Comprehensive DIFC litigation support

We advise and represent clients in matters including:

• Complex contractual and commercial disputes
• Enforcement of DIFC and foreign judgments, and arbitral awards
• Employment, shareholder, and regulatory claims
• Urgent interim applications: freezing orders, disclosure orders, and injunctions

Every engagement benefits from our commercial awareness, rigorous preparation, and results-focused advocacy.

Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)

The DIFC’s SCT provides a fast, cost-effective, and accessible forum for resolving lower-value civil, commercial, and employment disputes within the DIFC jurisdiction, typically under AED 500,000.​ Its key features are:

• Designed for efficiency and accessibility, the SCT operates under simplified procedures, often conducting hearings remotely or on paper without the need for mandatory legal representation.
• The jurisdiction encompasses employment disputes without monetary limits where both parties opt in, and commercial claims up to AED 500,000 or AED 1 million with mutual agreement.
• Fees are proportionate to claim value, maintaining affordability for individuals and small businesses.

• The SCT encourages early dispute resolution through a mandatory consultation meeting with a judge, focusing on negotiated settlements and pragmatic outcomes.
• Unresolved claims proceed to informal hearings where parties present their case, documents, and evidence.
• SCT judgments are final, enforceable within and outside the DIFC, with a limited right of appeal on points of law to the DIFC Court of First Instance.

ATB Legal’s role in the SCT matters

At ATB Legal, we have a strong track record in guiding clients through the SCT’s streamlined process. Our services include drafting persuasive claims and defence submissions, preparing case materials, advising on settlement strategies, and supporting clients through remote hearings or paper-based decisions. Our practical and results-driven approach consistently helps clients achieve timely and favourable resolutions.

Court of First Instance (CFI)

The DIFC’s CFI adjudicates complex, high-value civil and commercial disputes under a robust common law framework, applying English language and procedure. Its jurisdiction includes cases arising from or connected with transactions, contracts, or incidents within the DIFC, as well as matters where parties have contractually opted into DIFC jurisdiction. Typical proceedings we handled involve:​

• Commercial contract breaches, banking and finance, property, employment, shareholder, tenancy, and regulatory disputes.
• Multi-jurisdictional and cross-border matters involving substantial financial stakes.
• Applications for urgent interim relief, such as freezing orders, injunctions, disclosure applications, and procedural challenges.

Our team handles urgent protective measures, complex procedural applications, multi-party litigation, and document-heavy trials. We are skilled in analysing intricate factual and legal issues, preparing persuasive pleadings, and distilling technical complexity for the court. ATB Legal is trusted by industry-leading corporations, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals to deliver litigation strategy tightly aligned to business objectives. We thrive in time-sensitive environments where tactical foresight shapes the outcome.

Court of Appeal

The DIFC Court of Appeal is the highest judicial authority within the Centre, consisting of three senior judges. It hears appeals arising from CFI judgments, as well as jurisdictional and procedural law challenges, and requests for interpretation of DIFC laws and regulations submitted by the Chief Justice or DIFC bodies. Key features of the matters we handle include:​

• Review of complex questions of law, interpretation of contract terms, jurisdictional disputes, and procedural fairness.
• Setting binding precedents in DIFC law that impact future litigation and business conduct within the Centre.
• Irrevocable, definitive decisions, no further appeal is available, ensuring finality and certainty.

Our appellate advocacy includes meticulous record analysis, development of robust legal arguments, and strategic oral and written submissions. We are recognised for tenacity and diligence in identifying grounds for appeal, challenging or defending judgments, and ensuring our clients’ legal and commercial positions are protected to the highest judicial level.

DIFC Court-annexed Mediation

DIFC Courts have implemented a progressive Court-Annexed Mediation Procedure, offering parties an effective alternative to protracted litigation. Mediation is encouraged at all stages, either as part of scheduled settlement attempts or following a judge’s referral. Key advantages include:

• Confidential, business-sensitive negotiation overseen by trained mediators from the DIFC panel.
• Preservation of commercial relationships and reputation, with cost and time savings compared to contested litigation.
• Potential for creative, pragmatic settlements that address not only claims but underlying client interests.

ATB Legal has participated in the pioneering wave of court-annexed mediations, guiding parties through facilitated negotiations, drafting settlement agreements, and ensuring enforceability. We focus both on legal rights and commercial priorities, leveraging our negotiation skills to help clients achieve amicable, durable resolutions that support future business continuity.