Sarah Pearson-Baird

Legal Director

About

Sarah advises clients on complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration. Sarah's practice includes insolvency and restructuring-related disputes in the DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE courts (in particular in relation to cross-border insolvencies).

Sarah also advises on fraud, compliance and investigation matters.

Areas of FocusLitigation, Arbitration and Investigations Restructuring Consumer Goods, Food and Retail Financial Services

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

Insolvency

Acting for the liquidators of one of the world's largest commodities traders in respect of a liquidation and asset recovery mandate with total debt in excess of USD1bn. Advising on the recovery of receivables, in particular enforcement of arbitral awards, realisation of assets and commencement of multi-jurisdictional proceedings.
Representing the Joint Administrators of NMC Health Plc (a former FTSE 100 healthcare company in administration that has been the subject of a multi-billion USD fraud) on actions within the UAE, including on what is thought to be the first recognition of foreign representatives and administration in the Abu Dhabi Global Market Court.
More broadly, representing insolvency practitioners in the recognition of insolvencies in both the ADGM and DIFC, as well as utilizing the rights associated with recognition.
Advising numerous companies on their insolvency procedures in the ADGM and DIFC, including by way of court appointment and director appointment.
Advising the board of directors of Aerofarms AGX Ltd in relation to their pre-insolvency obligations, and the administrators in respect of the subsequent administration.

Litigation & arbitration

Advising a healthcare company in respect of an Afghan law governed ICC arbitration involving strategic issues of jurisdiction and enforcement, including successful applications for the removal of parties outside the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Defending a pharmaceutical company and its shareholders in ICC proceedings relating to alleged breach of a non-compete agreement.
Working with clients to obtain third party funding in respect of litigation and arbitration, including successfully obtaining over USD6m funding for a portfolio of cases.
Advising a company on its strategy and presentation to third party funders in relation to its potential USD500m claim by way of DIAC arbitration proceedings and BIT investment treaty claim.
Pursuing enforcement of arbitral awards in jurisdictions across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Advising companies and financial institutions on the acquisition/sale of non-performing loan portfolios.

Investigations

Advising a charity (pro bono) in its investigation by the FBI following receipt of a donation from a sanctioned individual, including liaising with the US Department of Justice.
Advising a global biopharmaceutical company in an internal investigation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning widespread allegations of bribery, overstocking and breach of corporate policies.

Languages

Publications

Memberships And Affiliations

Sarah is on the international leadership team and is the regional co-lead (Middle East) for LAW, DLA Piper's Gender Balance Network
Committee member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' UAE Branch (YMG)
Law Society of England and Wales