Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has been hit with a £880,000 charge, which it must pay jointly with the Republic of Djibouti, for the freezing order obtained on businessman Abdourahman Boreh’s assets in 2013.
Justice Flaux, in a hearing on 31 March and another deferred hearing on April 1, ordered the global top-20 US firm and its client to make the interim payment towards the costs incurred by Boreh in his case with the Djibouti government. The court has also begun its assessment of Boreh’s initial cost claim, which totals over £1m.
Gibson Dunn has suspended Dubai-based partner Peter Gray who is seeking permission to appeal Flaux J’s ruling that he deliberately misled the High Court.
The hearing also comes after Gibson Dunn referred itself to the Solicitors Regulation Authority last month [6 March] after allegations emerged concerning disputes partner Gray.
Gray admitted that incorrect information was presented to the UK court that appeared to implicate Boreh in a 2009 grenade attack, which could lead to Gray’s potential disbarment and possible criminal charges.
Mark Simpson QC, Nico Leslie and James Hart advised Peter Gray, while Timothy Dutton QC and Philip Ahlquist represented Gibson Dunn.
Dominic Kendrick QC, James Willan and Keir Howie – instructed by Byrne & Partners – advised Boreh. Lord Falconer, Deepak Nambisan, Jennifer Haywood and Daniel Edmonds, were instructed by Gibson Dunn for the Republic of Djibouti.
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk