WWL does not list firms, only individual practitioners. The ’leading firms’ in each region are firms with numerous leading individuals highlighted, often across multiple jurisdictions. They are grouped for the benefit of readers and do not constitute a firm ranking.

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as being truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Full details on our research process can be found on our FAQ page.

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Bruno Augustin – Haberman Ilett, London
• Mark Bezant – FTI Consulting, London
• Richard Boulton QC – Berkeley Research Group, London
• Andrew Flower – Alvarez & Marsal, Paris
• Jean-Luc Guitera – KPMG SA, Paris
• Philip Haberman – Haberman Ilett, London
• Roula Harfouche – HKA, London
• Frank Ilett – Haberman Ilett, London
• Carlos Lapuerta – The Brattle Group, London
• Boaz Moselle – Compass Lexecon, London
• Chris Osborne – Osborne Partners, London
• Liz Perks – Haberman Ilett, London
• Kai F Schumacher – AlixPartners GmbH, Munich

Leading Firms

FTI Consulting

Mark Bezant draws effusive praise for being “very easy to work with and very efficient” as well as “his ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and concisely”.
The “remarkable” Noel Matthews is a notable player who is endorsed for his excellent work as an expert witness in arbitration cases.
Richard Edwards earns commendations for his “excellent grasp of various industries” and is lauded as a “truly creative thinker”.
Heiko Ziehms is “very thorough and methodical; he covers every angle”. He is highly sought after for his “depth of knowledge and experience”, which sources say gives them “full trust in his opinions”.
Matthias Cazier-Darmois enjoys a fantastic reputation as “one of the best experts in the market”. He is a “very precise expert” who is known for his “excellent testifying skills” and is “a real pleasure to work with”.
David Ashton is “very strong in hearings”, comment interviewees, who described him as an “extremely authoritative expert witness”.
Juliette Fortin has excellent experience acting as a testifying expert and is praised by peers as an “efficient expert” with a “sharp mind” who is “very easy to speak with”.
David Rogers is a “highly experienced and well-respected quantum adviser”. He is endorsed for his “great attention to detail” and “ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that can be easily understood”.
John Ellison is “a highly experienced, diligent and effective quantum expert” who is “excellent on his feet” and “very effective at defending his position”. Another impressed source notes: “I would not hesitate to instruct him again.”
Mike Pilgrem is a go-to expert who stands out for his extensive experience providing expert witness and prepared reports before arbitral tribunals and courts. He is “able to quickly understand and analyse key issues”, say sources.

Accuracy

Anthony Theau-Laurent “impresses courts and tribunals alike” with his “very detailed, rigorous, and user-friendly work” combined with a “natural ability to get to the core of an issue with an unparalleled forensic rigour”.
Erik van Duijvenvoorde is an “excellent expert” who “very quickly grasps the key issues of a case”. He stands out for his ability to “approach each problem with an exceptionally open mind and produce creative solutions”.
Laura Cózar “is extremely diligent and hardworking” and impresses sources with “her ability to simplify complex information and get to the heart of an issue”.
Eduard Saura comes highly recommended as “very thorough in the review and analysis of the data of the case”. He is “also excellent in oral presentations”, add sources.

Compass Lexecon

Boaz Moselle is an impressive expert who is “outstanding for big-ticket gas arbitrations”. His knowledge of the energy sector is a recurring theme among respondents, as is his outstanding performance as a testifying expert witness.
Julian Delamer is “a highly intelligent expert” and “a fantastic economist” praised for his “analytical skills” and “excellent work product”.
Neil Dryden enjoys a stellar reputation for his “clear and authoritative oral prsentation”. One source comments, “I’ve never seen anyone better at unpacking and explaining complex theories and then analysing other experts’ attempts to rely on and extend these theories – it was quite brilliant.”
Luis Agosti stands out for his “broad experience in the gas industry” and for his highly valued ability to consistently produce “high-quality work products in short time frames”.

Haberman Ilett

Philip Haberman maintains his “outstanding reputation” and perennial Global Elite Thought Leader status in this field, for his excellence when acting as an expert witness in a range of complex commercial matters.
Frank Ilett stands out for his “excellent work in complex fraud cases” and is lauded for being “effective during cross-examination” and “persuasive with tribunals”.
Bruno Augustin is well versed in providing testimony in disputes involving sectors such as defence, retail, renewable energy and financial services. One lawyer comments, “He did a great job in difficult circumstances.”
Vikki Wall stands out for her dynamic experience in all aspects of the dispute process and is revered for her impressive work as a testifying expert in cases before UK and international tribunals.
Valery Knyazev possesses excellent experience as a testifying witness in arbitrations including investment treaty claims, transaction-related disputes and loss of profit claims. Sources note that he “went above and beyond” and was “incredibly hardworking and approachable”.
Liz Perks is “an absolute delight to work with” according to peers, who laud her for being “hardworking, accessible and clever”.
Debbie Revill “is incredibly diligent and can handle extremely complex issues and analyses with ease”. Sources state that “her manner and approach inspires confidence and she performs well when giving evidence”.
Graham Nunns is recommended for his involvement in a range of commercial disputes matters, ranging from valuation disputes to contract disputes involving technology and construction projects.

