International Arbitration: Nationwide

THE FIRM Debevoise & Plimpton's premier arbitration group brings extensive experience in commercial and investment treaty disputes to its stellar practice. Its noted strength in New York is enhanced by significant global presence and the group includes both leading arbitrators and counsel. The preeminent practice spans the full range of industries and geographies, with continuing representation of clients such as Holcim and ExxonMobil. A highlight from the last year is the representation of a US client seeking over $1 billion in damages in a NAFTA arbitration and in the corresponding litigation opposite Canada.

Sources say: "Their experience in arbitration and their quality of service makes them really one of the best - they are extremely experienced and knowledgeable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donald Francis Donovan is considered "as good an advocate as you are likely to find anywhere in any forum," and is acknowledged as a leading choice as both an arbitrator and counsel. His expertise encompasses both commercial and investment treaty matters, and he is currently serving as president of the American Society of International Law.

David Rivkin is "absolutely a leading figure in international arbitration," whose highly respected work as both advocate and arbitrator receives praise from all quarters. The last year has seen him continue to lead Occidental's ICSID arbitration which claims over $3 billion in damages against Ecuador, and represent clients such as General Electric in a range of global disputes.

Mark Friedman's well regarded advocacy practice sees him characterized as "very good counsel with a great depth of knowledge." His recent work representing Central European Media Enterprises in an LCIA arbitration successfully resulted in the complete defeat of the $58 million claim brought against it and the recovery of all costs.

Catherine Amirfar is highlighted as being "wonderful, by all accounts a rising star who always delivers." The last year has seen her continue to represent clients across various sectors, including representing a tire manufacturer alongside David Rivkin in a $20 million ICDR arbitration. This resulted in a successful award for the client.

THE FIRM The leading international arbitration practice at this preeminent firm remains a first choice that can draw on significant presence in New York and Washington, DC, as well as strength in London and Paris. Its extensive experience encompasses representing both investors and states in investment treaty disputes, and it also offers a significant commercial arbitration practice. The team's work for the Government of Turkey has seen it successfully defend three ICSID arbitrations that totalled $17 billion in the past year. An additional recent highlight includes its successful representation of National Grid in the District Court, US Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court, which all upheld the $54 million award previously obtained for the client. The group also maintains its widely acclaimed presence in the Latin American dispute arena.

Client Service "They are always responsive and when you need something from them they come up with it very quickly; what they are very good at, and this is a differentiating factor, is listening carefully to what you want."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Latin America and US international arbitration practice head Nigel Blackaby "absolutely lives up to his huge reputation," and is particularly praised for his "strength to take something that is very complex and explain it in simple terms." His expertise includes both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, and his recent work includes representing Crystallex International Corporation in a $3.8 billion ICSID arbitration brought against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Brian King garners praise from market sources as "a very good practitioner who has a very good tone," and is highly regarded for his work representing clients such as the Government of Turkey and ConocoPhillips.

Alexander Yanos draws on his extensive litigation experience in acting as counsel in a range of arbitration disputes, and continues to work with clients such as ConocoPhillips. He is particularly praised for his investment treaty practice.

THE FIRM This widely acclaimed firm houses a formidable international arbitration practice, with its US-based players located in New York, San Francisco, Austin, Houston, Atlanta and Washington, DC. Its global presence continues to grow with new hires in London and expansion in Singapore and Paris, with its US attorneys maintaining their position as premier practitioners in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration. The last year has seen it expand its representation of sovereign states, taking on clients such as Turkey and Ukraine. Its representation of Chevron continues to garner praise and headlines, and the past year saw a $98 million final award issued in damages to Chevron in relation to breach-of-contract cases brought against Ecuador by Texaco Petroleum Company in the 1990s.  

Client Service "They are very knowledgeable about the subject and our case - anytime there is any movement, or they know of something going on, even if it is not officially related, they keep me informed."

Commercial Awareness "They are an extremely able outfit which has a great deal of experience in the arbitration field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez is characterized by sources as being "outstanding to work with," and is praised for his practice as both counsel and arbitrator. He is respected for his work in both investment treaty and commercial disputes.

Doak Bishop is considered "one of the greatest investor state lawyers worldwide," who is highly respected as a leading advocate and arbitrator. His expertise in representing claimants in prominent ICSID arbitrations is exemplified by the recent award of damages and interest to client Impregilo. He also garners praise for his substantial commercial arbitration practice.

