I am an international arbitrator and mediator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the epicenter of retail technology and venture capital, with extensive ties to the Middle East and Europe and deep understanding of the complex and interconnected luxury, fashion, and entertainment industries. I am also a luxury startup co-founder of TARO ISHIDA where I oversees business, legal, and governance activities. Formerly, I was general counsel of a Dubai, UAE-based luxury retail conglomerate with an extensive portfolio of jewelry, horology, lifestyle, apparel, accessory, and real estate brands.
I have a broad range of experience in complex commercial disputes across a number of industries and sectors, in particular, Fashion & Luxury, Intellectual Property, Technology, Supply Chain, Financial Services, Labor & Employment, Real Estate & Construction, Family Offices and Startups.
“In order to render a fair award to resolve the parties’ dispute, I provide all parties an unbiased, impartial ear, efficient case management, and allow each side to fully present their case.”
Experienced Independent Arbitrator
I serve as tribunal chair, sole arbitrator, emergency arbitrator and by party-appointment under the rules of various arbitral institutions as well as ad hoc. I am empaneled by a number of leading arbitration institutions including, Singapore International Arbitration Centre (Reserve Panel) (2023); Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) (2023); International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) (2023); American Arbitration Association (AAA) (2020); and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (2020). I am an appointed panel member of the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (Manama and Riyadh) since May 2012.
I have served as an arbitrator in numerous arbitrations administered by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR). In addition, I arbitrate consumer disputes under the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules. I have a broad range of experience in complex commercial disputes, distribution, franchise, and sale of goods, as well as in investments, securities, commercial leasing, real estate, construction, intellectual property, data privacy, marketing and advertising, logistics, transport, corporate governance, family business, startup, and employment matters.
With over two decades of legal experience across three continents, including as arbitrator, arbitration counsel in numerous complex commercial matters, general counsel, and acting deputy registrar with a supervisory court over arbitral proceedings, I understand the arbitration process from all vantage points. I have also gained expertise regarding the enforceability of arbitration agreements and arbitral awards under the New York Convention, gained in particular during my tenure as Acting Deputy Registrar of the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts and as a private practice practitioner with first law firm to successfully enforce an international arbitration award under the New York Convention in the United Arab Emirates courts.
I obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law where I was an Associate Editor of The Richmond Law Review. I hold a Master’s Degree in Modern Middle Eastern & North African Studies from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s Degree summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Kentucky.
I am admitted to the bar in New York (2001) and Virginia (2002). My languages are English, Arabic, German and Spanish.
