Michael Turrini
Biography
Overview
Michael advises clients on all aspects of construction and engineering projects, from procurement and the drafting and negotiation of contracts through to dispute resolution. He has particular knowledge and experience of projects in the Middle East.
Michael has a substantial track record of advising on bespoke and standard-form construction contracts, including EPC, EPCM, design/build and traditional lump sum, and construct-only contracts.
In dispute resolution, Michael advises on international arbitrations under all forums and rules, litigation, dispute board proceedings and alternative dispute resolution. Michael was included in the Private Practice Powerlist for Middle East Arbitration by The Legal 500, 2022.
Michael's experience includes advising in relation to projects concerning power, oil and gas, water, large scale infrastructure, transport, waste disposal, cooling plants, commercial developments and large-scale hotel developments.
Experience
Cooling facility in the Middle East
Representing an owner in the Middle East in relation to the defective and delayed construction of a cooling facility. The approximate value of the dispute was US$200 million.
Petrochemical plant in the Middle East
Representing a Middle Eastern owner in a US$600 million dispute with multiple contractors, relating to the defective and delayed construction of a petrochemical plant.
Museum project in the Middle East
Representing an owner in relation to a dispute with a contractor concerning the construction of a museum in the Middle East. The value of the dispute was in excess of US$300 million.
Residential development in the Middle East – FIDIC Orange Book
Representing a contractor in relation to various disputes concerning the construction of a large scale residential facility in the Middle East. The value of the dispute was US$300 million (FIDIC Orange Book).
Mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia – FIDIC Red Book
Representing an owner in an ICC arbitration against a contractor, under Saudi Arabian law, relating to the construction of an international hotel and mixed-use development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (FIDIC Red Book).
Oil refinery and offshore pipeline in Mexico
Representing a leading Korean international contractor in an ICC arbitration conducted in Spanish, relating to a US$2 billion oil refinery and onshore pipeline project in Mexico, involving claims and counterclaims worth in excess of US$1 billion.
EU procurement law breach
Representing a Northern Irish contractor in relation to a breach of EU Procurement Tendering Law by a European Government, concerning the award of a £650 million tender for the refurbishment of schools.
Multi-lane highway project in Europe – FIDIC Red Book
Representing a European Government in an ICC arbitration against a contractor relating to the construction of a multi-lane highway (FIDIC Red Book).
Nuclear power plant
Advising a Southern African government on the development of an EPC Contract for the construction of a nuclear power project.
Rail project
Advising a government entity in relation to the drafting of a main contract and preparation of a suite of subcontract documents for a rail project in the Middle East.
'Notable Practitioner', Chambers & Partners, 2021: Dispute Resolution, Middle East-wide
"Michael Turrini has substantial experience in construction and project disputes throughout the Middle East. He is well versed in arbitration matters conducted under a variety of institutional rules and divides his time between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha."- Chambers & Partners, 2021: Dispute Resolution, Middle East-wide
"Michael Turrini is lauded by clients as 'a source of sound and well-grounded advice in applying the law to situations that arise.' He regularly engages in mandates originating across the GCC, with particularly notable experience of construction projects in Qatar. He is also strong in disputes related to energy and infrastructure.", Chambers & Partners 2021: Construction, UAE
'Leading Individual', Legal 500, 2021: Construction, UAE
"Michael Turrini is particularly strong and a recognized market leader in the profession.", Legal 500, 2021: Construction, UAE
"Michael Turrini is a no-nonsense lawyer, focused in what he delivers but equally extremely collaborative in his work. His construction knowledge is exceptional.", Legal 500, 2021: Construction, UAE
"Michael Turrini has been particularly impressive in his practical, reasonable advice. Michael has been adept at leveraging people from through the firm to assist with matters. I always feel like he's bringing the first team to my matters", Legal 500, 2021: Construction, UAE
Highly regarded', IFLR 1000, 2021