Market sources describe John Bowman as "superb in every aspect and meticulous at how he looks at a case." He remains particularly prominent in the commercial arbitration arena, and has leading expertise in the oil and gas space.

Commentators attest to Edward Kehoe's strength in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, and he remains a highly regarded presence in the arena. His recent highlights include representing The Renco Group in a $800 million UNCITRAL arbitration against Peru.  

Craig Miles is considered a valuable member of this prominent team, and is praised as being "very pragmatic" and "a good strategist." He has played a key role in large ICSID arbitrations against respondents such as Argentina, illustrating his investment treaty expertise.

Henry Guy Burnett recently joined the firm from Crowell & Moring. Based in New York, he garners praise from market commentators for his practice as both advocate and arbitrator. He brings particular expertise in disputes related to Latin America, and can offer fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese.

THE FIRM The leading international arbitration practitioners at this global firm are renowned for their preeminent expertise as both counsel and arbitrators, and have a noted presence in New York and Washington, DC.  The group has long won accolades for its depth of experience in investor-state arbitrations, representing both states and claimants. It can also boast a well established commercial arbitration practice, and its range of repeat clients includes TECO Energy and the Republic of Peru. A recent highlight includes representing the multiple Italian claimants Abaclat and Others in a $1.3 billion ICSID arbitration brought against Argentina. This matter is groundbreaking due to the number - tens of thousands - of individuals represented in the claim.

Sources say: "They have lived up to their reputation - their strengths are their substantive knowledge of the law and practical experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Global practice head Paul Friedland is considered "a wonderful person to work with," whose leading practice draws on expertise in acting as both counsel and arbitrator. He garners praise from market commentators for his strength in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations.

Carolyn Lamm remains a premier advocate and arbitrator, and is someone who "brings practical experience too, and is a go-to lawyer" in the international dispute arena. Her investment treaty expertise is particularly highlighted and her recent work includes representing the Republic of Uzbekistan in an ICSID arbitration worth over $200 million.

Abby Cohen Smutny is highly commended by market sources for her expertise and "good strategic sense of what the case requires." While she remains widely regarded for her leading investment state practice, the past year has seen her continued involvement in complex commercial arbitrations. These exemplify a noted strength in the financial services and banking sectors which complements her broader expertise.

Darryl Lew remains a significant member of the team, and brings his wider litigation experience to his arbitration practice. Along with Abby Cohen Smutny, he represented Gold Reserve in an ICSID arbitration brought against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela worth over $2 billion.

Ank Santens is applauded by market sources for her ever-increasing expertise in a wide range of arbitrations, with both commercial and investment state capabilities. She is also commended for her experience representing clients before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

THE FIRM This highly recommended group continues to garner praise for its strength in a wide range of dispute settings whilst remaining particularly fêted for its expertise in investment treaty arbitrations. The distinguished practitioners offer experience in representing both claimants and respondents, and are held in especially high regard for their strength in Latin America-related matters. The group has represented eight different sovereign states in the past year, including the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Panama, and its client base also includes EDF International and Von Ardenne. It continued to represent the Republic of Chile in the longest ongoing ICSID arbitration, brought by claimants Victor Pey Casado and Fundación Allende.

Sources say: "They have excellent client service - they were very proactive, reminding us of the next moves, they showed a good understanding of the process of arbitration and we had the very best guidance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Paolo Di Rosa is praised for his wealth of experience, particularly in investor-state arbitration. His highly respected practice can draw on both his time working in the Department of State and on his expertise in Latin America-related disputes. Highlights from the past year include leading representation of EDF in separate $1.4 billion and $260 million arbitrations against Argentina.

Jean Kalicki is considered outstanding by market sources, and has particular expertise in ICSID arbitrations. Her prominent practice spans representation of both sovereign states and investors, and her recent work includes continued representation of the Republic of Hungary in a $700 million ICSID arbitration.

THE FIRM The respected arbitration practice at Covington & Burling continues to win accolades for its expertise in commercial and investment treaty arbitration. Its strong foothold in the market is illustrated by its involvement in high profile cases for clients such as Exxon Mobil Corporation and the Spanish investors in Yukos. The group can offer wide-ranging sector expertise and in the past year has particularly continued to cement its noted capabilities in African and Latin American disputes. An additional strength highlighted by clients is the group's ability to apply its depth of experience in the arena to strategic decisions such as panel selection.

