Christopher Mainwaring-Taylor

Chris has a particular focus on disputes arising out of major projects across a range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, power and infrastructure. His experience also includes upstream energy and investment treaty disputes, as well as disputes arising under joint venture, shareholder and concession agreements.

Prior to being based in Paris, Chris worked in our London and Dubai offices. Between 2012 and 2018, he led our International Arbitration team in the Middle East.

He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and regularly sits as an arbitrator.

Market recognition

* * - Arbitrage international (France, ODA 2019)

During his time in the Middle East, Chambers consistently ranked Chris as a ‘Band 1’ disputes lawyer for both the Middle East and United Arab Emirates.

“Peers find Chris Mainwaring-Taylor to be an “excellent lawyer”…with a notable expertise in construction arbitration” (Chambers, 2021) 

Chris is “widely respected for his arbitration practice” (Chambers, 2020)

Chris is “praised across the region by peers and clients alike for his “sound, strategic litigation advice.”” (Chambers, 2018). He is “held in high esteem for his arbitration practice throughout the GCC and … has a strong focus on the construction sector” and is “extremely well regarded by his peers, while clients describe his work as ‘outstanding’ and further sources add that ‘he knows how to handle a big construction dispute.’” (Chambers, 2017).

Chris is an “arbitration expert” and “a hugely experienced arbitration practitioner” who is “‘commanding in his approach’ as an advocate and ‘very pragmatic and responsive’” (Chambers, 2015 and 2016). He is “‘a class act,’ according to sources, as well as being ‘hugely energetic, intelligent and responsive to client needs.’” (Chambers, 2015). “Impressed sources underline his reliability: “Whenever I need something he can always source the right advice - he’s always available.”” (Chambers, 2016).

“Arbitration expert Christopher Mainwaring-Taylor has a strong track record in representing project sponsors in construction disputes. Clients say: ‘He is commanding in his approach, due to his in-depth knowledge of the issues.’” (Chambers, 2015).