Stephenson Harwood Dubai-based partner Mark Lakin and managing associate Paul Katsouris have been included in Seatrade Maritime Middle East's '20 under 40 ' 2023 list. This is the second time Mark and Paul have been featured on the list.

The list celebrates the top 20 maritime industry professionals under the age of 40, whose scope of work directly involves the maritime and shipping markets across the Middle East region. Winners were selected in recognition of their success and achievements, leadership, and commitment to the industry - paving the way for innovative change and new growth opportunities for other professionals. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony, which was supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, as part of UAE Maritime Week 2023.

"To have both Mark and Paul included in this prestigious list for the second consecutive time is testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the firm’s leadership in, and commitment to, the maritime industry," said Rania Tadros, Dubai office managing partner and head of Stephenson Harwood's Middle East marine and international trade team.

Mark is a partner in the firm's Middle East marine and international trade team. He has a broad range of commercial litigation and arbitration experience, with specialist expertise in the shipping and commodities sectors across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia regions. Mark, who has more than 10 years of experience, advises and represents clients in high-profile and commercially sensitive matters. He has acted in all of the major shipping arbitral forums, including LMAA, GAFTA, FOSFA, LCIA, HKIAC, SIAC. He also regularly acts in matters before the DIFC Courts and the English High Court.

Paul is a dual qualified managing associate (England & Wales and Greece) in the firm's Middle East marine and international trade team. He advises on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters for clients, including ship owners, P&I Clubs, charterers, banks, traders, bunker suppliers, family offices, private investors and energy companies. Having spent several years in the Middle East, Paul has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the UAE laws and systems, including the DIFC and ADGM, as well as the Civil law system of the local UAE courts. He has been involved in matters before the English High Court, the UAE local and DIFC Courts, as well as complex international arbitrations under the LMAA and LCIA Rules.