HKA boosts Forensic team in Dubai with new partner Clare Lavin
HKA has strengthened its team in Dubai with the hire of Clare Lavin, who joins the global consulting firm as a partner.
With over 20 years of experience in disputes and investigations, Clare Lavin is a member of HKA’s Forensic Accounting Commercial Damages team. A Chartered Accountant, she regularly testifies in litigation and arbitration matters on accounting quantum and financial-related issues.
During her career, Lavin has gained a wide range of experience in the disputes field including early case assessment, loss of profit calculations, shareholders disputes, earn-out arrangements, professional negligence, SPA disputes, joint venture arrangements, and contract breaches or terminations.
Lavin’s sector experience includes hospitality and leisure, construction and real estate, oil and gas, shipping, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, facilities management, consumer goods, and distribution.
“We are delighted that Clare has joined our team of experts, supporting our Forensic Accounting Commercial Damages growth strategy in the Middle East. Her experience in dealing with all manner of forensic accounting assignments as well as being a go-to expert in the region will be greatly valued by our team,” said Haroon Niazi, Partner and Head of Middle East at HKA.
Colin Johnson, Partner and Head of the Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages for EMEA, added: “I am delighted to welcome Clare as the latest partner in our EMEA team as we continue to expand our reach. We look forward to working together with her.”
After kicking off her career with Mazars in the United Kingdom, Lavin moved to Dubai in 2011. She spent the past dozen years at Deloitte and Grant Thornton, holding growing roles of responsibility, most recently serving as Head of Dispute Advisory for Grant Thornton’s business in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.
In the region, Lavin has testified in litigation and has supported clients and experts in matters before the Abu Dhabi and Dubai courts; and the commercial court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her arbitration experience includes matters before the DIAC, ICC, and DIFC-LCIA for disputes across the Middle East.
“I am extremely excited to join HKA and be part of the growing Forensic Accounting Commercial Damages team and complement the work of such a talented group of experts to deliver what our clients need in multi- faceted disputes and those with increasing complexity in the region,” said Lavin on her move.
According to ConsultancyME’s latest rankings, HKA is positioned among the Middle East leaders for forensic & litigation services. Lavin’s former employer Deloitte also ranks in the top band.