Michael Davar is a partner in the International Dispute Resolution and Litigation practices in London.
The Legal 500 2024 highlights Michael as “excellent in his field”, a practitioner who is “known for his meticulous attention to detail”, and one who “embodies the team’s commitment to excellence”. Michael is named as a “Next General Partner” and is listed as a key lawyer for international arbitration, commercial litigation: mid-market, and commodity disputes.
The Legal 500 2023 highlights Michael as a key lawyer for both international arbitration and commercial litigation: mid-market. It highlights Michael as a practitioner that “really cares about his cases and clients … is keen to identify all the points that might help them, and is always looking for an innovative angle”.
The Legal 500 2022 and 2021 also highlight Michael as a key lawyer, describing him as “extremely diligent, helpful, courteous and professional”, and “a rising star”.
Michael is a disputes specialist. He advises on an extensive book of cases covering the energy, shipping, international trade, construction and financial industries.
His cases have set English legal precedent. He is a named arbitrator in the Georgian International Arbitration Centre’s list of arbitrators, and a supporting member of the London Maritime Arbitration Association.
He regularly speaks in conferences and for industry groups, and is the co-author of several legal volumes, including International Commercial Arbitration: 21st Century Perspectives (2016 and 2020); Oil and Gas Decommissioning: Law Policy and Comparative Practice (2016); and The Regulation of Decommissioning and Abandonment and Reuse Initiatives in the Oil and Gas Industry (2020).
Recent experience includes handling various high-value commercial cases in the English and Hong Kong courts and in arbitrations under the auspices of the ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SIAC, HKIAC, LMAA and GAFTA arbitral rules.
Prior to entering the legal industry, Michael worked as an FX and fixed income trader at a hedge fund. He holds degrees in law and economic history and speaks several languages, including Russian and Georgian.
Energy, Oil and Gas, and Construction
Shipping and Shipbuilding
International Trade
General Commercial and Financial Disputes