Arbitration (International): Europe-wide
THE FIRM Praised for its prowess in international arbitration, the past year has been increasingly busy for this eminent firm across all sectors, particularly energy, infrastructure, telecoms and pharma. With 71 fee earners and standout offices in Paris, London and Frankfurt, the diversity and experience of the team enables it to effortlessly represent clients in an extensive range of disputes. The firm recently acted for Yemen's leading mobile phone operator MTN, as well as for a major international oil company in a series of UNCITRAL arbitrations against the state-owned Algerian oil company Sonatrach. The cases involved claims of USD2 billion. The firm's impressive client base includes Porsche, Solvay and Siemens, as well as major investment and high-street banks, and several South American states.
Sources say: "Due to its impressive presence and the sheer volume of high-profile cases it handles, Freshfields remains at the top of the international arbitration field."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The much-admired Jan Paulsson is recognised as one of the foremost arbitration specialists in the world. He splits his time between London, Paris and Bahrain. Sources enthuse that he is "one of the greats of the international arbitration community, with unrivalled knowledge and experience, and a profound ability to strategise." Sources say that rising star Constantine Partasides "has the complete package: he's thorough, courteous and hard-working," and highly recommended for international arbitration. Rolf Trittmann is highly in demand as both arbitrator and counsel. He has particular expertise in disputes related to the car industry and clients comment that he "always does a stellar job." Peter Turner specialises in investor-state arbitration under bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and is well respected in the market. Noah Rubins is well known for his work in Russia and stands out as "a very bright professional who speaks perfect Russian." He heads Freshfields' worldwide Russia/CIS dispute resolution subgroup. Nigel Rawding's extensive experience includes UNCITRAL, ICC and LCIA arbitrations. Sources praise his litigation skills, particularly with respect to banking disputes.
Since publication, Jan Paulsson has retired from this practice.
Since publication, Jan Paulsson has retired from this practice.
Since publication, Jan Paulsson has joined Jan Paulsson - sole practitioner
Since publication, Jan Paulsson has joined Jan Paulsson - sole practitioner
THE FIRM This US firm is extolled for its superb European practice, with the French office particularly helping to maintain its position as a global leader in international arbitration. Its 73-member European team is primarily based in Paris and has prominent offices in London and Frankfurt. The firm recently further strengthened its practice with the addition of several new partners, and a large number of mandates derived from the energy, investment, construction and M&A sectors. It is especially commended by clients for its ability to deploy highly integrated multi-partner teams. A recent highlight was representing French energy multinational AREVA in two Stockholm ICC arbitrations against Finnish utility company Teollisuuden Voima in a dispute arising from a nuclear power plant construction agreement in Finland.
Sources say: "This firm is absolutely the best for international arbitration: it has great business sense." "Shearman has an ability to pick the right people with the right chemistry, and this helps us build long-standing relationships with the firm."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Emmanuel Gaillard is an undisputed leader in this field and is hailed as "extraordinarily effective, with a very incisive mind. He both presents well in hearings and excels at cross-examination." Clients note that Richard Kreindler is "highly experienced, anticipates problems and makes the legal context easy to understand." Philippe Pinsolle receives glowing feedback from sources for his arbitration work. He specialises in investor-state arbitrations and commercial disputes in the oil and gas, energy, construction and defence sectors. Qualified in France, Colombia and the USA, Fernando Mantilla-Serrano consistently impresses with his strong track record in commercial arbitration. Yas Banifatemi makes her debut in the rankings and is praised by peers for her outstanding arbitration work. She typically advises on public international law (PIL) issues arising from investment arbitrations.
Since publication, Philippe Pinsolle has joined Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan
THE FIRM The 70-strong team at this premium firm frequently acts on a broad array of cross-border arbitrations across Europe. Its main hub is in London and it has another 11 offices across Eastern and Western Europe. In a recent highlight, the team represented a Dutch subsidiary and the Senegalese operating company of mobile phone network provider Millicom International Cellular in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Senegal. The firm is highly respected for banking-related matters, as well as its investment treaty arbitration and energy charter treaty arbitration work.
