Christopher O'Brien

Full Profile

His contentious practice includes acting for employers and contractors in a number of dispute resolution fora, including arbitration, mediation and proceedings in the local courts.

On the non-contentious side, Chris has experience in negotiating and drafting contracts for employers, contractors, consultants and subcontractors in relation to both residential and commercial property. 

Experience

• Representing a Qatari/International Joint venture contractor in an ICC arbitration surrounding a final account agreement and various variation claims brought by a subcontractor for the development of a mixed commercial and residential city development;
• Acting as project counsel for one member of a joint venture in the construction of a major energy plant in Qatar, including dispute resolution strategies in respect of matters between the two members of the joint venture;
• Representing a major Middle Eastern contractor in a QICCA arbitration brought by a subcontractor surrounding the construction of a major addition to Doha's skyline;
• Representing a major Qatari contractor in an ICC arbitration surrounding a final account agreement signed by a subcontractor for the development of a mixed commercial and residential city development;
• Advising an international contractor on its dispute resolution strategy with local employers on a major infrastructure project;
• Representing a contractor in arbitration in relation to claims against its employer regarding the preparation of final accounts;
• Advising a contractor in relation to the recovery of costs from the employer throughout the construction of a renewable energy project in Qatar;
• Assisting an international energy company in a major ad-hoc arbitration surrounding the access and exploitation of oil fields in Iraqi-Kurdistan;
• Defending an employer in a local court over the failed appointment of a contractor; and
• Leading without prejudice discussions with the firm acting for the insurers of a professionally negligent architect and advising clients on the various dispute resolution strategies available.