Commercial Awareness "They have been an outstanding international firm for 90 years and are still going strong - an extremely able firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources affirm Oscar Garibaldi's "depth of knowledge in international arbitration and international law," and characterize him as "a first class litigator with a very considerable knowledge of international arbitration." He is particularly noted for his investment treaty expertise and has led several ICSID arbitrations in the past year.

Eugene Gulland can bring highly respected litigation experience to his international arbitration expertise and garners praise for his detailed and dedicated approach. The last year has seen his continued representation of ExxonMobil alongside Oscar Garibaldi. An additional highlight includes forming part of the team acting for the Jordanian government in an ICSID arbitration.

THE FIRM This highly commended practice group remains a recognized force in the market, with expertise spanning commercial and investment treaty arbitrations and strong capabilities whether advocating or sitting as arbitrators. The group's recent work spans a range of industries including the energy and pharmaceutical sectors, illustrating the breadth of its practice. Notable clients include the Government of Canada, Forest Laboratories and V.S.N. Produktie, and the group has also been active in prosecuting and defending arbitrations. Its representation of RosInvestCo UK in an arbitration brought against the Russian Federation resulted in a significant award being issued. The award represents the first time that an international tribunal concluded that tax demands placed on Yukos by Russia were illegitimate.

KEY INDIVIDUALS International practice cochair Steven Hammond wins acclaim from commentators for his aptitude as both an advocate and an arbitrator. Recent highlights include representing a national oil company in a $500 million ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Kazakhstan.

John Townsend is "definitely one of the best US practitioners out there," and is considered "highly responsive, analytically strong and a pleasure to work with." He chairs the arbitration and alternative dispute resolution practice, and is praised for his leading presence as both counsel and arbitrator. His recent work includes representing Canada in a $500 million LCIA arbitration brought by the USA. He was also involved in the representation of RosInvestoCo UK in its arbitration brought against the Russian Federation.

John Fellas remains a widely acclaimed member of the team, prominent as both an arbitrator and an advocate. He is considered "one of the best - his reputation is phenomenal and deserved," and is praised as being "an impressive practitioner who is good at keeping lines of communication open."

Christopher Paparella has recognized expertise in the energy sector,and remains active representing clients as counsel in a range of disputes. Sources comment that "he is very creative, always developing new ideas and proposing new alternatives," and offers "a very efficient and good service."

THE FIRM Sidley Austin remains a distinguished player in the international arbitration arena, and offers focused strength in its US, European and Asian offices. The group plays a central role acting as counsel and arbitrator in a wide range of arbitrations, whilst being particularly commended for its highly acclaimed investment treaty expertise. It can draw on extensive experience representing both investors and states, while also offering a strong command of commercial arbitrations. It attracts repeat clients such as the Republic of Peru, and its recent work includes representing the Republic of Turkey in an ICSID arbitration brought by a Dutch company regarding the construction of a power plant.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stanimir Alexandrov is considered to be "extremely talented as both arbitrator and advocate," and is characterized as "a first-rate mind and individual who is absolutely committed to the practice." He co-chairs the firm's international arbitration practice, and is highly regarded as an expert in investment treaty cases while also bringing experience in commercial arbitration. His highlights from the past year include representing the Republic of Peru in several ICSID arbitrations, including defending it against two separate claims, one of more than $2.5 billion, the other of $2 billion.

THE FIRM The widely acclaimed team at Skadden continues to uphold its respected strength in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, and its leading attorneys offer a notable breadth of geographical and industry expertise. The last year has seen the team grow in strength and partner numbers, and it acts for clients such as BNP Paribas in a range of arbitrations. The team's major recent work includes successfully securing a jurisdictional ruling in a $1.4 billion ICSID arbitration in which it represented Cemex Caracas Investments and Cemex Caracas Investments II  against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. A further highlight is the representation of Yanni Kardassopoulos and Ron Fuchs in additional proceedings brought by claimant Georgia in relation to a previously obtained $100 million ICSID award.

Sources say: "The team has an excellent balance of US litigation expertise and international commercial perspective - their deep international arbitration experience has been invaluable to us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Barry Garfinkel is considered a leading arbitrator, and serves as both chairman and a nominated panel member before a range of arbitral institutions. The past year has seen him sit in a number of significant arbitrations involving parties from the financial and aircraft manufacturing sectors.

