MICHAEL BLACK KC

Michael has been appointed as arbitrator around the world and previously appeared as Counsel in the Caribbean Supreme Court, Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Bermuda and Singapore International Commercial Court. He is now a full time international arbitrator and continues to sit as a Judge in the DIFC Court of Appeal and Judge in charge of the Digital Economy Court (DEC). 

Throughout a career spanning more than 45 years, Michael’s practice has involved disputes relating to joint ventures, construction, energy, oil and gas, banking and financial services disputes, AI and technology, civil fraud and asset recovery, hedge funds and structured investment vehicles, company, partnership and insolvency. 

For the last 20 years Michael has also maintained an arbitrator practice, accepting appointments as sole, party-appointed and chair in ad-hoc proceedings in England & Wales, Africa, India, Middle East, Russia, Singapore and China as well as under the City Disputes Panel, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, UNCITRAL, LMAA, SCMA and DIAC Rules. Michael has sat in over 150 arbitrations and throughout his career, Michael has been highly regarded both as Counsel and Arbitrator for his contribution to the arbitral community. He is referred to as one of the “Most in Demand Arbitrators in the UAE“ and “… exceptionally fair, measured and thoughtful, whilst remaining utterly charming towards the parties. He is a consummate professional who is at the top of his game as an arbitrator, with decades of experience in complex commercial disputes all around the world” (Legal 500).

Michael has practiced in international arbitration appearing as Counsel in several leading English and Privy Council cases which include: B v A – whether failure to apply chosen law a “mere error” or procedural irregularity – status of dissenting opinions; Michael Wilson & Partners v Emmott – challenging tribunal’s award as to its substantive jurisdiction – decision on procedural matters; Cetelem SA v Roust Holdings Ltd – whether judge has jurisdiction to make interim mandatory order pending ICC arbitral proceedings – whether court usurping arbitral process; Henry Boot Construction (UK) Limited v Malmaison Hotel (Manchester) Limited – powers of Court of Appeal to review decision of Judge on appeal from arbitrator; Al-Naimi v Islamic Press – duties of judge when considering stay of court proceedings; IPCO v NNPC – enforcement of a New York Convention award subject to challenge at the seat; Anzen v Hermes One – optional arbitration clauses and stay of proceedings. ZCCM v Kansanchi– procedural order or award – section 68 Arbitration Act 1996. He was known to be “top of many people’s list for international arbitration work”.

He also writes widely on arbitration both in the UK and the USA. Most recently completing the chapter on arbitration in the leading English text on compromise and a chapter on ethics in international arbitration in the US textbook “International Construction Arbitration Handbook”. Publications have included a Chapter on international arbitration in “Discovery Deskbook for Construction Disputes” (American Bar Association | 2006), Chapter on ethics in international arbitration in “International Construction Law” (American Bar Association | 2009), Chapters on Arbitration and Construction in Sweet & Maxwell’s “The Law & Practice of Compromise” (7th edition, 2010), Chapter on arbitration in the Legal Year in Overview section of The UK Supreme Court Yearbook (Volume 8, 2016-2017 Legal Year).