Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has been replaced by Bryan Cave as legal adviser to Islamic investment bank GFH Capital in its long-running dispute with its former general counsel David Haigh.

Haigh was recently freed from prison in Dubai after serving nearly two years for financial misappropriation during GFH's ownership and sale of Leeds United Football Club – of which Haigh was formerly managing director – in 2014.

Gibson Dunn had been representing GFH in the UK and Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) courts in parallel disputes over money the company claims it is owed from Haigh and a freezing order over Haigh's assets. Disputes partner Philip Rocher had led the firm's team on the case.

However, these matters are now being handled by Bryan Cave London disputes partner Robert Dougans.

Dougans is also already representing GFH executives in another dispute with Haigh in the UK courts after Haigh tried to bring a private prosecution against them. The prosecution, brought by Stephenson Harwood, was dismissed last June and Haigh was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in costs, but has challenged the cost order.

Haigh has changed lawyers himself during the course of these disputes. Stephenson Harwood ceased acting for Haigh in Dubai after a local court rejected an application for some of Haigh's funds to be released to pay his legal fees in May last year.

Haigh's case was subsequently handled by Olswang and Michel Chalhoub, managing partner at Dubai law firm International Counsels, although Stephenson Harwood continued to handle the private prosecution Haigh was bringing at that time.

Another separate claim bought by GFH in Dubai over alleged slander on Twitter by Haigh was decided last month, with Haigh acquitted.