Matthew Harley is a senior associate based in Reed Smith’s Dubai office. He principally represents individuals, corporates, states and state entities in international arbitrations in sectors including energy, hospitality, projects and construction, as well as financial services and post-M&A disputes. He has represented clients in arbitrations conducted under the rules of (among others) the ICC, LCIA and DIAC, as well as ad hoc arbitrations.
He focuses on disputes in the Middle East and Africa. He also sits as an arbitrator.
Matthew was formerly Senior Counsel and Acting Registrar at the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre in Dubai, which was at the time the leading arbitration institute in the Middle East. As a result, he has a unique insight into, and deep knowledge of, the practice of international arbitration, which he uses to his clients’ advantage.
He previously worked with market-leading dispute resolution teams in Dubai and London, and spent time on secondment with a Big Four accounting firm in London and a leading legal consultancy in Nairobi. Matthew was recently shortlisted for the Rising Star Award – Private Practice, at the Middle East Legal Awards 2024.