Blackrock Expert Services

David Barry highly impresses clients, who laud him as “simply the best delay expert in the market, if not the world”. Other sources note, “Tribunals trust him and he stands out in the global market as an expert whom is truly independent, thorough and very bright.”
Austin Duffy is held in high esteem as a “motivated, passionate and talented” expert who is praised for his deep understanding of cases and for being “great to work with”.
Rob Palles-Clark “is excellent all-round”, opine interviewees. He is praised for his “integrity and calm methodical approach”, which “is highly valued by tribunals” and “brings confidence to even the toughest of cases”.

Deloitte

Elizabeth Gutteridge is a standout name and is well known for her skilful assistance in international arbitration cases. She is “invariably constructive in managing the client and the work”, comment sources.
Philip Rees is a distinguished expert who is “very sharp and excellent, and has been for years”. He handles shareholder and contractual disputes as well as the assessment of damages in arbitration proceedings.

HKA

The “excellent” Roula Harfouche is a Global Elite Thought Leader renowned for her “extensive experience in conducting valuations and acting as expert witness”.

David Saunders is a “highly respected expert” who gains plaudits for his “constructive approach as opposing expert” from sources who have seen him in arbitrations.
Colin Johnson is an esteemed expert witness, who stands out for his “invaluable industry expertise” and wide-ranging experience providing oral evidence in arbitration matters arising from investment treaty claims, as well as commercial, contractual and construction disputes.

AlixPartners UK

Andrew Grantham is a “respected expert in the arbitration space” who focuses his work on many aspects of accounting, valuation and financial matters.
Kai Schumacher is lauded for his “analytical skills, independent mind and professionalism”. “He is very smart and has excellent presentation skills”, which makes him a client favourite.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Timothy Allen receives widespread plaudits from sources who are impressed by his damages expertise and experience in cross-border arbitrations.
Ermelinda Beqiraj is “a problem solver” and a highly rated figure among peers. Sources say, “She’s great – and very clever.”

Alvarez & Marsal

Andrew Flower is a “brilliant valuation expert” with experience working on very large cases. He is commended for his ability to “adeptly work through large volumes of data” to narrow down the issues”.
Luke Steadman has more than 25 years’ experience specialising in providing accounting expert evidence for international arbitrations and peers note that he is “excellent for when there is an investigation angle in the case”.

KPMG

The “absolutely excellent” Jean-Luc Guitera is a well-recognised figure in the French market and is well versed in providing expert evidence in international arbitrations.
Nicholas Good stands out as “a truly outstanding quantum expert, particularly in the oil and gas sector”.

Leading Individuals

England

At Berkeley Research Group Richard Boulton QC is among “the leading quantum experts in international arbitrations without question”. He is highly endorsed by sources for being “very user-friendly” and “extremely adept at analysing, building and presenting a quantum case”.
Daniel Ryan impresses clients with his “with significant experience in valuation and forensic accounting engagements”. Sources appreciate his “detailed knowledge of the field” and note that he is “great at making complex ideas understandable”.

Chris Osborne, founder of Osborne Partners, is recognised as a Global Elite Thought Leader this year thanks to his dynamic practice, with sources saying that he “always thinks out of the box”. He has wide-ranging experience across multiple industries.

Carlos Lapuerta at The Brattle Group is an extremely highly regarded expert witness in our research, renowned for his extensive experience providing testimony in energy-related arbitration proceedings.

Duff & Phelps’ Dominic Wreford is recognised by sources for his notable work in damages quantification and contractual matters in high-value commercial disputes.

At EY Richard Indge is a “respected expert” in the UK market who is rated for his “constructive approach as an opposing expert”.
Maggie Stilwell gains recognition as “one of the top IP experts” in the field, with excellent experience as an expert witness in arbitration settings.

Tim Giles of Independent Economics & Finance is a dedicated financial economist, highlighted for his “great combination of skills and experience” when it comes to commercial and investment treaty arbitration.
Jessica Resch is recognised for her notable experience advising on economic issues in international arbitration and is recommended by peers for her excellent teamwork and ability under cross-examination..