Sources say: "The firm is reputable, detail-focused and proactive. It provides work of a high level of professionalism and sophistication."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe global star Judith Gill QC as "a smart, yet understated lawyer," adding that she is "an all-rounder that is able to handle any issue." The "terrific" Stephen Jagusch is lauded as "an excellent advocate and a masterful cross-examiner." Michael Young recently joined the firm from Herbert Smith. Clients highlight him as a rising star in the department who "perfectly understands clients' needs."
Since publication, Stephen Jagusch has joined Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
THE FIRM Renowned for its strong ties with private equity funds, this firm has a flourishing corporate and commercial practice. Its London office is key to its arbitration activity, and the Warsaw team also ranks among the best in Eastern Europe, particularly in relation to its energy treaty work. Besides advising on a range of commercial disputes, the firm has first-class expertise in regulatory, competition and professional liability matters. Members of its team frequently participate in leading arbitral institutions such as the LCIA and ICC. A recent highlight involved representing a consortium of international oil companies in connection with a breach of a production-sharing contract in Nigeria. Notable clients include the government of Poland, Electrabel, BNP Paribas and the EBRD.
Sources say: "The firm understands our practice and it excels thanks to its strong commercial approach."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The extremely experienced Fabian von Schlabrendorff now acts as of counsel and remains a leader in banking, corporate, construction and engineering cases. A key individual operating in Clifford Chance's London sphere, Audley Sheppard impresses sources with his public international and investment treaty work. Sources describe him as "having the right mixture of intellectual grasp, combined with an ability to see through a weak argument." Robert Lambert is well known for his work in Russian disputes. He sits as arbitrator and also acts as counsel in international engineering, construction and telecoms disputes.
THE FIRM This international firm is home to a leading international arbitration practice and prestigious client list. The scope of its cases includes disputes in the financial, telecoms, travel, energy and construction sectors, typically under ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Clients and peers extol its quality lawyers in the London–Paris axis, who recently represented the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (operated by BP) in a high-value ICC arbitration in Geneva. The firm's clients include Accenture, BSkyB, GDF SUEZ and Nokia.
Sources say: "I rate Herbert Smith among the best for international arbitration: the quality of its service carries all the way down through the ranks."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Paris-based Charles Kaplan co-heads the global arbitration practice and is lauded as "a talented and intelligent lawyer with excellent negotiation skills." He has a wealth of experience in arbitrations, including those involving oil production-sharing agreements, international joint ventures and construction projects. Practice co-head Paula Hodges works full-time in arbitration from London, and sources say she is "superb, she excels in her field and runs a quality team." She represents clients across Europe on a range of matters, including those in the energy, telecoms and technology sectors. London-based Matthew Weiniger is lauded for his commercial approach. He specialises in state disputes and ICSID cases, with a particular focus on Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Since publication, Charles Kaplan has joined Orrick Rambaud Martel
THE FIRM This global giant is a force to be reckoned with in CEE, Paris, London and Stockholm, and is home to a leading international arbitration practice. Its much-admired team has ample experience in infrastructure arbitration, as well as finance-related arbitrations. The Paris office is renowned for its investment treaty arbitration work, and its strong energy and construction practice. Through the Paris office it is building a substantial Eastern European practice and it recently expanded the Warsaw office following the hire of 20 lawyers from CMS. The firm successfully represented Romania in three ICSID arbitrations and is also representing Bulgaria in numerous commercial and investment disputes. It also acts for Mobile TeleSystems, Russia's largest mobile phone provider, as well as its parent and subsidiary companies listed in New York and London, respectively. The case involves a USD700 million dispute against the state of Turkmenistan and several state entities, arbitrated under three English law arbitrations in Geneva.
Sources say: "The White & Case hallmark is client service, dedication and responsiveness. The firm scores highly on all three."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The exceedingly talented Michael Polkinghorne climbs the rankings this year and is described as "very sharp and one of the best in arbitration." Christopher Seppälä is renowned for his high-quality arbitration work and is "undoubtedly the pope of construction, with an unrivalled practice in France," according to sources. Clients laud Phillip Capper as "a great strategist and a strong leader who understands the client's needs." David Goldberg is a highly respected figure in arbitration and is dubbed "a notable individual who is well positioned in the CIS." The talented Claes Zettermarck serves both as arbitrator and as appointed chairman. He is the current vice-chairman of the Swedish Bar Association. He focuses primarily on construction, banking and finance matters.
