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.

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

EMEA

Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Luca Beffa – Baker McKenzie, Geneva
• Victor Bonnin – VBArbitration, Madrid
• Filip Boras - Baker McKenzie, Vienna
• Jessica Gladstone – Clifford Chance LLP, London
• Ragnar Harbst – Baker McKenzie, Frankfurt
• Anna Kozmenko – Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd, Zurich
• Olivier Luc Mosimann – Kellerhals Carrard Basel KIG, Basel
• Giulio Palermo – Archipel, Geneva
• Joseph Schwartz – WAGNER Arbitration, Berlin
• Mohamed Shelbaya – Shearman & Sterling LLP, Paris
• Duncan Speller – WilmerHale, London
• Julie Spinelli – Le 16 Law, Paris
• Ana Vermal – Proskauer Rose, Paris
• Jeremy Wilson – Covington & Burling LLP, London

Leading firms

Baker McKenzie

Luca Beffa is highlighted for his “clarity, proactivity and client-oriented approach” as a counsel. “His wealth of experience and insights were key to helping us navigate the case,” says one client.
Filip Boras is a “sharp-minded and eloquent arbitration lawyer” with “a unique ability to cut through the noise and make sense of complex issues”.
Ragnar Harbst is lauded for his “in-depth knowledge of the law” as well as his “clear thinking and thorough analysis”. He is highly sought after by domestic and international clients for construction and infrastructure disputes.
Heiko Haller is “among the best arbitrators in Germany” who comes highly esteemed for his “pragmatic approach” and “vast experience in construction and energy disputes”.
Steve Abraham earns widespread acclaim for his profound expertise in multijurisdictional mining, oil and gas and infrastructure cases.

Eversheds Sutherland

Gaëlle Le Quillec is regularly engaged in arbitration proceedings across the EMEA region and maintains a fine reputation as a “top choice for construction cases”.
Wesley Pydiamah receives effusive praise for his “clear strategy and commercial understanding” as well as his “practical advice, understanding of business practices and thorough experience”.
Jonathan Leach is noted for his strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, where he enjoys a strong track record in investment arbitration proceedings.

Shearman & Sterling

Mohamed Shelbaya has amassed “significant experience dealing with a number of high-profile disputes” including commercial and investment treaty arbitrations pertaining to the energy and renewables sectors.
Maude Lebois draws plaudits for her detailed understanding of investor-state and construction disputes.
Alexander Uff is an “extremely clever and persuasive practitioner” who receives praise for his extensive experience in commercial and investment treaty proceedings, spanning from the energy and natural resources sectors.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Oliver Marsden is a “highly intelligent and strategic lawyer who takes an impressive detail-oriented approach” to cross-border M&A and joint venture disputes arising from the oil and gas, financial services and mining industries.
Hans-Patrick Schroeder is a “versatile and vastly experienced arbitration practitioner who excels in international commercial disputes”.

White & Case

The “superb” Alexandre Mazuranic stands out as an “excellent and tremendously hardworking arbitration lawyer” with vast experience as counsel and arbitrator in post-M&A and construction disputes.
Paul Brumpton is a “strong, knowledgeable and totally reliable disputes specialist” who is “very smart and very capable” on cases across an array of industries including insurance, construction and telecoms.

Herbert Smith Freehills

Luis Capiel is a “brilliant mind” with “unparalleled expertise in preparing written submissions”. He receives nominations for his “technical knowledge, business-oriented approach and extreme efficiency”.
The “fantastic” Thierry Tomasi is distinguished by his broad expertise covering domestic and international arbitration across a spectrum of industries and sectors, including banking, transport, insurance and TMT.

Other leading individuals

England
Duncan Speller at WilmerHale is an “outstanding lawyer” who possesses a “super brain”. He excels in oil and gas, banking, competition and aviation disputes and is hailed as “an absolute pleasure to work with” by impressed sources.

At Covington & Burling, Jeremy Wilson is a “splendid practitioner” who enjoys a fine reputation for his top-tier work in arbitration proceedings on behalf of clients from the media, life sciences and energy sectors.