John Gardiner co-heads the firm's international litigation and arbitration group, and is "a great litigator" who "brings strategic overview and vision, while having an excellent grasp of the issues." His recent work has included representing an Indian financial institution in an ICDR arbitration that involved a $45 million dispute with an investor. This dispute has involved complex enforcement issues involving Indian public policy and law.

Timothy Nelson continues to be held in high regard by commentators, and he draws on extensive international dispute experience. He played a key role in representing Yanni Kardassopoulos and Ron Fuchs in the matter described above, and is also recognized as an expert in matters concerning space law.

Julie Bédard garners significant praise from market sources for her expertise in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. She brings significant capabilities in a range of languages including Spanish, Romanian and French. She is additionally noted for her ability to sit as an arbitrator as well as serving as counsel.

THE FIRM Allen & Overy is recognized globally for its strong international arbitration practice, and the New York-based practitioners offers leading expertise on their own merits and can draw on the firm's leading office network. The group is highly commended for its dedicated approach to client service, and focuses on both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. It is also noted for its ability to handle ancillary litigation, and incorporates recognized strength in the energy sector to its practice. The last year has seen the group work with a range of clients, including Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Belize Social Development Limited and the Republic of Peru.

Client Service "They are very hardworking and good at being accessible - their client service is excellent, they are very quick and detailed with their responses. Clearly a top firm and it shows."

Commercial Awareness "I cannot think of a single instance when advice they have given was not congruent with our business perspective - they are about as close to clairvoyant as you can get about our business objectives."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Louis Kimmelman is "an absolute all-star," who is noted for his "extraordinarily strong analytical mind." He recently led the representation of the Republic of Peru in an ICSID arbitration which resulted in the Chinese claimant being awarded less than $1 million plus interest of the $25 million sought.

Dana MacGrath is noted for her experience in commercial arbitration and wins acclaim for her work serving a range of clients in complex disputes. Sources attest to her expertise and credit her as being "extremely hardworking and very smart."

THE FIRM  The practice group at this highly regarded firm garners praise for its increasingly broad arbitration expertise whilst upholding its recognized strength in the energy arena. The US-based practitioners who form part of the global 26-member group are located in Houston and Washington, DC and can draw on a significant global network. Their practice covers both investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, representing a wide range of parties. Recent work includes representing a client from the US oil and gas sector in a $20 million LCIA arbitration involving an oil transportation vessel situated in African waters. The group's active clients also include the Russian Federation and Kia Motors.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Goldberg cochairs the practice, and brings experience of both serving as counsel and sitting as an arbitrator in a range of disputes. His work representing the Russian Federation in all of the cases arising from disputes with the former Yukos Oil Company showcases his ability to handle complex and multiparty cases.

Jennifer Smith garners praise from the market for her expertise in representing clients particularly in commercial arbitration and brings noted experience in the energy sector. Sources comment on her "extreme dedication and focus," and she is qualified to practice both in the UK and the US.

Michael Lennon is equally noted for his strong energy capabilities, and his respected practice draws on significant experience in disputes involving the Middle East. His recent work includes representing a financial services company based in the UAE in a $19 million DIAC arbitration, and he also brings expertise in matters concerning South America and North Africa.

THE FIRM The strongly cohesive and integrated approach that Cleary offers is equally prevalent in the international arbitration practice group, and is highlighted by clients as being a distinct asset. The group is a recognized force in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration, and offers expertise across a wide range of industry sectors. Its work for the Russian Federation exemplifies its broad capabilities and includes successful continued representation of Russia in multiple disputes arising from an ICC arbitration against a Swiss trading company. An additional highlight is its representation of Citigroup in an ICC arbitration brought against Eurohypo concerning the purchase of a EUR2 billion loan portfolio.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Rosenthal is highly praised by market sources for his innovative and creative approach to complex disputes and is particularly noted for his experience in commercial arbitration. He led the representation of Citigroup in the ICC arbitration referred to above.

Howard Zelbo is commended for his expertise in both arbitration and litigation and brings extensive experience serving as counsel to a range of clients. His recent focus on disputes involving Latin American parties is exemplified by his representation of DP World in an ICSID arbitration brought against the Republic of Peru.

