Andrew Lyons

Andrew is Head of the Firm’s Dispute Resolution practice which encompasses both domestic and international Arbitration and Commercial Litigation - dealing with complex cross border, multi-jurisdictional and high value disputes. He conducts arbitrations under the DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, ICC and LCIA Rules; his rights of audience in the DIFC Courts see him acting for both Claimants and Defendants in a range of matters within this common law system; and he spearheads local litigation within the Dubai Courts. Among the case load which Andrew overseas includes general commercial debt recovery actions and foreign enforcement applications, asset tracing and general contractual and employment related disputes. Andrew’s recent work has seen him lead the defence of an action in the DIFC Court involving a multi-billion-dollar fraud-based claim raised by the Danish Tax Authority. This included the opposition of a Search and Seizure Order; and Asset Freezing Orders in a complex, cross border dispute involving a technologically assisted review (with the use of bespoke artificial intelligence) designed specifically to cater for the unprecedented volume of documents involved in the case. Many of the Firm’s cases involve claims of fraud and Davidson & Co is a member of the International Fraud Group (The IFG) which is aptly described by one of its founders as being “a handpicked group of specialist fraud lawyers across many jurisdictions which focuses on securing injunctions, asset recovery and trust busting remedies in key offshore jurisdictions.” Andrew’s active participation in the firms Legalink membership ensures an ability to deliver “top quality multi-jurisdictional legal services” to his clients through an “international legal Network of over 60 independent business oriented law firms with members from the majority of the world’s main commercial centres.” He is acknowledged by Legal 500 as having a “Commercially minded and client focused approach to dispute resolution.”

Andrew acts for Claimants and Respondents/Defendants in multi million dollar proceedings, litigating primarily before the: - Dubai World Tribunal (DWT); - Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC); and - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Court. Andrew also advises clients on employment contracts, settlement agreements and a variety of other transactional matters. Clients range from multi national companies to wealthy investors and start up companies. Furthermore, Andrew takes a lead role in the firm's Private Client Department coordinating effective estate planning for HNWIs with a focus on advising clients on Inheritance laws in Dubai, the effect of intestacy & the application of Sharia Law and providing clients with enforceable wills to protect their legacies. Andrew has worked closely with the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry during the consultation process in the build up to the enforcement of the new Rules which are hoped to be finalised in or around March 2015.

Andrew has gained vast litigation and advocacy experience at District and Sheriff Court level through to instructing and assisting Counsel at High Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and Court of Session level. - Scottish Ministers v Stirton [2012] CSOH 15, representing the first named respondent in this long standing Petition for a Recovery Order under Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. - HMA v Thomas Irvine: Section 1 Road Traffic Act on indictment at the High court of Glasgow - Preparation and drafting applications to the SCCRC. - Residential & Commercial Conveyancing. - Child Welfare Hearings, Social Work Referrals & Proofs. Andrew has also worked in the Private Client department managing his own case load which included wills drafting, probate and estate administration.