Celia Johnson-Morgan

Commercial Arbitration

• Advising an energy company in the GCC on three related indexation disputes arising from the operation and maintenance of power and water projects. Representing the company in a series of arbitrations seated in Bahrain and Independent Expert processes.
• Represented one of the world's largest hotel and leisure groups in an LCIA arbitration which related to long term franchise agreements in Germany. The substance of the dispute focused on the interpretation and termination of the franchise agreements.
• Representing an engineering consultancy firm in ADCCAC arbitral proceedings concerning a dispute arising out of an agency agreement, in relation to the overpayment of commission.
• Represented a leading multinational fast-moving consumer goods company in LCIA arbitral proceedings relating to a high-value dispute with shareholders in respect of the payment of dividends.

Commercial Litigation

• Acted and advised in relation to a worldwide freezing order granted by the DIFC court and in defence of a related committal application concerning allegations of contempt of court.
• Acted for a high net worth individual in an appeal of a fraud judgment which involved complex questions of procedural and substantive aspects of DIFC and English law.
• Acted for the liquidators of a cryptocurrency hedge fund with a debt burden in excess of USD 3 billion. Advising on DIFC-related aspects of recovery including recognition of foreign insolvency proceedings, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and the availability of interim remedies including freezing orders.
• Advised a global commercial real estate provider on producing anti-money laundering compliance programmes for its operations in the DIFC and ADGM.
• Successfully applied for a winding up petition of a company in contest proceedings in the ADGM Courts.
• Advised a UAE-based and Cayman incorporated general partner of a Fund in respect of potential DIFC proceedings, providing advice on substantive and procedural DIFC law.

Regulatory CCI

• Conducted an internal investigation and further due diligence for a Middle Eastern Bank concerning possible breaches of U.S. sanctions regime in Iran.
• Advised a global commercial real estate provider on producing anti-money laundering compliance programmes for its operations in the DIFC and ADGM.
• Advising a producer of medical devices in its investigation of distributor misconduct in Egypt and advising on the termination of its distribution agreement.
• Advising a non-profit organisation in relation to an investigation concerning allegations of breaches of the U.S. sanctions regime in Russia and related negotiations with the FBI.
• Advising a leading producer of live entertainment and events in relation to an investigation relating to whistleblowing allegations of bribery and fraud in KSA, the UAE and UK.
• Representing a group of private equity funds in relation to investigations from U.S. government authorities including DoJ and OFAC.
• Advising a global leader in integrated energy services in its investigation into the alleged payment of an unauthorised fee for employment visas in Qatar.