London’s 39 Essex Chambers Adds Addleshaw Goddard Construction Co-Head to Open in Dubai

Why It Matters

The Dubai office gives 39 Essex direct access to high‑value Middle East disputes, enhancing its competitive edge and client service in a rapidly expanding arbitration market.

Key Takeaways

• Stephen Burke joins as Dubai co‑head of construction
• 39 Essex expands Gulf footprint, adding to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
• New office will serve DIFC, ADGM and QFC courts
• Construction disputes expected to rise amid regional hostilities
• Competition includes Outer Temple Chambers’ Dubai annex

Pulse Analysis

The establishment of a Dubai annex marks a strategic milestone for 39 Essex Chambers, a leading UK barristers’ set known for its construction and arbitration expertise. By planting a permanent foothold in the United Arab Emirates, the chambers taps into the region’s burgeoning demand for sophisticated dispute resolution services, especially as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East fuels a surge in high‑value construction and infrastructure claims. Dubai’s status as a neutral arbitration venue—bolstered by the DIFC, ADGM and QFC courts—offers clients a reliable forum, and 39 Essex’s presence signals confidence in the market’s resilience.

Leadership of the new office falls to Stephen Burke, a seasoned construction lawyer who spent six years as co‑head at Addleshaw Goddard and previously held partnership roles at Baker Botts. He is supported by Madelaine Power, an international arbitration specialist with deep Gulf experience, and Nicholas Higgs, a civil‑engineer‑turned‑barrister who has handled major infrastructure disputes across the region. Their combined solicitor‑barrister backgrounds bridge the gap between advisory and advocacy, allowing the Dubai team to deliver end‑to‑end counsel that aligns with the London practice while catering to local procedural nuances.

For the broader legal market, 39 Essex’s expansion intensifies competition among UK chambers vying for Middle East work, notably challenging Outer Temple Chambers’ own Dubai outpost. Clients benefit from a seamless cross‑border service model, gaining access to the set’s London reputation and its on‑the‑ground expertise in the Gulf. As regional disputes continue to rise, the Dubai annex positions 39 Essex to capture a larger share of arbitration fees, attract talent seeking international exposure, and reinforce the UAE’s role as a premier hub for complex, high‑value litigation.