Leonie is a dual qualified lawyer specialising in international arbitration, with a particular focus on contentious construction, energy, and infrastructure projects. Based in the Middle East for over 10 years, Leonie has acted for and advised both local and international companies on a range of complex construction and infrastructure disputes and has extensive experience in advancing and defending claims under the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC and UNCITRAL rules, as well as in the enforcement of arbitral awards in the local courts.
In addition to her experience in construction disputes, Leonie has broad experience in non-contentious construction, infrastructure, and energy-related matters. In addition to her years spent in private practice, Leonie has also spent time as in-house counsel for a leading developer of water and power projects, and most recently as a seconded interim general counsel for a multinational conglomerate.
Leonie has been described in Legal 500 EMEA as showcasing a “solid mastery of construction and commercial law” (Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation, 2022) and as “excellent, with a strong work ethic, excellent with clients, good on detail and not afraid to be firm with experts and opponents when the occasion calls for it. An excellent lawyer and a star for the future: one to watch” (Construction, 2021).
Specialist expertise
Examples of Leonie's expertise include:
- representing a Middle East-based contractor on complex construction arbitration involving issues of delay, quantum and structural deficiencies;
- acting for a regional contractor on an ICC arbitration involving issues relating to civil engineering claims on a transport project;
- advising a power developer in respect of the on-going construction of a wind farm;
- advising an international engineering and construction company in respect of an ICC arbitration relating to certain claims arising out of the construction of a transport project;
- representing a global architect in respect a construction dispute arising under the DIAC rules;
- advising a large Middle East based MEP subcontractor in an ADCCAC arbitration involving various cost-related claims;
- acting for a multinational company on an ICC arbitration in respect of a transport hub in the Middle East;
- acting for a regional contractor on an ICC arbitration involving issues relating to civil engineering claims on a transport project;
- advising a Middle East-based management agency in respect of a waste-to- energy project;
- representing a contractor in relation to a dispute arising out of sums owed under a construction subcontract for a large-scale transport project in the UAE.
Leonie’s memberships include:
- member of the New York State Bar;
- member of the Society of Construction Law.
