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sarah_pearson-baird

Sarah Pearson-Baird

Senior Associate
Dubai
About

Sarah advises clients on complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration. Sarah's practice includes insolvency and restructuring-related disputes in the DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE courts (in particular in relation to cross-border insolvencies).

Sarah also advises on fraud, compliance and investigation matters.

Areas of FocusLitigation, Arbitration and InvestigationsRestructuringConsumer Goods, Food and RetailFinancial Services
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Acting for the liquidators of one of the world's largest commodities traders in respect of a liquidation and asset recovery mandate with total debt in excess of USD1bn. Advising on the recovery of receivables, in particular enforcement of arbitral awards, realisation of assets and commencement of multi-jurisdictional proceedings.
  • Representing the Joint Administrators of NMC Health Plc (a former FTSE 100 healthcare company in administration that has been the subject of a multi-billion USD fraud) on actions within the UAE, including on what is thought to be the first recognition of foreign representatives and administration in the Abu Dhabi Global Market Court.
  • Pursuing enforcement of arbitral awards in jurisdictions across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
  • Working with clients to obtain third party funding in respect of litigation and arbitration, including successfully obtaining over USD6m funding for a portfolio of cases.
  • Advising the board of directors of Aerofarms AGX Ltd in relation to their pre-insolvency obligations, and the administrators in respect of the subsequent administration.
  • Defending a pharmaceutical company and its shareholders in ICC proceedings relating to alleged breach of a non-compete agreement.
  • Advising a charity (pro bono) in its investigation by the FBI following receipt of a donation from a sanctioned individual.
  • Advising a global biopharmaceutical company in an internal investigation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning widespread allegations of bribery, overstocking and breach of corporate policies.
  • Advising a healthcare company in respect of an Afghan law governed ICC arbitration involving strategic issues of jurisdiction and enforcement.
Languages
  • English
Education
  • University of Durham, Bachelor of Laws (LLB), First Class Honours
  • BPP University, Legal Practice Course, Distinction

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Sarah is on the international leadership team and is the regional co-lead (Middle East) for LAW, DLA Piper's Gender Balance Network
  • Committee member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' UAE Branch (YMG)
  • Law Society of England and Wales

My latest insights

Publication

Best practices for conducting an internal whistleblower investigation in the UAE

2 July 2024 .5 minute read

Publication

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Whistleblowing in KSA

28 March 2024 .4 minute read

Publication

KBBO shareholders obtain recognition in England for Abu Dhabi bankruptcy

21 March 2024 .5 minute read

Connect

Phone

+971 4 438 6273
(Work, Dubai)
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