequently seen in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, BVI and Channel Islands.
Recent cases include:
Michael was instructed by Singaporean liquidators in one of the largest ever insolvencies, Amedeo Development Corporation Sdn Bhd v HRH Price Jefri Bolkiah concerning a $24 billion claim by the Brunei Investment Agency for misappropriation of state assets. He appeared in the British Virgin Islands in Kensington International v Montrow International to resist the liquidation of a project finance structure owning offshore oilfields on the grounds that it amounted to a conspiracy between international oil companies and banks to assist the Republic of Congo to place its assets outside the reach of its creditors.
Other recent examples of his work include:
International arbitration: arbitrators
Legal 500
‘He is a highly experienced arbitrator with good judgement and is a very effective manager of hearings. He is also quick and responsive in his contribution to awards.’ (2025)
‘As an arbitrator, he is exceptionally fair, measured and thoughtful, whilst remaining utterly charming towards the parties. He is a consummate professional who is at the top of his game as an arbitrator, with decades of experience in complex commercial disputes all around the world.’ ‘Michael is very experienced and procedurally rigorous, but fair.’ (2024)
‘He is highly experienced, and has a sound understanding of construction cases. He runs hearings efficiently and politely, and his judgement is good.’ (2022)
‘His experience and abilities are such that he is the go-to arbitrator for any disputes in the Middle East region.’ (2021)
Chambers and Partners
‘Michael is relatively unique in having a strong command of UAE law, in addition to being a hard-working co-arbitrator.’ (2025)
‘Michael Black is an excellent arbitrator with superb knowledge of the law and exceptional case management skills.’ ‘He’s got a very strong knowledge of the Middle East.’ ‘He’s very clever and straight.’ (2023)
‘He has solid experience in the MENA region.’ ‘He is very organised and efficient. He is a very accomplished and experienced construction specialist.’ (2022)
‘He is good on tricky interpretations and has an easy way with his presentation. He is good at getting to the crux of things in a straightforward way, which makes him an impressive advocate.’ ‘He is a thorough expert in the Middle East and he is very well attuned to how businesses work and how information flows in those jurisdictions.’ ‘He’s very quick on legal issues and at reaching practical solutions to tricky issues. He doesn’t get too wound up in the detail.’ ‘He is very approachable and able to turn his hand to many types of cases.’ ‘He is extremely skilled, with a high level of acumen.’ (2021)
Who’s Who Legal
‘He is a star in the world of arbitration.’ ‘He is one of the most impressive silks at the Bar.’ ‘He is a very bright mind and meticulous in trial preparation.’ ‘Michael is an absolute gentleman and superb on his feet as an advocate.’ (2022)
International arbitration: counsel
Legal 500
Michael Black KC is ranked as a leading silk. (2025)
‘An excellent arbitral advocate with great experience both as a member of Tribunals and appearing for one of the parties.‘ (2023)
‘A top-rate silk with years of experience. A familiar barrister appearing as counsel in international commercial arbitrations with a UAE link.’ (2021)
Company
Legal 500
‘Clever and well prepared.’ (2023)
‘Clear and concise in his advice.’ (2021)
Commercial Litigation
Legal 500
Michael Black KC is ranked as a leading silk. (2023)
‘A pleasure to work with, highly engaged and a team player – he has deep expertise in corporate matters and his practice bridges effectively English law and the laws of Middle Eastern jurisdictions.’ (2021)
Global – Dispute Resolution
Chambers and Partners
‘He is one of those names that is synonymous with the region.’ ‘Michael Black QC is one of the most responsive barristers I have ever worked with.’ ‘He is a super-smart guy. He is a clever lawyer and someone with very deep experience.’ (2022)
Legal 500
Michael Black QC is ‘a senior figure in the Dubai legal market.’ ‘He is widely renowned as one of the leading arbitration specialists for the Middle East region, both as counsel and arbitrator.’ ‘His oratory skills are masterful.’ (2021)
International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance
Chambers and Partners
‘Michael Black QC is known at the International Arbitration Bar for his longstanding experience in different types of disputes including those relating to company law and energy. His expertise in Middle Eastern matters is well recognised within the market, as is his ability to represent national and international clients in arbitrations under the auspices of various arbitral bodies including the LCIA, ICC and DIFC.’ (2022)
‘He is good on tricky interpretations and has an easy way with his presentation. He is good at getting to the crux of things in a straightforward way, which makes him an impressive advocate.’ ‘He is a thorough expert in the Middle East and he is very well attuned to how businesses work and how information flows in those jurisdictions.’ (2021)
Middle East: The English Bar – Commercial
Legal 500
‘Michael Black QC has a well-established presence in the Middle East and showcases in-depth expertise across the oil and gas, shipping, leisure and retail, banking and insurance sectors.’ ‘Michael is a truly exceptional advocate who combines persuasive argument with superb tactical awareness. He is also a pleasure to work with and he makes every team member feel comfortable.’ (2022)
Banking and Finance
Legal 500
‘Quick to understand the issues involved and has an excellent ability in explaining his thoughts in the briefest way possible.’ (2021)
Construction
Legal 500
‘He is highly experienced, a good case manager, and has a good understanding of the UAE market.’ (2021)