THE FIRM  The practice group at this firm has almost twenty years' experience as a freestanding entity and offers expertise in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration to a range of international clients. The group's widely acclaimed sector expertise is deeply rooted in the energy industry, and its market presence has continued to grow in the past year with several new team additions. Its attorneys are noted for their capacity as both counsel and arbitrators, and are headquartered in Houston. Its client base includes ConocoPhillips, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Transierra.

Client Service "I like the attention they give to clients and the fact that they have a capacity to explain complex matters in a very simple way so that people can understand and grasp the risks easily."

Commercial Awareness "The firm displays outstanding experience in international arbitration as a whole, including a commercially focused approach to the problems posed and a thorough analysis of all dispute matters." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Baker is considered "a tremendous advocate with profound knowledge of the energy industry." Commentators are full of praise for his efforts in creating a well regarded and respected group. He co-heads the international department and is highly respected as both an advocate and arbitrator.

Kevin O'Gorman brings particular expertise in both energy and maritime-related matters, and is praised by sources for his investment treaty and commercial work. He is characterized as "very experienced, smart and thoughtful."

Anibal Martin Sabater is "a bright individual who shows an impressive wealth of knowledge regarding international arbitration in Latin America." He is qualified to practice in the US, England and Wales, and Spain. Sources comment that "his service to the client is amazing."

THE FIRM The group at this internationally renowned firm is respected for its commercial and investment treaty expertise, and draws on a prestigious bench of litigators with proven experience in international arbitration. One facet of its practice particularly highlighted is its significant reinsurance and insurance capabilities, and it has recently placed growing emphasis on intellectual property-related arbitration. Major work from the past year includes successfully representing Oil Basins in an arbitration concerning the payment of royalties for oil and gas produced in several Australian states.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Smit cochairs the practice and is considered "one of the most talented arbitration practitioners in the world." He is highly regarded by market sources for his work as both counsel and arbitrator and is particularly noted for his expertise in commercial arbitrations. His recent work includes representing MatlinPatterson in US litigation challenging the enforcement of a $55 million award imposed by a Brazilian arbitral tribunal.

THE FIRM Sullivan & Cromwell is renowned for its multifaceted international dispute capabilities, and its convergent approach to litigation and arbitration enables it to maintain a strong presence in the arena. The widely acclaimed attorneys primarily focus on commercial arbitration, although they are also able to offer expertise in investor-state work. While the firm is particularly commended for its experience in the financial services sector, its arbitration practice encompasses a range of industries and geographies. Recent work includes achieving a fourth successful result in an ICC arbitration on behalf of client TeliaSonera and Sonera Holding.

Sources say: "They are very service minded and also understand that business life is not only about law, there are other elements to take into consideration - they understand the business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice coordinator Joseph Neuhaus is considered a superb member of the Bar by market sources, and brings extensive experience both sitting as an arbitrator and serving as counsel. He predominantly focuses on commercial arbitration, and has particular expertise in matters related to Latin America. He has recently been appointed as an arbitrator in a UNCITRAL investor-state arbitration, demonstrating his breadth of practice.

THE FIRM This practice group is globally renowned for its experience and expertise in a wide range of arbitral fora, and its US-based practitioners are a significant justification for this. They are able to offer expertise in both ICC and investment treaty arbitrations while remaining particularly highlighted for their endeavors in the commercial arena. The group displays noteworthy strength in a range of sectors and have in the past developed further capabilities in the intersection between IP matters and international arbitration.

Sources say:  "They were one of the best law firms in international arbitration I have had contact with, they are excellent advocates. All of the partners I came across were really excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators are full of praise for New York practice leader John Pierce, and he is considered "a highly intelligent and talented lawyer as well as an outstanding advocate." The past year has seen him continue to act in a range of often complex ICC arbitrations.

Rachael Kent is held in high regard for her "fantastic ability to get command of complex factual situations but then step back, synthesize, put things in a context and set up a strategy that is really first rate." She is highly commended for her ever-increasing commercial arbitration practice.

The highly respected James Carter recently joined WilmerHale from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP and remains "a leading light" in the field. Market commentators attest to his abilities as "an excellent arbitrator" and the past year has seen him continue to sit as both chairman and sole arbitrator in a wide range of cases. He also remains active as counsel, and a recent example of this includes representing a Japanese mining manufacturer in an ICDR arbitration held in New York.