THE FIRM With a stellar multinational team centred in the London office, this leading firm has a tight-knit 37-member international arbitration group, which includes lawyers specialised in energy, construction, insurance, M&A and joint ventures disputes. The firm also has regional coverage with offices in Berlin and Brussels, and all teams receive praise for their international approach, attention to detail and impressive cross-examination techniques. It handles all kinds of disputes, including those under the rules of the ICC, the LCIA, UNCITRAL and ICSID, and the firm is adept at handling matters involving foreign states and state-owned entities. The firm successfully represented a large European telecommunications company in several arbitrations related to a multibillion-euro dispute over control of a joint venture. The case was arbitrated in Vienna under Polish and Austrian law, with additional proceedings in France, Poland and the USA.
Sources say: "The firm is one of the leading authorities on international arbitration."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "prolific and consistently outstanding" Gary Born is described as a tremendous lawyer with an "unexcelled reputation" as arbitrator and counsel. Franz Schwarz is lauded as "extremely bright with a great future ahead of him," and stands out for his work relating to German cases. Clients say: "He is truly impressive - he's a master of facts and details and knows how to put them into context." Steven Finizio frequently sits as arbitrator in international commercial arbitrations and gains recognition for his "reasonable and understated approach." The "superbly clever" Wendy Miles frequently acts as counsel in arbitration proceedings under ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules, as well as sitting as arbitrator in commercial disputes between European and Asia-Pacific parties.
THE FIRM This firm has an impressive network of offices and a 200-strong team which recently expanded with the hire of a new partner in Paris. The pan-European international arbitration practice focuses on cross-border matters involving the representation of states, and one recent client was the Republic of Uzbekistan. The firm also has a strong corporate litigation practice and frequently represents electronics, pharmaceutical and insurance companies. Particularly praiseworthy are its CEE offices, especially those in Prague and Moscow. The firm recently represented a leading US telecoms company in a EUR130 million post-M&A dispute, which was arbitrated in the Geneva ICC under Austrian accounting rules. As testament to the firm's collaborative approach, the team consisted of members from several of the firm's offices.
Sources say: "Baker & McKenzie has extremely capable staff who really get to the heart of difficult matters. Its lawyers are consistently strong."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Moscow-based Vladimir Khvalei has a reputation as a market leader and clients describe him as "a strong arbitration lawyer who always keeps the bigger picture in mind." His experience includes acting in disputes in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine. Leading litigator Guenter Pickrahn heads the European disputes committee from Frankfurt. Sources admire his strong organisational abilities and expertise in post-M&A matters.
THE FIRM Cleary's strong international network gives it a notable edge, and its Russian office in particular receives glowing feedback from clients. The Moscow team recently represented a joint venture between global private investment firm TPG and one of Russia's leading banks, VTB, in a USD2 billion shareholder dispute over control of a Russian retail group. The case involved proceedings before the LCIA, the British Virgin Islands Commercial Court and courts in St Petersburg. The firm regularly acts on multi-jurisdictional disputes between states, as well as major commercial disputes and regulatory and criminal investigations. Prominent clients include RBS, Sanofi and Citi.
Sources say: "Cleary is committed and able to go into detail to elaborate on the crucial aspects of a deal."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Paris-based Claudia Annacker is gaining an increasingly strong market reputation. She focuses on international arbitration, public international law and international litigation. Clients laud the "really quite brilliant" Jean-Yves Garaud. He is a well-respected name in arbitration who impresses sources with his knowledge of international law as well as his white-collar crime work. Senior counsel Robert Greig focuses exclusively on international arbitration and PIL matters.
