Bio

Cheryl Cairns is a partner in Trowers & Hamlins' Dubai office, having joined the firm in 2007, and leads the firm's International Construction practice across the MENA region. Cheryl specialises in both contentious and non-contentious construction law. Cheryl has over 15 years' experience in the construction sector, and has been based in the Middle East since 2007 regularly advising employers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in respect of claims arising throughout the life cycle of major construction and infrastructure projects, which include rail, aviation and oil and gas sectors. Cheryl is highly experienced in the drafting of pleadings, attendance at preliminary and procedural hearings, meeting with and obtaining proofs of evidence from witnesses of fact and liaising with engineering, delay and quantum experts. As well as contentious matters, Cheryl provides contract advisory services to clients on procurement issues, amendments to redress the balance of risk in standard form (in particular FIDIC) and bespoke building contracts, consultancy agreements and forms of ancillary security relating to significant international infrastructure and development projects. Cheryl also holds a Masters Degree in Construction Law, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and speaks regularly at industry events.