
Counsel
Head of the Arbitration Department
About Dr. Karen
Dr Karen Seif is a distinguished Consultant specialising in Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration at Habib Al Mulla and Partners. Her expertise spans the construction, corporate, energy and public defense sectors, where she navigates complex disputes under the auspices of leading international and regional arbitration centers including DIAC, ADCCAC, LCIA, AAA-ICDR and ICC.
With a robust academic background and extensive practical experience, Dr Seif holds esteemed faculty positions at the Sorbonne University (Abu Dhabi), and previously at New York University (Abu Dhabi). She has also served as a judicial fellow in the United States Federal Courts (Northern District of California). Dr. Seif is a published authority on UAE arbitration law, recognized for her profound insights and adept handling of intricate arbitration proceedings.
Education
License and Master’s (with Honors), Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne (2012).
LL.M., International Dispute Resolution and Economic Law (with Merit) (2015).
LL.M., University of California at Berkeley (2015).
Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD), University of California at Berkeley (2022).
Admissions
Languages
English, French, Arabic
Top Matters
- Representing a company in an AAA-ICDR arbitration relating to ownership of rare diamonds and stones with claims over of USD 10 million.
- Acting for an international healthcare machinery company in an ICC arbitration relating to title of equipment and claims of AED 20 million.
- Acting for a software company in multi-jurisdictional disputes relating to shareholder rights and IP ownership.
- Assisted with the preparation of expert evidence on UAE law relating to liquidated damages of over AED 1.5 billion in an LCA arbitration.
- Representing a Contractor in multiple DIAC arbitrations against the Employer.
Publications
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