THE FIRM This international arbitration team is home to 60 fee earners. While many of the team's leading members are based in Paris, the firm also has key offices in Poland and Russia and continues to build up its practice in London. The team in Prague also receives notable client praise. The majority of the group's work is focused on investment treaty and commercial arbitration. It is adept at cross-border work, notably related to CEE, with at least half of the firm's cases handled by members from two or more offices. A highlight saw the Warsaw team successfully close the 11-year Vivendi shareholder dispute in January 2011. It assisted the company with negotiating the withdrawal of all of its claims against leading Polish telecommunications company PTC.
Sources say: "The firm did a first-class job at co-ordinating a cross-jurisdictional mandate."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "excellent" Jeffrey Hertzfeld primarily focuses on work in CEE. He is now retired from the Paris office but remains a distinguished practitioner who is admired for his work on Russian cases. Piotr Nowaczyk handles a high volume of construction, energy, IP and commercial arbitrations. Sources describe him as "energetic and strategic in case management." Barton Legum heads the investment treaty arbitration practice and sources regard him as "an outstanding practitioner."
THE FIRM This prestigious French firm's international arbitration practice is highly recommended by clients. It stands out for its excellent Paris office and has a strong caseload in North African disputes, having latterly acted on many transactions related to Morocco. An 18-strong team advises on banking, investment, M&A, construction and energy disputes across a range of jurisdictions and arbitration seats. The firm recently participated in an ICSID arbitration in Chile as co-counsel to Victor Pey Casado and the President Allende Foundation, which is requesting USD500 million in damages due to the military authorities' seizure of several newspaper publishers.
Sources say: "The firm has a rigorous and reactive team with a fabulous client base."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Specialising in international contracts and arbitration law, the highly experienced Christian Camboulive acts as both arbitrator and counsel under ICC, UNCITRAL and ICSID regulations. Described as having "an international aura around her," the outstanding Carole Malinvaud is admired by sources, who say she is "a very bright lawyer and brilliant arbitrator." She splits her time between arbitration and litigation. A new addition to this year's table, partner Rupert Reece receives abundant praise, with peers enthusing that he is "superb: he knows how to handle witnesses and is capable of dealing with anything."
THE FIRM This firm's merger has strengthened its international capacity and it remains a driving force in the European international arbitration market. The team has been especially active in the energy and construction sectors and its far-reaching practice extends to illustrious clients such as ExxonMobil, Vodafone, Ford and Mitsubishi. The London and German offices stand out for their commercial disputes work. Members from both offices recently collaborated to represent a client in a multimillion-pound ICC arbitration claim for alleged damages against a construction company in a post-M&A dispute. Its Prague and Brussels teams also worked together to represent French engineering firm Alstom in the ECJ, regarding a dispute over an alleged cartel agreement.
Sources say: "Hogan Lovells has the capacity to act quickly, effectively and with intellectual rigour in almost every part of the world. The firm always tests ideas and comes up with solutions to cover every possible scenario."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Davison heads the arbitration practice from London. He stands out for his "straightforward, responsive and detail-focused practice." He has recently been especially active in the energy and telecoms sectors and handled a multimillion-pound dispute related to the sale of one of the world's leading telecoms companies.
KEY INDIVIDUALS This leading Swiss firm is renowned for its long-standing arbitration practice and recently expanded its coverage with the establishment of a new office in Zürich. It conducts cases under the auspices of ICSID, ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and Stockholm Chamber of Commerce rules. A team of 20 lawyers covers disputes across a range of sectors including IP, construction, telecoms and energy. The firm recently acted as counsel on a USD4 billion gas pricing dispute in Geneva that arose from a contract between two Middle Eastern companies.
Sources say: "The partners are always accessible and they respond promptly. The firm is committed and consistently gives a sterling performance."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Pierre Lalive is hailed as being "in a class of his own." He is a leading authority on international arbitration and has over 50 years' experience in international law. Clients laud Michael Schneider as "a brilliant counsel, who has an ability to remain calm and get to the truth." He is the incumbent president of the Swiss Arbitration Association. Top-notch arbitrator and counsel Matthias Scherer is perceived as "a true international arbitrator: someone who is firm but fair and gets things moving." He recently acted as counsel for the respondent in a multimillion-dollar ICSID arbitration arising from a BIT between an Eastern European country and US investors.