The “phenomenal” Wendy MacLaughlin at gb2 LLP is “one of the best experts” in the market, highlighted for her “outstanding analytical skills“.

Michael Stokes at Ankura enjoys a reputation as “one of the best quantum experts” in the field thanks to his “great experience”.

Andrew Yendall of Yendall Hunter stands out as “one of the best delay experts” for his “extraordinary sharp mind” and his “vast experience in the most complex cases”. He is considered “the go-to for construction disputes”.

Neil Ashton at StoneTurn is a “well-known expert” who is “highly user-friendly, very thorough and diligent”. He gains recognition for his poise under fire in cross-examination and deep knowledge in damage quantification.

Independent practitioner Paul Barry is well-recognised name in the UK and someone who he been “a leading quantum expert for decades”.

Christopher Ennis of Time | Quantum Expert Forensics is a “very strong technical expert” who is highly regarded for his extensive experience as a testifying witness.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Manuel A Abdala – Compass Lexecon, Washington, DC
• Carla Chavich – Compass Lexecon, New York
• Santiago Dellepiane – Berkeley Research Group, New York
• Brent Kaczmarek – IAV Advisors LLC, Washington, DC
• Miguel A Nakhle – Compass Lexecon, Houston
• Pablo D López Zadicoff, Compass Lexecon, Washington, DC
• Howard Rosen – Secretariat, Toronto
• Michael Seelhof – Seelhof Consulting LLC, New York
• Kiran P Sequeira – Versant Partners, Washington, DC
• Matthew Shopp – Versant Partners, Washington, DC
• Pablo T Spiller – Compass Lexecon, New York

Leading Firms

Compass Lexecon

Manuel Abdala “is a star practitioner” who stands out as “a market leader amongst valuation experts”. He is “very effective with tribunals” and “is extremely thoughtful as well as independent in the best sense”.
Pablo Spiller is an impressive expert witness who is highlighted for his expertise on arbitration cases involving treaty and contractual disputes.
Miguel Nakhle is lauded for his “deep understanding of the power generation sector and its regulation in different jurisdictions of Latin America”. Sources particularly commend his ability to “dive into very complex issues with ease”.
Carla Chavich is an “amazing” expert witness who is “quick on her feet” and is “loved by clients for her thoroughness and practical approach”.
Pablo López Zadicoff is "an amazing expert" who is always "extremely well prepared and quick on his feet", displaying "vast knowledge in investment arbitration".

Berkeley Research Group

Santiago Dellepiane is lauded by one peer as “the absolute best” in the market thanks to his “brilliant and intuitive economic mind”. He is praised for being “very client- and tribunal-friendly”.
Anamaria Popescu stands out for her arbitration work in the construction market and is praised as “a gifted communicator who is able to distil difficult concepts into easy-to-understand language”.

Alvarez & Marsal

Laura Hardin is a distinguished expert highlighted as “an international superstar and a real pleasure to work with”.
Dean Graves is sought after for his extensive expertise of the energy industry and his wide-ranging skill in damage analysis.

Secretariat

Howard Rosen “combines a professorial grasp of valuation principles and methods with accounting expertise and practical, industry experience”. He is praised for “his ability to communicate about valuation issues clearly, succinctly, and forcefully, both in his written and oral presentations”.
Chris Milburn is well known in the US market and is endorsed for being “hardworking, creative, and providing timely advice”. He is “an excellent witness” who “stands up well under cross-examination”.

Leading Individuals

Canada

Neal Mizrahi at FTI Consulting is identified as having “poise and gravitas beyond his years” as well as “ a firm but pleasant testifying manner which renders him instantly credible”. One source remarks, "Neal is one of the best valuations experts I’ve worked with.”

USA

Kiran Sequeira at Versant Partners impresses sources with “his analytical skills and first-rate performance on cross-examination”. He gains plaudits for his ability to “break down complex financial and damages issues into an easily digestible format for tribunals and clients”.
Matthew Shopp is described as “a genius” by one source. He is praised for his “razor-sharp mind” while sources note that he “understands the law better than the lawyers”. They add, “He adds serious value to any matter he handles.”

Seelhof Consulting’s Michael Seelhof is “one of the true experts in the market with specialised knowledge of financial markets”. Sources appreciate his “strong analytical thinking, which he combines with a practical, commercial approach”.

Carlos Pabon-Agudelo of Infrastructure Economic Consulting “is a very experienced financial expert”. He has spent more than 20 years “handling very prominent cases in international, commercial and investment arbitration” and is “well trusted by clients”.

