Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Ryan maintains a broad international disputes practice and acts for clients across a wide spectrum of industries. He has acted for sovereign states, national oil companies, private equity firms, contractors, and hedge funds, including in high-stakes infrastructure, construction and energy disputes. His experience includes acting as counsel on multi-billion-dollar arbitrations, global enforcement campaigns, and some of the world’s most iconic megaprojects. He also acts as Project Counsel and sits as an Arbitrator.
Known in the market as “a go-to person for complex disputes” and being “unshakeable even when under immense pressure”, market commentators note that Ryan "is a rising star with an excellent reputation among his peers in the legal community". Quotes from clients and peers include: “Ryan Whelan has star quality”, "Ryan is extremely smart, tactical and pragmatic" and Ryan has “a heavyweight construction and infrastructure disputes practice”. He is also described as “very intelligent” and “an exceptional lawyer” who possesses “an impressive capacity to manage clients and experts on very large-scale disputes”. Peers and clients also praise Ryan's presentation style, noting that "the way he speaks and writes in front of tribunals is very impressive."
Ryan’s work in the Middle East and beyond has earned him a reputation for securing results. His standing in the market is reflected in Ryan being ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, the Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist, and Lexology’s Future Arbitration Leaders. He has also been previously recognised as the UK Legal Personality of the Year, listed on the FT Innovative Lawyers List (Europe), profiled as The Times Lawyer of the Week, and selected to US$1billion development in the Middle East run with the Olympic Torch in recognition of his pro bono work (which has been commended in both Houses of the UK Parliament).
Multibillion-dollar infrastructure arbitration
Representing a U.S. headquartered global construction and project management company in connection with a multibillion-dollar arbitration (ICC, London) concerning a transport infrastructure project in the Middle East.
Iconic infrastructure project arbitration
Representing an employer (conglomerate) in connection with a high-value arbitration (DIAC, Abu Dhabi) relating to a prominent infrastructure project in the Middle East.
Project Counsel on high-profile
Project counsel in connection with a high-profile US$1+ billion development in the Middle East
Project Counsel on multi-billion-dollar transport project
Acted as project counsel on a multibillion-dollar transport project in Asia.
Infrastructure dispute on Qatari project
Representing a joint venture between a leading Spanish contractor and Middle Eastern conglomerate in connection with a commercially sensitive dispute (DIAC, Dubai) arising from a project in Qatar.
Award enforcement
Advising an energy company in connection with the enforcement of an ad-hoc arbitration award.
Sovereign State in relation to investment treaty action
Representing a sovereign state and advising the Prime Minister in connection with potential high-profile investment treaty actions.
Multijurisdictional dispute and enforcement campaign
Advising an oil major in connection with a multijurisdictional dispute and enforcement campaign.
Ad-hoc arbitration relating to African power project
Representing a leading power supplier in an ad hoc arbitration (1996 Act, London) relating to partial nonpayment for a project in East Africa.
Sovereign state in arbitration and English High Court proceedings
Representing a sovereign state in arbitration and English High Court proceedings relating to a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development in Africa.