THE FIRM This well-positioned Swedish firm has a strong presence in the Scandinavian and CEE markets and has offices across Sweden, Germany and Russia. The dispute resolution group fields 13 partners who regularly act on behalf of governmental institutes, blue-chip companies and financial institutions across an array of arbitrations under ICC, LCIA and other arbitration rules. The group has extensive experience of acting for parties in the energy and construction sector. In a recent highlight, it acted as counsel for a Norwegian chemical company in USD130 million proceedings against a Russian company for the alleged breach of a shareholders' agreement.
Sources say: "An impressively well-run firm which produces top-level work and shines in its responsiveness."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Kaj Hobér is a prominent arbitrator and counsel based in Stockholm. He is described as "extremely erudite – one of the great and good of the arbitration community." He regularly spends time in the Moscow office and has extensive Russian expertise.
THE FIRM This firm has an extensive network of offices, particularly in CEE. Its German offices are highlighted for their broad practice, which includes frequently covering post-M&A disputes, energy and industrial construction projects and disputes between Middle Eastern and Eastern European states. The Frankfurt team recently represented a notable claimant active in the international real estate and project development industry, advising the client on distribution law issues.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Munich-based Klaus Michael Sachs is highly regarded as an arbitrator and is renowned for his work in complex cases both in Germany and internationally. Peers speak highly of him and observe that he is "consistently well prepared and has a sterling reputation." In Cologne, Torsten Lörcher also frequently sits as arbitrator, as well as acting as counsel in M&A and private equity-related proceedings.
THE FIRM A new addition to this year's rankings, this firm has a strong commercial arbitration practice, particularly from its London base. The team serves clients across Europe and receives praise for its multi-cultural and multilingual capabilities. The firm recently acted as counsel to Spanish investors in YUKOS, in an arbitration at the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce under the Spain–Russia BIT.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in the firm's London office, talented practitioner Stephen Bond specialises in international commercial arbitration. Sources say he is "extremely able, with real arbitration pedigree," and stands out for his long-standing experience and hands-on approach. He has acted under the auspices of all the major rules in seats across Europe. Gaëtan Verhoosel is highly rated for his arbitration work and multilingual abilities, having practised in Dutch, French, English and Spanish in jurisdictions across Europe. Clients comment that he is "strategically strong with a clear vision of where to go in cases." He leads the investment treaty arbitration practice from London.
THE FIRM This full-service Zürich-based firm has a team of 27 lawyers who advise notable clients in international arbitrations. A recent highlight was acting for a large food company in a USD20 million dispute over an IT contract. It also represented a leading international telecoms company in proceedings in various courts and jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the UK, Sweden, Romania and Dubai. Representative clients include Vivendi and Ericsson.
Sources say: "The firm is first-rate: it provides excellent support and the team can always gauge a situation and react appropriately."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Markus Wirth acts exclusively as arbitrator and receives superb feedback, with peers commenting that "he is fair, conscientious and hard-working." Balz Gross has standout experience in employment and banking arbitrations. He is lauded by clients as "straightforward, diligent and goal-oriented."
THE FIRM This US powerhouse has prominent offices in France, Germany, the UK and Spain. The 40-strong team has extensive arbitration experience and typically represents clients such as financial institutions, energy companies and governments. The offices frequently collaborate on multi-jurisdictional cases. In a recent highlight, lawyers from the firm's Paris and London offices acted for an international energy company in an ICC arbitration related to a gas price dispute. The firm also recently represented two Russian telecoms companies in two USD350 million LCIA arbitrations related to the acquisition of a stake in a large mobile network company in a former Soviet state.
Sources say: "The firm is clear and responsive in its work."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The key contact is Sebastian Seelmann-Eggebert, who heads the international dispute resolution group from Hamburg. He focuses on arbitration, particularly in relation to PIL.
THE FIRM This Swiss firm has an impressive arbitration practice with a significant Europe-wide presence and a blossoming Asian practice. It has offices across Switzerland and an office in Belgium. The 18-strong international team advises clients under all major arbitration rules across a variety of jurisdictions, and 12 members of the team dedicate all of their time to arbitration. The team has ample experience in commercial, construction, banking and finance and energy arbitrations. The firm has recently been busy with work related to BITs.
