Gateley plc is expanding its offering in Dubai with the appointment of high-profile dispute resolution partner Mark Hoyle.

Mark joins the firm on 1 November from King & Wood Mallesons’ Dubai office where he was a partner specialising in commercial dispute resolution, particularly through international arbitration. Mark advises on a wide range of matters including construction, infrastructure projects, real estate, joint ventures and international trade, with a particular emphasis on cross border disputes.

He has over 25 years’ experience in advocacy, arbitration and mediation, and is a specialist in Arab and Islamic Law. As an advocate Mark has appeared at all levels of the English Courts, in the DIFC Court, the Dubai World Tribunal, and the Qatar Financial Court. He has frequently been appointed as an arbitrator and mediator, regularly in disputes concerning Arab and Islamic jurisdictions, where he is often called upon to chair proceedings.

Over the years, Mark’s clients have included international trading houses, multi-national corporates, financial institutions, family offices, shipping businesses, contractors and developers. He has been a trusted advisor to a number of family owned and international businesses who have interests all across the MENA. The broad nature of his practice and his profile makes him an exciting hire for Gateley given the synergies with the existing team in Dubai.

While Mark has considerable experience in major construction disputes in the UAE, especially in Dubai, he is also cited in the directories for his work for major property developers, shipping and trade arbitrations throughout the region.

He has been praised for being “an excellent disputes lawyer with a deep knowledge and experience of the MENA region” by Chambers and Partners UAE. He is well published having written books, articles and given talks on international arbitration, Arab and Islamic law topics.

In his new role with Gateley Plc, Mark will be tasked with furthering the firm’s offering in Dubai and the wider region and he will work closely with Amrik Sangha, who leads the Dubai office.

Mark Hoyle commented: “I am delighted to join Gateley. The firm’s vision matches my own. With innovative thought, forward planning and team work we aim to provide the best for our clients. I am looking forward to working with Amrik Sangha, the team in Dubai and my colleagues around the Gateley network.”

Amrik Sangha, corporate partner and head of Gateley Plc’s Dubai office said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark into our Dubai office. His joining the team allows us to provide high quality contentious advice to our international clients in the region. We have been focusing on our core areas of corporate, dispute resolution and real estate development in Africa and the GCC for some time and Mark’s experience will enhance our current offering to our clients and add a wealth of knowledge to our existing team.”

Gateley Plc recently made history when it became the first UK commercial law firm to float on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in June.