THE FIRM This respected boutique remains highly regarded as a preeminent choice for Latin America-related disputes, with a leading clientele recognizing its focus and strength in this active area. Its investor-state practice continues to grow alongside its customary commercial arbitration capabilities, and the Miami-based practitioners can draw on experience acting as both counsel and arbitrators.

KEY INDIVIDUALS José Astigarraga consistently garners praise from market commentators for his leading arbitration practice and outstanding personality, and he offers expertise in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations. He is particularly lauded for his wealth of experience in matters concerning Latin America.

THE FIRM The acclaimed practice group at this leading firm maintains its significant market foothold with a strong presence in seven separate offices across the US. It is traditionally held in high regard for its commercial arbitration expertise, and is particularly acknowledged for its work in matters related to emerging markets. These commercial capabilities are, however, being progressively enhanced by an increasing strength in investment treaty arbitration and the group can also draw on experience acting as both arbitrator and counsel in a range of disputes. A recent highlight includes its client Petróleo Brasileiro being awarded all damages and costs in an arbitration brought against Kellogg Brown & Root, totaling around $200 million.

Sources say: "They have always been good at being responsive, and the quality of their work and their knowledge about arbitration are their real strengths."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice cochair Grant Hanessian is praised for his ability to be "straightforward and objective," and brings to his practice extensive experience serving as an advocate and sitting as an arbitrator. He is noted for his expertise in construction and infrastructure matters and also handles the team's investor-state work.

Sources hold David Zaslowsky in high esteem and consider him someone who "is always addressing the right issue at the right time." He serves as counsel in a range of commercial arbitrations and additionally brings expertise in enforcement litigation.

THE FIRM The practice group at Chadbourne remains a leading choice for arbitrations involving Latin American parties or jurisdictions, and has extensive experience in both advocating and arbitrating disputes. Its noted strength in both New York and Washington, DC adds to a global presence and growing capabilities in emerging areas such as Asia. The group offers both commercial and investment treaty capabilities, and has a particular focus on industries including energy, construction and pharmaceuticals. Recent highlights include successfully representing the Italian utility company, ENEL, in an ICC arbitration against two entities owned by EL Salvador. The group also represents PEMEX in a $1.5 billion arbitration concerning a Mexican oil and gas project.

Sources say: "The team was very well acclimated to what goes on in an arbitration, and what to expect - it was like an orchestra."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Oliver Armas is well regarded by market commentators for his practice as both advocate and arbitrator. He is particularly noted for his commercial arbitration expertise, but brings a respected breadth of sector experience to his work. He continues to uphold his extensive strength in matters related to Latin America.

Since publication, Mark Beckett has joined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP. He is held in high regard as "a very passionate advocate" with "an in-depth knowledge of international arbitration players, practitioners and arbitrators." He offers wide-reaching expertise in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations.  

THE FIRM This highly respected New York-based boutique wins acclaim from commentators for its premier international arbitration practice and has continued to grow in numbers and strength in the past year. Its extensive commercial and investment treaty capabilities are increasingly in demand within a growing number of industries and it maintains a strong reputation in matters related to Latin America. The team's ability to work cohesively with foreign counsel is exemplified by recent representation of a Korean construction company alongside Korean co-counsel in an ICDR arbitration regarding a project taking place in Afghanistan. An additional highlight includes defending the Republic of Liberia against a $750 million ICSID claim.

Commercial Awareness "As for areas of law or industries, Chaffetz Lindsey continues to impress in the fields of international commercial but also investor-state arbitration - it has understood its position in the market and translated this into a success story."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Lindsey is "a superb practitioner and arbitrator," and brings extensive expertise particularly in the energy sector to his highly respected practice. His recent work includes successfully representing a European pharmaceutical company in an arbitration that resulted in a $130 million award in his client's favor. His strong capabilities encompass both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations.

James Hosking is "incredibly knowledgeable in both commercial and investor-state arbitration," and leads the firm's investment treaty capabilities. His well regarded practice also includes a focus on the energy and construction sectors and a recent highlight includes representing an international energy company in a SIAC arbitration seated in Singapore.  

THE FIRM Crowell & Moring maintains a significant international arbitration practice, and offers a strong presence in Washington, DC, New York and California as well as its London and Brussels capabilities. Noted for its expertise in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration, its practitioners are experienced in acting as both counsel and arbitrator. The group is particularly highlighted for its multilingual capabilities and for the diversity of its practice. Recent work includes representing Caratube International Oil Company in a $3 billion ICSID arbitration against Kazakhstan.

