Paul Hughes advises clients on matters involving cross-border shareholder and company disputes that have a nexus to the United Arab Emirates, splitting his practice between international arbitration and courts in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). 

With over eight years of experience in the region, Mr. Hughes focuses on cross-border disputes by offering creative strategies designed to monetize or dilute high-stakes, complex, multijurisdictional claims. Specifically, he has extensive experience in the enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards, asset tracing, fraud investigations, banking litigation and other contentious shareholder disputes.

A leading practitioner in the DIFC, Mr. Hughes has handled high-profile, multi-billion-dollar disputes and enforcement actions in the financial center. He has been recognized by the Legal 500 as a "superb legal strategist who has a strong grasp of the legal and commercial drivers in any case" and is "relentless in pursuing the interests of his client in advancing their case," as well as "an exceptional litigator" who is "incredibly hard-working, knows how to lead and delegate where necessary and is measured, but aggressive where appropriate." Chambers and Partners called Mr. Hughes "absolutely excellent," offering "a good mix between practicality and legal knowledge" and is "an all-round lawyer."

Before joining Kobre & Kim, Mr. Hughes led the GCC Dispute Resolution team at Addleshaw Goddard’s Dubai office. Prior to that, he practiced at Clyde & Co LLP.