Sources say: "The firm counts some of the best arbitrators in Europe amongst its members."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The talented Pierre-Yves Gunter is "meticulous, well prepared and a quick thinker when analysing any given case," according to sources. With a solid pan-European reputation, Wolfgang Peter is commended for his impressive arbitration practice. Clients appreciate his adroit leadership skills and strong commercial sense.
THE FIRM This Swiss firm is recognised for its leading arbitration practice and has 11 partners who regularly act as arbitrators and counsel across Europe. The firm's expertise covers the construction, IP, M&A and energy sectors. Recent highlights include representing a Turkish construction company in a London ICC case relating to the construction of a luxury hotel in Tajikistan. Its impressive client list includes several European telecoms companies and numerous healthcare firms. Sources praise its high-quality reinsurance arbitration practice.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Elliott Geisinger is frequently appointed as arbitrator and chairman and sources regard his work as "excellent." He enjoys a sterling reputation, particularly for arbitration work related to the construction sector.
THE FIRM This important contender in the European market has its headquarters in London and maintains a strong position in Paris and Moscow, with a further four offices in Western Europe. It boasts a diverse practice acting for states, including Georgia and Slovakia, multinationals, banks and major commercial companies, under the auspices of all the major arbitral institutions. It recently represented the affiliates of a leading Russian telecoms company in an UNCITRAL arbitration concerning a shareholder dispute with a Scandinavian telecoms company over a USD6 billion merger. The firm also has several new London-based instructions arising from disputes related to a major company in the Russian steel industry.
Sources say: "I would recommend the firm to others in an instant: I can't think of any better quality of work and understanding of our business."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Karyl Nairn is lauded as "the goddess of international arbitration in London," and impresses sources with her work in investor state cases. She recently acted for a Georgian multimedia company in an UNCITRAL arbitration in Stockholm, which related to the company's default on a series of promissory notes.
Hilary Heilbron QC of Brick Court Chambers has extensive experience of acting as both counsel and arbitrator. A recent highlight was appearing as counsel in the UK's Supreme Court relating to the enforcement of a New York ICC award rendered in Paris. The highly respected
Bernardo Cremades of B Cremades y Asociados is a well-known name in international arbitration. He is based in Madrid and his core practice focuses on disputes between states and investors.
Antonio Crivellaro of Bonelli Erede Pappalardo is deemed
"very knowledgeable" and serves as counsel in Milan. He specialises in construction and commercial contract disputes and advises on EU regulations related to public works and project finance. First-class Spanish arbitrator
Juan Fernández-Armesto of Armesto & Asociados is prominent in the field of commercial and construction arbitration. In addition to native Spanish, he speaks English, French, German and Portuguese. Peers and clients of the venerable
Bo Nilsson of Advokatfirman Lindahl consistently cite him as an
"excellent" arbitrator. He is regularly involved in international arbitrations in Stockholm and further afield. In addition to being an arbitrator,
Andreas Reiner of ARP Andreas Reiner & Partners is an experienced mediator. He recently chaired a notable case in the energy sector, and sources describe him as
"diplomatic, but tough when necessary, and consistently well prepared." Christer Söderlund of Advokatfirman Vinge KB is highly respected and frequently seen in CEE arbitrations. He speaks Russian and specialises in investment disputes.
Leading practitioner
Ronnie King heads Ashurst's international arbitration department from London and has well-honed expertise in energy and insurance disputes. He recently acted as chairman of an arbitral tribunal for a dispute between Bluewater and Petro SA related to payments for the processing of South African crude oil.
Daniel Hochstrasser of Bär & Karrer AG is exceedingly well respected and splits his time between counsel and arbitration work. Clients say he is
"pragmatic, tough and very experienced: he's a top guy and a doyen of Swiss arbitration." Duncan Matthews QC of 20 Essex Street is much sought after and stands out for his exceptional cross-examination skills. Sources describe him as
"a polished performer." Dominic Pellew of Baker Botts LLP has extensive experience in oil and gas disputes and is held in high esteem by clients. His experience includes arbitrations related to joint ventures, construction, bank lending and technology licensing. Based between London and Washington, DC,
Charles Brower of 20 Essex Street is recognised as one of the most in-demand arbitrators in the world.
