Solving international disputes without forfeiting your business relationships.
Last year our global team acted on 20+ international arbitrations involving claims with a combined value in excess of $6.33 billion.
We are ranked in the GAR100 index of elite international arbitration practices and our high-profile work for multinational corporations and State entities is regularly featured in Global Arbitration Review.
But most of our work is confidential. Leveraging the confidentiality of international arbitration proceedings, we help clients secure successful outcomes to major commercial disputes in private, helping them maintain valuable business relationships and protect reputations. Because commercial disputes are never good news.
With specialist practitioners on the ground in our offices in the key arbitral hubs of London, Paris, the Middle East and Singapore, and our 'Global Connect' network of relationships with leading independent law firms across the globe, we're here to provide timely advice, whatever the time-zone.
Our experience spans most sectors (including energy, transport, industrials and advanced manufacturing, retail and consumer, healthcare, financial services and sport), and is constantly expanding to embrace disputes involving new technologies, from cryptocurrency to gene therapy programmes to energy transition technologies.
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Plugged-in to the 'ultimate travel adaptor'
International disputes almost invariably involve a clash of cultures, reflecting the different approaches of different legal systems to almost every aspect of the dispute resolution process. International arbitration represents the 'ultimate travel adaptor', with rules, procedures and guidelines developed over decades to provide a level playing field for the efficient resolution of disputes between parties from different legal cultures and traditions.
But in the hands of the inexperienced, their application is often lost in translation, with consequences ranging from embarrassment and loss of credibility to significant strategic disadvantage.
From 'Veeder Codes', to 'Stern Schedules' to the 'Orange List', our team of specialist practitioners are recognised leaders in the field who can help you navigate the lexicon of international arbitration and harness the benefits of the 'ultimate travel adaptor' to their full advantage.
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Experience, on both sides of the table
As a measure of the experience of our team, seven partners sit as arbitrators, as well as maintaining their counsel practice. This gives us valuable insights into the dynamics of how international arbitration tribunals decide cases and the approaches to advocacy they find most persuasive.
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The most joined-up litigation finance solutions
With your reputation, business relationships and capital often hanging in the balance, expert support in securing the finance to fund proceedings can be critical. You will have access to the most joined-up litigation finance solution in the market. Find out more about our service here.
International Arbitration Highlights
Key experience
EPC contractor
Represented an EPC contractor in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings in relation to a termination dispute arising out of the design, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of a major power plant in the GCC. The claims and counterclaims are valued at USD 600 million.
An oil and gas employer
Represented an employer in defending various claims by EPC contractors arising from an oil refinery with claims over US$900 million. Claims involved issues relating to ground conditions, technical defects, force majeure, change in law and related delay and quantum claims.
Thai national against Malaysia
Successfully obtained a multi-million settlement on behalf of a Thai national against Malaysia in ICSID claims concerning expropriation of real estate.
A Diageo subsidiary
Represented a subsidiary of FTSE100, Diageo plc on high-profile international arbitrations concerning Diageo’s joint venture brewing and distribution arrangements with SABMiller in Tanzania (ICC Rules, London seat). We also acted in ancillary court proceedings up to the English Court of Appeal.
One of the world’s leading consultants in Qatar
Represented one of the world’s leading consultants in ICC arbitration proceedings on two multi-million-dollar claims arising out of a major transport infrastructure project in Qatar. The matter proceeded to hearing and we were successful in obtaining an award for over USD 100m and recovered 95% of our costs.
Transportation project in the Middle East
Represented a GCC government entity in ICC arbitration proceedings brought by a design and build contractor in respect of a significant transportation project in the Middle East. This matter involved claims for delay, disruption and disputed variations valued at more than USD 2bn.
A global pharmaceutical company
Advised a FTSE100 global pharmaceutical company in a successful Bermuda Form arbitration against insurers relating to the scope and extent of its product liability coverage for third party claims in the US and UK, arising from the alleged side effects of its products (ad hoc, London seat).
Foreign investor in oil and gas investment treaty claims
Represented a major international contractor in ICSID arbitration proceedings brought in connection with the design and construction of a substantial oil and gas fired power plant in the Middle East. Total relief sought in this matter was valued more than USD 1bn.
A reinsurer in relation to WTC aviation claims
A large Asian reinsurer facing numerous claims for World Trade Centre aviation liabilities ($300 million+), and on arbitrations in England, Europe and America, in respect of the reinsurance of the US airline industry's exposure to liability for alleged failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.
Key Contacts
Middle East
United Kingdom
London, France
France
Manchester, UK
United Kingdom
Middle East
Dubai
UAE
Singapore