Jessica Gladstone from Clifford Chance is highly sought after as counsel and arbitrator in domestic and international commercial disputes, drawing recommendations from dozens of admiring peers for her work.

James Rogers with Norton Rose Fulbright is “wonderful as counsel and arbitrator and is distinguished by the depth of his experience dealing with commercial disputes throughout Asia”, report interviewees.

France
Ana Vermal at Proskauer Rose is recognised as a “brilliant and insightful counsel with vast knowledge of international arbitration proceedings”. She comes highly commended for her expertise in post-M&A and contractual disputes.

The “truly excellent” Julie Spinelli with Le 16 Law is “quickly becoming one of the biggest stars of the Parisian arbitration bar” thanks to her extensive experience handling complex contractual disputes for clients across a broad range of industries.

Andrea Pinna at Foley Hoag is nominated for his “encyclopaedic knowledge of French arbitration law and all aspects of investment arbitration proceedings”. He is “tremendously bright, tactically astute and one of the most hardworking lawyers in practice” claims one peer.

Germany
Joseph Schwartz of WAGNER Arbitration achieves commendation for his “fast and innovative approach”, making him “excellent as counsel” as well as a “highly diplomatic and dependable arbitrator”.

Moritz Schmitt at rothorn legal is an “impeccable lawyer with excellent advocacy skills” and is considered to be “one of the few superstars of the younger generation of arbitration practitioners in Germany”. He excels as counsel in post-M&A and IP disputes.

Spain
Victor Bonnin of VBArbitration is a “remarkable arbitrator” with “first-class technical and social skills”. He is a go-to for commercial, investment and sports disputes.

Switzerland
Giulio Palermo from Archipel is described as “an arbitration powerhouse” who is “sharp minded, charismatic and charming” according to impressed sources. He is well versed at representing multinationals in disputes pertaining to contracts and M&A transactions, as well as sports and construction projects.

Anna Kozmenko at Schellenberg Wittmer is a “very accomplished disputes lawyer” who garners praise from clients as a “go-to for investment disputes, especially with a CIS angle”.

The “outstanding” Michael Lazopoulos at Lustenberger is revered for his “excellent hands-on approach” as arbitrator, including experience across a variety of ad hoc and institutional proceedings.

Olivier Mosimann from Kellerhals Carrard has built a fine reputation as an “extremely clever counsel” both in Switzerland and internationally. He advises on a variety of commercial disputes, and is “very experienced in ICC arbitration proceedings”.

Sabina Sacco at Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler is an “exceptionally good legal thinker and arbitrator” who is “very well versed in complex international disputes” and is lauded for her “remarkable language skills and personable approach”.

Eliane Fischer with rothorn legal is a “spectacularly organised and responsive individual” who is “outstanding in construction arbitration” and has “an immaculate understanding of the meaning, intent and application of ICC rules and governing law”.

Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Laurie Achtouk-Spivak – Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Paris
• Naomi Briercliffe – Allen & Overy LLP, London
• Martin Doe – Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague
• Athina Fouchard Papaefstratiou – Eversheds Sutherland, Paris
• Johannes Landbrecht – Gabriel Arbitration AG, Zurich
• Sebastiano Nessi – Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd, Geneva
• Kate Parlett – Twenty Essex, London
• Flavio Peter – Wenger & Vieli Ltd, Zurich
• Dharshini Prasad – WilmerHale, London
• Peter Riznik – Konrad Partners, Vienna
• Friederike Schaefer – ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris
• Marco Stacher – Walder Wyss Ltd, Zurich
• Serhii Uvarov – Integrites, Kiev

