Pinsent Masons hires key construction disputes expert in the Middle East

Rena is an arbitration specialist in construction disputes internationally and comes with a focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rena will join the team in Riyadh where she will head up the construction advisory and disputes practice.

Specialising in international arbitration and dispute resolution, Rena has a particular focus on complex and high-value disputes involving major construction, energy and infrastructure projects including consortia and joint ventures.

Rena acts as counsel in arbitrations conducted under all the main institutional arbitration rules around the world. She has represented multi-national companies on issues including disputes under various construction contracts, partnership disputes, real estate litigation, accountant liability disputes, and internal corporate investigations.

Jim Cormack KC, head of the firm’s Risk Advisory Services Group said, “Rena’s hire is another example of our continued investment in our top ranked construction advisory and disputes practice. We are delighted to have a partner of Rena's global profile and deep experience join us in the Middle East. Rena, along with London based James Cameron and Edward Shaw, is one of a trio of lateral hire partners who have joined the practice in recent months. Along with a raft of internal promotions into the practice earlier this year, we continue to develop the depth and reach of our expertise in this core practice for our firm."

Rena joins from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe where she was an international arbitration and dispute resolution partner and co-head of the Geneva office.

Rena said of her appointment, “The Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, is actively looking to drive international investment to the region and diversify their economies by delivering major new infrastructure projects. Alongside this, a widespread programme of modernising arbitration institutions, arbitration rules, and local legislation in the Middle East will encourage and incentivise an increasing number of businesses to invest in, and resolve disputes, in the region. I’m looking forward to joining the team and supporting domestic and international clients across the Middle East.”