Sources say: "They are partners with us in the true sense of the word and they have absolutely always shown a good understanding of our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Laird is a key contact.

THE FIRM This team maintains a strong presence in the market and is commended for its multifaceted approach to arbitration. Its US-based practitioners are located in Washington, DC and New York and work alongside partners in Asia and Europe. The group offers expertise in arbitral award enforcements and political risk insurance arbitrations which go alongside its noted capabilities in investment treaty and commercial arbitration. It recently obtained a victory for the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation in the first stage of an arbitration held in London. Requiring the interpretation and application of several international fishing treaties, that decision has implications for both the world's largest stock of tuna and sustainable fishery certifications, and potentially set a precedent for future conservation efforts with respect to tuna stocks in other parts of the world. The team additionally acts as global enforcement counsel for a range of clients including Karaha Bodas and Thai-Kai Lignite.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Profaizer is praised for his ability "to be open to the dynamics of the case."  His expertise includes both commercial and investment treaty arbitration, and one client enthuses: "I give him high marks on everything."

THE FIRM The last year has seen some significant enhancements to Weil's international arbitration capabilities, and continued strength in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration. The practice group offers expertise across a range of industries, including construction, finance and telecommunications, and works with an equally diverse range of clients. The addition of four respected practitioners previously at Crowell & Moring has amplified existing multijurisdictional capabilities, and reinforced the firm's diverse practice. Arif Ali, Theodore Posner and Alexandre de Gramont add breadth to the Washington, DC office, and Samaa Haridi boosted the New York team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric Ordway is held in high regard by market sources for his commercial and investment treaty expertise. His practice is enhanced by his fluency in Spanish and French, and he can draw on extensive international litigation experience.  

Arif Ali now cochairs the firm's international arbitration practice, and he is highly praised by sources as being "very knowledgeable, articulate and a gentleman." He brings a wealth of experience in the arbitration arena, with expertise in diverse industries and jurisdictions. He is particularly noted for his work in matters concerning Latin America and is equally adept in commercial and investment treaty arbitration.

Alexandre de Gramont is a new addition to the table this year, and garners considerable praise for his investor-state expertise. He is considered to be "a very good speaker who can create a very forceful argument."

Samaa Haridi is highly praised by market commentators as being "a wonderful individual, and talented," who is particularly noted "for her specialty in Middle Eastern arbitrations." Her fluency in Arabic and French are an added benefit for clients benefiting from her commercial and investment treaty expertise.

THE FIRM The international arbitration team at this global powerhouse has seen its US capabilities extend further this year with new additions and promotions in Miami and New York. It offers substantial expertise in investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, and draws on a significant network of local capabilities when representing clients in wide-ranging jurisdictions. Recent work includes successfully representing the Czech Republic in a $50 million UNCITRAL arbitration regarding the ownership of a golf course and bankruptcy proceedings concerning this.

Sources say: "They are very good in terms of liaising with the client and trying to identify the client's needs. I think they are very proactive in receiving our comments and very good at interacting with us in a friendly and understanding way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Since publication, Cedric Chao has joined the firm from Morrison & Foerster. Market commentators praise Chao for his broad capabilities as "a passionate advocate," and for his dedication to the arena serving as both counsel and arbitrator. 

THE FIRM The respected arbitration practitioners at this firm are located in the Washington, DC, London, Paris and Hong Kong offices and the group has continued to grow in the past year. It is particularly noted for its expertise in commercial arbitrations, and its client base represents a broad swath of industries. Although traditionally known for its European capabilities, the past year witnessed a broader range of work including successfully representing West African company Oranto Petroleum in a $320 million ICC arbitration. An additional highlight includes representing Thales Alenia Space in an ICDR arbitration regarding a satellite supply contract worth $1 billion.

Sources say: "They have been consistently excellent in quality of advice and response time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators are full of praise for practice leader Elliot Polebaum, and he is particularly noted for his broad commercial arbitration expertise. He acts as both arbitrator and counsel, and is "very good at listening to clients and trying to come up with solutions agreeable to the clients both legally and practically."

