Partner, International Construction – Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Karie has over 15 years’ experience in the construction sector and specialises in contentious construction matters, international arbitration and Middle East law. 

Karie has been practicing in the UAE since 2008 and has established herself as a trusted adviser to a range of private and government clients in the MENA region and internationally in arbitration (DIAC, ADCCAC, ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL), litigation (DIFC Courts), adjudication and mediation. Prior to moving to the UAE, Karie was a lawyer at a construction boutique firm in Ottawa, Canada. 

Karie regularly leads clients through disputes, as well as providing support to any contractual advisory and operational issues faced by clients, giving clients trusted advice from the cradle to grave. 

In recent years, Karie’s work has focused on resolving clients’ disputes in major engineering and infrastructure construction projects with complex issues. As project counsel, Karie works closely with clients to avoid or achieve early resolution of disputes through structured negotiation, mediation, risk management and contract compliance measures. 

Karie also has significant experience advising clients in matters before the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts and has worked closely with local counsel advising clients in disputes before the Abu Dhabi Courts, including the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation. Karie has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of the UAE legal system and has been recognized in the dispute resolution section of The Legal 500 for the United Arab Emirates.  

The Legal 500 has quoted Karie being “intelligent, hardworking, and knowledgeable of the construction dispute process” and “commercially minded and laser-focused on the issues that matter. She is dedicated to her clients’ cause and really goes the extra mile to get the outcome they want”.

Karie speaks English, French and Arabic.