David Hume

David Hume

Partner

Email

david.hume@shearman.com

Phone

+971 2 410 8159

Offices

Abu Dhabi

V-CARD
David advises and represents multinational and State-owned companies in relation to their most sensitive and complex disputes, including commercial arbitrations under the ICC and LCIA Rules, as well as large-scale construction and engineering disputes in institutional and ad hoc arbitration, Dispute Board proceedings, and related litigation.

His expertise spans disputes relating to aviation, energy, mining and natural resources, projects and construction, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and shareholder agreements, and financial services. He has experience of arguing cases under a wide range of governing laws, including those of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait,  South Africa, and England. 

David is listed as a Future Leader in Arbitration by Who’s Who Legal, a Next Generation Partner in Construction by Legal 500, and as a leading practitioner in The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist for the Middle East. Clients say he “has exceptional drafting skills, is up-to-speed at all times, and never off-guard”, and that he is “smart, eloquent and very strong on explaining concepts” and “always accessible, available, and highly adaptable”.

Experience

Representative matters

Two international construction contractors, Respondents in an ICC arbitration in London brought by a Middle Eastern State entity. The dispute arises out of the development of a world-class medical facility in the Middle East. The law of the Claimant’s State applies. USD 3.7 billion is at stake.

A heavy equipment supplier and contractor in relation to an arbitration and a number of delay, disruption, defects and other disputes arising out of two energy construction projects in Africa with claims and counterclaims of over USD 2 billion. The law of the country of the projects applied.

A major refining company on a significant refinery development project, in two ICC arbitrations involving claims relating to COVID-19 related measures. The law of the Middle Eastern State applies.  More than USD 1 billion is in dispute.

An international consortium of contractors, Claimants in ICC arbitration against a Middle Eastern State. The dispute arose out of the design and construction of an airport. The law of the Middle Eastern State applied. Close to USD 1 billion was at stake.

Pro bono

Advising a North African State on its ability to identify and recover the proceeds of natural resources stolen by armed insurgents.

Advising on refugee and migrant resettlement and leave to remain applications, and non-molestation orders in the English courts.

Assistance with AMICUS in relation to US death penalty cases.

Published Work

  • Hume, David, (2021) (with E. Taylor and R. Raheja) “Contractors beware: strict compliance with notice requirements following Maeda v Bauer”, Singapore IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum
  • Hume, David, (2020) (with A. Bevan, A. Nordang and Y. Diabaté) “Remote Hearings: Effectively Navigating the New Frontier”, Dubai, The UAE Arbitration Yearbook 2020
  • Hume, David, (2016-2020) “Global Arbitration Review, Investment Treaty Arbitration Know-how”, London: GAR]
  • Hume, David, (2012) (with Dr A. Butler) “When is a trustee ‘dishonest’?”, Wellington, New Zealand Law Journal

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, “Successfully Delivering Mega-Projects under the new Civil Transactions Law”, Riyadh International Disputes Week, Riyadh, March 2023
  • Speaker, “Variations in Construction contracts”, SCL - India International Conference, New Delhi, December 2023
  • Speaker, “Arbitration v Mediation — Different Regions Different Options on Dispute Avoidance”, Saudi Arabia and Middle East International Arbitration Summit, Riyadh, November 2023
  • Speaker, “Arbitration Across Generations”, Dubai Arbitration Week, DIFC, November 2023

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Co-ordinator, Society of Construction Law (Gulf), Abu Dhabi
  • Member, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) Users’ Council
  • Member, Young ICCA
  • Member, LCIA Young International Arbitrators Group (YIAG)
Recognition
“David Hume is always accessible, available and highly adaptable.”
Legal500, 2023
“David Hume has exceptional drafting skills, is up-to-speed at all times, and never off-guard.”
Legal500, 2023

Awards

  • Future Leader, Arbitration, Who’s Who Legal (2023)
  • Next Generation Partner, Construction, Legal 500 (2023)
  • Leading Practitioner, The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist for the Middle East (2023)

Qualifications

Admissions

New Zealand, 2009
England and Wales, 2014

Courts

DIFC Courts, Part II Registered Practitioner (with full rights of audience), 2020

Academic

B.A., Philosophy, French, University College Dublin, 2002
LL.B. (Hons.), Law, Victoria University of Wellington, 2009

Languages

English
Abu Dhabi
Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP (practicing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as “Allen & Overy Branch” pending the registration completion of the new name with the relevant UAE local authorities) is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC306763.
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.