Kris Wagner is an arbitration and commercial disputes lawyer. He was called to the Bar in 1995 and is currently based in the United Arab Emirates. His practice is predominantly focused on commercial arbitration in the Middle East.
Over the course of his career, Kris Wagner has acted as counsel in a wide range of commercial disputes, both before arbitral tribunals and national courts. His experience includes disputes relating to international trade, construction and infrastructure projects, banking and finance, corporate and shareholder matters, real estate, and other complex commercial relationships.
He began his legal career in Belgium and subsequently practised with firms including Linklaters and DLA Piper. He later co-founded the Brussels law firm Holmes Kirby, where he practised for nine years, and subsequently joined Everest as a partner.
Since relocating to the United Arab Emirates in 2024, Kris Wagner has concentrated particularly on UAE and Middle Eastern arbitration. In addition to acting as counsel, he has received appointments as arbitrator.
Kris Wagner served as professor of international arbitration at Ajman University (2024-2026). During that time, he authored a comprehensive 1,100 page treatise on UAE arbitration law, which is currently undergoing peer review.
His principal areas of practice include:
• Construction, infrastructure and real estate arbitration
• Arbitration-related court proceedings
• International commercial disputes
• Banking and finance disputes
• Corporate and shareholder disputes
• International trade