Toby Landau QC of Essex Court Chambers earns praise for his work in international and commercial arbitration. He is
"an exceptionally bright and capable advocate," enthuse sources
. The much sought-after
V V Veeder QC of Essex Court Chambers sits in arbitrations across Europe. Sources say:
"He is superb: a marvellous arbitrator who is terrific in all capacities and has great presentational charm." New Zealander
David Williams QC is a top-notch arbitrator at Essex Court Chambers and has extensive commercial arbitration experience. He also specialises in PIL, investment disputes and energy and construction disputes.
Sole practitioner
Karl-Heinz Böckstiegel is
"clearly still one of the leaders in the market," according to peers. He sits as arbitrator, counsel and president of arbitration tribunals in ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL arbitrations amongst others.
Matthieu de Boisséson of Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier is widely considered one of the top arbitrators in Europe.
He recently represented a major oil multinational in a Stockholm-based arbitration against a Russian party. Top arbitrator
Yves Derains of Derains & Gharavi has
"exceptional technical ability," according to sources. He recently sat as chairman in an ICC multiparty arbitration regarding contractual breaches of a construction contract between a European company and several Brazilian companies. At the same firm,
Hamid Gharavi has particular expertise in Middle Eastern-focused commercial arbitration. He recently acted as lead counsel to a Middle Eastern company against a European company for breach of a contract for the construction of a nuclear plant in Iran.
Pierre Mayer of Dechert LLP is very highly regarded in the Parisian market. He is lauded as
"an absolute legend" and is prized as a leading arbitrator. He has profound experience in the fields of international trade, joint ventures and industrial co-operation, technology transfer, oil and gas and distribution and has sat as arbitrator under the rules of ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL. The much-admired
Eduardo Silva Romero of Dechert LLP is a cutting-edge, multilingual arbitrator with extensive experience in international sales, construction, oil, M&A and electricity-related disputes. A new addition to the Europe-wide ranking this year,
Sophie Lamb of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP impresses sources with her intellect. Clients also highlight her approachable manner and say she is
"very down to earth." Karl-Erik Danielsson of Gernandt & Danielsson Advokatbyrå KB is well known as an arbitrator in commercial disputes. Alongside lawyers from US firm Covington & Burling, he represented US welding company ESAB in arbitration proceedings against the Swedish branch of Zurich. Stockholm-based
Lars Edlund of G Grönberg Advokatbyrå is revered as an arbitrator and counsel for oil and gas disputes in CEE. He represented a number of multinational construction companies in several high-value ad hoc arbitrations concerning the construction of commercial centres in Russia and the Czech Republic.
Bernard Hanotiau of Hanotiau & Van den Berg is praised for his
"consistently well-prepared approach." He is currently serving as vice-president of the LCIA. Frankfurt-based
Peter Heckel of Hengeler Mueller is widely recognised for his work as arbitrator, most notably in the banking sector. Prolific Dutch arbitrator
Albert Jan Van den Berg of Hanotiau & Van den Berg retains his excellent reputation in the arbitration domain.
"Delightful" sole practitioner
Kenneth Rokison QC is
"at the top of people's lists: he knows the law inside out," according to sources. Professor
John Uff QC of Keating Chambers excels in arbitrations related to the construction and engineering sectors and has sat as arbitrator in proceedings across the world. An outstanding construction specialist,
Eric Schwartz of King & Spalding is
"up there with the best-prepared arbitrators and always asks the sharpest questions," enthuse sources. Leading Paris-based arbitrator and of counsel
Michael Bühler at Jones Day is a well-known authority on ICC proceedings. Peers and clients say he is
"a superb strategist." Latin America expert
Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler of Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler is considered a top choice for commercial and investment arbitrations. Peers describe top-tier
Laurent Lévy of Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler as
"extremely quick-witted." He splits his time between commercial and investment arbitration.
Françoise Lefèvre of Linklaters stands out for her
"honest, no-nonsense approach and superb language skills." She is highly commended for her work with Fortis.