Brent Kaczmarek at IAV Advisors is lauded as “a great asset in the damages field” and is considered by one interviewee as “simply the best testifying expert witness in the business”.

Quadrant Economics’ Daniel Flores “applies his expert knowledge, quick wit and strategic thinking to provide crystal-clear analysis that goes straight to the heart of the issue”. He is also commended as “smart,easy to work with and creative”.

AlixPartners’ Greig Taylor is hugely respected by peers who note that he “is arguably the best expert in the market” and “unquestionably deserves to be included in WWL”.

The “truly excellent” Timothy Hart at Credibility International is “a formidable testifying expert” who has “a tremendous work ethic and huge amount of experience in the field”.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Daniela Bambaci – Berkeley Research Group, Buenos Aires
• Sebastian Zuccon – Compass Lexecon, Buenos Aires

Leading Individuals

Argentina

At Berkeley Research Group, Daniela Bambaci is an elite expert witness whom peers and clients alike assert is “very pragmatic and well versed in bilateral investment treaty matters”. They laud her as “very versatile” and for her ability of “understanding the nuances of each industry”.
Andrés Chambouleyron is “recommended without qualification” by sources who laud his ability to provide “articulate testimony”, which “managed to simplify and clarify a complex subject”. They also note his ability to ground his opinions “in the background and nuances of the case”.

Sebastian Zuccon at Compass Lexecon gains recognition as “one of Argentina’s top quantum experts”. He is praised for his “outstanding work” and “how fast he understands the essence of disputes” as well as his performance during cross-examinations.
Marcelo Schoeters is a prominent expert who “excels at testifying” and is commended for his ability to maintain “impressive focus under stressful conditions”.

Brazil

Cristiano de Sousa Zanetti of Cristiano Zanetti Advogados is a highly sought after expert witness in Brazil thanks to his “academic deep knowledge in civil matters”.

Chile

At FK Economics, “excellent expert” Jorge Fantuzzi is highly regarded for his deep-seated knowledge of competition and antitrust matters.
Juan Pablo Philippi Prado is lauded for his “excellent performance as an expert” and his proficiency in “delivering rigorous and clear reports”.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Mike Allen – Secretariat, Hong Kong
• Jonathan Ellis – Secretariat, Singapore
• Jonathan Humphrey – HKA, Sydney
• Montek Mayal – FTI Consulting, New Delhi
• Graham McNeill – FTI Consulting, Hong Kong
• James Nicholson – FTI Consulting, Singapore
• Jon Prudhoe – Ankura, Singapore

Leading Firms

FTI Consulting

James Nicholson is a top-quality practitioner who is highly experienced in providing expert testimonies before commercial and investment treaty arbitration tribunals.
The “sharp and intelligent” Montek Mayal gains widespread praise for his “vast subject area expertise". Sources note that “he is always well equipped to handle cross-examination and faces the tribunal brilliantly”.
Sources “would not hesitate to recommend” Mrinal Jain as he “is exceedingly hardworking and highly meticulous”.
Graham McNeill is a “very careful and independent” expert who is praised for consistently producing excellent work. He is “intelligent, personable and good with clients” and sources describe him as “a pleasure to work with”.

Secretariat

Mike Allen “is a very well-respected expert” who is “without a doubt a thought leader” according to commentators who laud him as “detailed and independent” and an “excellent witness in the box”.
The “excellent” Jonathan Ellis is “an experienced testifying expert in international arbitration matters”. He is “charming, calm and collected” and “very good at expressing himself, both verbally and in writing”.

Leading Individuals

Australia

Jonathan Humphrey of HKA “is an extremely skilled testifying expert”. One impressed respondent notes: “Jon is meticulous and well prepared and his reports are also thorough.”

Tony Samuel of Sapere Forensic enjoys a “fantastic reputation” in Australia as a top testifying expert thanks to his vast experience across damages estimation, accounting disputes and valuations.

Hong Kong

Berkeley Research Group’s Mustafa Hadi “is highly intelligent and a master of his subject”. He is described as “very personable and a pleasure to work with” and is endorsed for his “strong intellect and demonstrable broad knowledge across a number of areas”.

Singapore

Ankura’s Jon Prudhoe enjoys a fantastic international reputation as he continues to impress market sources with his first-class work as an arbitration expert witness. He stands out for his “proactive approach” and “ability to produce an arbitration-ready expert report on quantum”.

Michael Peer at PwC is a “very competent and knowledgeable expert” who impresses commentators as “extremely clear minded“ and for his “articulate expression of technical concepts”.