Middle East/Africa

Benesch’s Construction Law Practice has received a Tier 1 Ranking by Chambers and boasts several professionals who are individually recognized as pre-eminent by Best Lawyers in America in Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Arbitration, among other related areas of specialty. 

Benesch’s Global Infrastructure Team has worked consistently throughout the world for more than two decades and has advised clients on a number of projects, claims, disputes throughout the Middle East and North Africa.  Benesch represents U.S. contractors building in the region, foreign contractors domiciled outside North America on their projects throughout the Middle East, and Middle East companies on projects in the region.

These endeavors include O&G, general infrastructure, alternative energy, water and wastewater, military bases, embassies, towers, among others.  Benesch’s professionals have acted for clients on such matters with assistance of consultants that are local to the projects and dispute venues and have brought to bear for clients degreed construction industry professionals including architects, engineers including Ph.D.’s, who work from Benesch’s various offices.

Benesch’s Construction Team members, led by Thomas Crist, spends considerable time in the field on private and military projects, heavy and natural resource projects, complex mechanical and modular construction, advising clients on entity formation, interim project advice, and prosecution and defense of disputes.  These matters are often venued in the UAE and are heard in arbitration pursuant to various rules and in several forums, including the DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL, among others.

Tom Crist is a UAE legal consultant and leads Benesch’s Middle East/North Africa (“MENA”) Practice.  Benesch serves its Middle East clients through its Fujairah branch and offices there and in Dubai.

Mr. Crist is a construction claims specialist and trial lawyer who has worked in the construction industry since he was a teenager.  He dedicates a substantial portion of his practice to advising clients in the Middle East, having formed deep relationships in the region, and regularly works from Benesch’s UAE offices.