The firm asserts that the decision could have far-reaching consequences, potentially complicating the enforcement of judgments and arbitration awards across the nation. According to Quinn Emanuel, the panel’s conclusions are at odds with established legal doctrines, thus warranting a thorough review by the full court.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute centers on Doraleh Container Terminal SA, a joint venture between Djibouti’s port authority and Dubai-based DP World, created to manage a container terminal that began operations in 2008. The conflict arose when Djibouti terminated DP World’s management contract and Doraleh sought to enforce a 2019 arbitral award against the nation.
In 2018, a governance dispute led Djibouti to appoint a provisional administrator for Doraleh, who challenged Quinn Emanuel’s authority to represent the company. The administrator’s objections prompted the legal scrutiny that culminated in the July decision by the D.C. Circuit panel.
Quinn Emanuel Rehearing Request : Legal Representation
Doraleh is represented by Debra O’Gorman, Dennis H. Hranitzky, John F. Bash, Alex Van Dyke, Jacob Bliss, and Alex H. Loomis from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. Djibouti’s legal team includes Matthew M. Madden of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.
