Michelle is a partner in the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources practice. She is a specialist arbitration lawyer with over 25 years of experience. Her practice focuses on the Middle East, advising on major oil & gas and construction and infrastructure disputes.
She represents clients in arbitration proceedings under the major international and regional arbitration rules including the ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, DIAC and ADCCAC seated in Paris, London, Geneva, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman.
Michelle acts for a variety of employers, contractors, consultants and subcontractors and has advised on a wide range of projects including airports, process and power plants, roads, commercial and residential premises.
Michelle is a qualified Solicitor Advocate and undertakes her own advocacy in her arbitration practice. She also has rights of audience before the DIFC Courts.
She also sits as an Arbitrator in relation to regional disputes and has been appointed as arbitrator by both regional and international institutions including the ICC, LCIA and DIAC in respect of commercial and construction related disputes seated in the UAE and Oman.
Michelle regularly speaks and writes on construction and international arbitration issues. She is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Global for UAE Construction Disputes and is listed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Construction in the UAE in recognition of constant praise by clients for continued excellence. She has also been named a Global Elite Thought Leader by Who’s Who Legal. Michelle was shortlisted for Construction Lawyer of the Year and UAE Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Middle East and North Africa Awards 2024.
Clients have commented in Chambers Global, UAE 2024 “Michelle Nelson stands out as an exceptional lawyer with a unique blend of extensive legal knowledge and astute business sense. Her capacity to navigate intricate legal issues with clarity and her knack for explaining complex legal concepts plainly make her a standout in her field.”
“She has an incredible level of knowledge of the issues across various technical fields. She also understands the importance of timely communication and a team-based approach.” “Her ingenuity and savviness, combined with her affable and respectful personality, have made her a long-time ally for her clients.”
In Legal 500 EMEA, UAE (2022), clients noted that Michelle “tackles a complex and convoluted construction dispute like a chess game she is going to win. She thinks several steps ahead and connects various factors for the true and genuine benefit for her client (her client was in most cases not even aware of). It is certain that the disputes Michelle is handling will not drag endlessly. It is certain that the legal team working under her direction will not be taken by surprise, having thoroughly considered various possible options and prepared for these.”