THE FIRM The respected group at this internationally renowned firm offers expertise in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration. It has a strong US presence in Miami, Washington, DC and New York, and represents clients from a wide range of industries. The US-based practitioners are particularly highlighted for their experience in complex commercial arbitrations, and for their strength in disputes related to Latin American parties and jurisdictions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel González co-leads the firm's international arbitration practice, and is highly regarded by market sources for his commercial dispute experience. He brings particular expertise in matters related to Latin America, and is also experienced in sitting as an arbitrator.

THE FIRM Jenner & Block remains an active and respected participant in the international arbitration arena, and is recognized for its expertise primarily in commercial arbitrations. The group's broad capabilities include strengths in matters related to insurance coverage and reinsurance, government contracts and IP. Its recent work includes defending a client in a commercial arbitration where the claim brought reached over $1 billion. It was also successful in representing Ritz-Carlton in a $140 million ICDR arbitration involving a dispute with the owners of a Jamaican resort.

Sources say: "They absolutely show a good, pragmatic commercial understanding - they have a complete understanding of our practice needs and model, and of the information we need to run our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lawrence Schaner cochairs the practice along with Richard Ziegler. He is "highly regarded in the whole network of the international arbitration field," and serves as both counsel and arbitrator in a range of commercial cases.

Richard Ziegler is considered "a superb advocate who is respectful of the process, of the international arbitrating tribunals and the opposition." He is the managing partner of the firm's New York office and is highly regarded for his advocacy capabilities and client-centered approach.

THE FIRM This respected international arbitration team draws on the firm's preeminent advocacy culture, and can offer multijurisdictional expertise in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. Its integrated approach means that clients benefit from its worldwide strength, and the past year has seen it grow its capabilities in Latin American disputes. Its strong enforcement practice is illustrated by the ruling the team successfully obtained from the Ontario Court of Appeal that upheld the largest ever NAFTA damages award to be issued. An additional recent highlight includes representing Brazilian client Star One in a $54 million ICC arbitration involving the telecommunications satellite market.

Sources say: "They were very client friendly, very sensitive to client needs and involved with us - it was a partnership working with them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly respected Philip Allen Lacovara is considered a leading arbitrator and is senior counsel at the firm. Commentators characterize his practice as outstanding and note that they are "really impressed with his attention to detail."

Practice cochair William Knull is highly praised as being "one of the best cross-examiners ever witnessed," and sources attest to his capabilities as "a perfect writer and a very effective advocate." His noted expertise in the oil and gas arena continues to be exemplified in his recent work serving as counsel in a range of arbitral settings.

Jeffrey Sarles focuses on both international arbitration and appellate work, and has significant expertise in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration. He is the Chicago litigation practice co-leader and also co-heads the supreme court and appellate group.

THE FIRM Morrison & Foerster boasts an increasingly prominent and respected international arbitration group, and can draw on practitioners who are experienced arbitrators and advocates. Its strong California presence enhances its capabilities in disputes arising from the technology sector and related IP issues, and it is also noted for its strong presence in Asia. The group's recent work includes successful representation of Olympus Capital in a $700 million ICC arbitration against Lone Star Funds and Korea Exchange Bank. Its client base demonstrates the group's range of expertise, and includes Bayer HealthCare, Fujitsu and Honeywell.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Grant Kim is a key contact.

THE FIRM O'Melveny & Myers remains a significant player in the international arbitration arena, offering significant US-based capabilities in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. It can additionally draw on its strong presence in Tokyo, Hong Kong and London. With expertise in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration, the team represented clients from a range of industries during the past year including the pharmaceutical, oil and gas and engineering sectors. Its recent work has seen it act under ICC, ICSID and DIS rules and represent parties from multiple jurisdictions.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Kassinger is a key contact.

THE FIRM The international arbitration team at Shearman includes 13 US-based practitioners, and is highlighted for its strength in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration. Its inclusive approach to matters allows clients to benefit from cooperation with the firm's leading Paris practitioners alongside the respected East and West Coast US attorneys. The team offers an additional focus on litigation concerning the enforcement of arbitral awards, and extensive language capabilities.

Sources say: "I would like to highlight the fact that they have a very efficient connection between offices, very smooth and efficient - they are not shy of doing work but they always optimize the staffing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Henry Weisburg is held in high regard by market sources for his extensive experience in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations. He recently filed a motion on behalf of Kutayba and Olmar Alghanim requesting a stay in court proceedings. This motion was granted and called into question key issues surrounding arbitration and public international law.