James Willn has joined global law firm Reed Smith firm as a partner in its Energy and Natural Resources Group in Dubai. Willn, who joins from Stephenson Harwood where he led the firm’s construction practice across the Mena region, is widely recognised as one of the leading sanctions lawyers in the market.

With more than 14 years’ experience, Willn advises a broad range of clients, primarily within the offshore oil, gas, construction, energy and maritime industries, on the formation of international contracts and disputes,

Willn’s significant expertise extends to litigating disputes for offshore and onshore contractors as well as shipyards, negotiating contracts on construction, shipbuilding, offshore drilling and long term charter contracts of specialist offshore vessels. He has also been providing strategic advice to offshore energy sector clients in respect to the ever evolving nature of global sanction regimes.