Christopher Style QC of Linklaters is a director of the LCIA and has sat as arbitrator across the world in disputes related to the energy, infrastructure, telecoms and finance sectors. The ever-popular
Ian Glick QC of One Essex Court is focusing on his work as arbitrator and frequently sits in insurance arbitrations.
Siegfried Elsing is a top-drawer practitioner at Orrick Hölters & Elsing and is well respected for his work both as arbitrator and as counsel. He recently acted as counsel in a high-value restructurings dispute.
"Top-notch" arbitrator
Alan Redfern of One Essex Court receives effusive praise from clients. He is a vice-president of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC in Paris. Sole practitioner
Pierre Tercier is
"first-rate," according to sources. He is a former ICC chairman and has extensive experience as arbitrator.
Claes Lundblad of Roschier sits as both arbitrator and counsel and has recently been active in M&A and insurance-related disputes in Stockholm, Geneva and Amsterdam. He also participated in the Ukraine–Russia gas dispute.
Gerold Zeiler of Schönherr Rechtsanwälte GmbH sits as counsel and arbitrator and receives universally positive feedback, particularly for his work in investment treaty arbitration. Renowned Swiss arbitrator
Pierre-Yves Tschanz of Tavernier Tschanz is
"extremely rigorous and pays careful attention to the facts." He recently sat as chairman in several ICC arbitrations in Geneva.
Piero Bernardini of Ughi e Nunziante - Studio Legale is one of Italy's leading arbitrators and regularly sits under the rules of ICSID, UNCITRAL and ICC. He speaks Italian, French, English and Spanish. The
"brilliant" Ibrahim Fadlallah of Université de Paris X (Nanterre) is an accomplished academic with a superb reputation as arbitrator. The esteemed
Juliet Blanch is highly regarded in the arbitration community and heads Weil, Gotshal & Manges' international arbitration practice. She has previously acted for clients such as the Russian government and the EBRD.
David Brynmor Thomas of Thirty Nine Essex Street impresses sources with his
"delightful, well-focused style," particularly for construction-related disputes. Austrian star arbitrator
Christoph Liebscher of Wolf Theiss is
"exceptionally capable and quick-thinking" and is highly regarded in the arbitration field.
Robert Volterra of Volterra Fietta rises in the ranking and is well known for his PIL work. He regularly represents investors and states in investment treaty arbitrations. Clients say:
"He has unparalleled experience in arbitration, with super negotiation skills and an astonishing ability to see both the bigger picture and the smallest details. He masterfully handles parallel complex proceedings." Eric Teynier of Teynier, Pic & Associés receives excellent feedback for his work as chairman in tribunals. He frequently acts for states and is described as
"fantastic: he is logical and convincing." Andreas Bucher of Université de Genève receives across-the-board praise for his diligent approach to arbitration. The highly respected
John Bellhouse recently established his own firm, John M H Bellhouse, having previously been practice head at White & Case. He is well known in the sphere of construction arbitration.
A newcomer to this year's ranking, the
"very much in-demand" Brigitte Stern of Université de Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne) is praised by peers as an eminent authority on investment treaty arbitration.
Florian Haugeneder of Wolf Theiss makes his debut in the ranking this year. He is hailed as a talented young arbitrator and clients praise his
"supportive and business-oriented approach, as well as his ability to co-ordinate all parties involved." Rudolf Fiebinger of Fiebinger, Polak, Leon & Partners receives praise for his work in construction arbitration. Sources say he is
"smart and highly educated, with strong connections in the commercial arbitration world." Arbitrator
Stephen Fietta of Volterra Fietta joins the rankings this year and is described as
"sharp and knowledgeable." He focuses on PIL and advises states and private clients on a range of matters, including state sovereignty over natural resources and the protection of international investments under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties.
Patricia Nacimiento of Norton Rose LLP is lauded by clients for her work in construction arbitration. Sources say that she
"has an excellent understanding of how to deal with multicultural parties and handles them adeptly." She excels in Spanish language arbitrations and has an excellent reputation for Latin America-related arbitrations.
Since publication, Lars Edlund has moved in-house.
Since publication, Christopher Style has joined One Essex Court