What's Happening?
Soraya Corm-Bakhos, a French-qualified lawyer based in Dubai, has established her independent practice as an arbitrator after more than 20 years in private legal practice. Prior to this transition, she served as Counsel at Watson Farley & Williams (Middle
East) LLP and was part of the Dispute Resolution teams at Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla and DWF (Middle East) LLP. Her career began in Paris with J.P. Karsenty & Associés, where she focused on civil, commercial, and corporate matters, representing clients in French courts. Since relocating to the UAE in 2008, Corm-Bakhos has been involved in international arbitrations across Europe and the Middle East, operating under the rules of major arbitral institutions. Her extensive experience covers a wide array of sectors, including construction, real estate, energy, transport, infrastructure, hospitality, food and beverage, franchising, distribution, defense and security, shareholders' disputes, joint ventures, and general commercial matters. She is now fully dedicated to her role as an arbitrator.
Why It's Important?
This transition signifies a notable shift in the legal landscape for international arbitration, particularly within the Middle East and Europe. Soraya Corm-Bakhos's move to an independent arbitration practice enhances the pool of experienced and recognized arbitrators available for complex commercial disputes. Her background with prominent law firms like Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla and her extensive sector-specific knowledge mean that parties seeking alternative dispute resolution will have access to a highly qualified professional. This development is important for businesses engaged in international trade and investment, as it provides another avenue for resolving disputes outside traditional court systems, potentially offering more efficient and specialized outcomes. The availability of independent arbitrators with such a broad range of experience can contribute to greater confidence in the arbitration process, fostering a more stable environment for international business transactions and investments in the regions she serves.
What's Next?
Soraya Corm-Bakhos is now available for appointments as a sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, presiding arbitrator, and emergency arbitrator, including in expedited proceedings. She is listed with major arbitral institutions and has previously served in various capacities under the auspices of organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), among others. Her continued involvement with the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR and the LCIA Arab Users' Council suggests she will remain an active voice in shaping arbitration practices. She is also expected to continue speaking at international arbitration conferences and authoring publications on arbitration and dispute resolution, further contributing to the field. Her independent practice will likely focus on disputes arising from sale and purchase agreements, joint-venture agreements, shareholders' agreements, franchise arrangements, distribution agreements, and other commercial contracts.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of an independent arbitration practice by a highly experienced legal professional like Soraya Corm-Bakhos reflects a broader trend in the legal industry towards specialization and alternative career paths for senior lawyers. This move highlights the growing demand for independent, impartial, and expert dispute resolution services in an increasingly globalized economy. It also underscores the evolving nature of legal careers, where seasoned practitioners can leverage their extensive experience to offer specialized services outside the traditional law firm structure. This trend can lead to greater flexibility and autonomy for legal experts, while also providing businesses with more tailored and potentially cost-effective dispute resolution options. The recognition she has received from The Legal 500, including her inclusion in the Arbitration Powerlist: Middle East 2023, further solidifies her standing and the potential impact of her independent practice on the international arbitration community.
