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Danielle O'Brien

Associate, Dubai

Danielle is an Associate in the Infrastructure, Construction, and Energy team, where she brings her expertise in construction disputes to assist a diverse range of local and international clients. With a focus on FIDIC model form contracts, Danielle has successfully navigated complex legal matters within the construction industry.
Danielle O’Brien

Experience

Drawing from her extensive experience, Danielle is well-versed in representing clients across various arbitral centres, including DIAC, ADCCAC, DIFC, LCIA, ICC, CRCICA, ICSID Centres, and ad-hoc arbitration. Her in-depth knowledge of construction disputes and arbitration processes ensures that clients receive comprehensive and strategic legal advice tailored to their specific needs.

Throughout her career, Danielle has immersed herself in the UAE legal landscape, gaining valuable experience in onshore litigation within the UAE courts, particularly the Dubai Courts.  With a commitment to delivering exceptional results and a passion for the intricacies of construction law, Danielle helps clients navigate challenges and achieve their objectives in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Recent Cases

  • Acting on behalf of a leading construction company in the MENA region in a dispute against an employer to recover payments following the suspension of a large development project (exceeding AED 2.1 billion) in Abu Dhabi. The claim quantum is in excess of AED 400 million. 
  • Successfully obtained a substantial arbitral award against a Dubai based semi-government entity in excess of AED 200 million. This arbitration award is significant as the case was on behalf of a leading sub-developer in a number of ‘test’ cases in relation to a multi-million Dollar dispute relating to off plan developments. 
  • Acting on behalf of a construction company in disputes against by subcontractors claiming, inter alia, sums due for work done (but subject to back-to-back provisions), an extension of time and prolongation costs. The cumulative claim quantum is circa AED 300 million. 
  • Acting for a leading structural steel fabrication company in the UAE, in a dispute with a main contractor in relation to the development and construction of a large retail park. 
  • Acting on behalf of a construction company in an ICC arbitration to a multi-million dollar metro project in the GCC. Work included advising on strategy, interviewing witnesses and drafting witness statements and assisting drafting and reviewing all pleadings. 
  • Representing leading UAE developer relating to a AED250m dispute concerning an infrastructure project in the UAE. 
  • Representing a large construction company in DIAC arbitration proceedings commenced against an employer concerning the construction of a five-star hotel and resort.