Leading firms and sets

WilmerHale

Dharshini Prasad is a “very bright and talented advocate” who is “undoubtedly a rising star in arbitration” thanks to her broad international practice encompassing joint venture, post-M&A and licensing agreement disputes across an array of industries and sectors.
Helmut Ortner is highlighted for his “deep knowledge of and breathtaking experience in quantum claims and damage calculations”. He “combines strong strategic thinking with clear communication and prioritisation”, say sources.
Marija Scekic earns acclaim for her “clarity and sharp judgement”, as well as her “ability to absorb huge amounts of technical detail”, making her an “arbitration giant of the younger generation”.
Michael Howe is a “hugely impressive international arbitration practitioner who takes a splendid personable approach” in a range of complex energy and TMT disputes.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Gisele Stephens-Chu exhibits a “tremendous grasp of theoretical aspects arising from complex quantum claims” and is highlighted as a “rising star” with a “strong commercial and client-focused approach”.
Matei Purice comes highly commended as “go-to counsel in international arbitration proceedings” and is “incredibly bright, hardworking and strategically minded” according to clients who add that “he leaves no stone unturned”.
Michael Kotrly is a “sharp, practical and all-round wonderful lawyer” with an “uncanny ability to understand quantum claims”.

Clifford Chance

Christina Schuetz is a “very knowledgeable” practitioner revered for her diligence and expertise as counsel in European joint-venture and investment arbitration proceedings.
Sandrine Colletier skilfully represents domestic and international clients in arbitration matters arising from energy, trade, infrastructure and aerospace disputes.
Louis-Alexis Bret is a “tremendously talented lawyer” who is “certainly among the best arbitration practitioners of his generation”. He stands out in damages claims and investment disputes in the mining industry and energy sector.

Essex Court Chambers

Alison Macdonald QC is a “terrific advocate” who is “technically excellent and exceptionally user-friendly” with “an incredible amount of experience and knowledge” regarding criminal, commercial and investment disputes.
Siddharth Dhar is a “an extremely talented” practitioner who regularly advises an array of international clients in complex investment treaty and commercial disputes.
“Rising star” Iain Quirk is “really coming into his own” as arbitrator and counsel in international investment and commercial proceedings, including sports arbitration and media industry disputes.
Sean Aughey is a “market-leading junior” who is “always a step ahead” thanks to his “remarkable mind” and broad experience in investor-state and public law arbitration.
Anton Dudnikov is “extraordinarily bright to the extent that he is able to process complex accounting and financial data in an impressively timely manner”. He regularly acts for sovereign states in high-value proceedings.

Lalive

Christophe Guibert de Bruet stands out as a “truly brilliant lawyer” with an “exceptional understanding of the geopolitical landscape”. He is “particularly impressive in investment arbitration” and is “well versed as counsel and arbitrator in international commercial disputes”.
Tino Schneider garners commendation as a “supremely talented lawyer” with “unparalleled expertise in construction arbitration”.
Nhu-Hoang Tran Thang is a “fantastic advocate” who “will go through fire and flame to help her clients succeed” according to highly impressed peers. They conclude that she is “tremendously strong as arbitrator and counsel in commercial and investment treaty arbitration”.
Lorraine de Germiny is an “insightful and very detail-oriented lawyer” who “excels in cross-examinations” with her “precise and thorough approach” as well as her “strong understanding of the needs and wants of clients”.

Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler

Michele Potestà is a “top-notch lawyer” who is “an authority on investment arbitration” thanks to his extensive experience as counsel and arbitrator in complex international cases.
Rahul Donde is a “sharp legal mind” with “immense knowledge of the Asian market” and “excellent advocacy skills”, making him a “go-to for any dispute with connections to India and Europe”.
Silja Schaffstein enjoys a splendid reputation for her “succinct advice” and “broad experience in both commercial and investment cases”, which she applies to complex arbitration proceedings and contractual disputes across a range of industries.
Marion Paris is “a refined legal mind with broad experience” who is “particularly recommended for arbitrator work”. She acts in commercial disputes pertaining to the TMT, transport and natural resources sectors.

Schellenberg Wittmer

Anne-Carole Cremades earns praise as an “excellent investment arbitration specialist” with a “strong command of Swiss law”. She stands out for her “knowledgeable and user-friendly” approach.
Sebastiano Nessi “is a tremendously talented and a sharp-minded practitioner and certainly a top person to contact in Europe for complex arbitration matters" according to impressed sources. They add that he “is probably the best arbitration counsel of the young generation and obviously a star advocate".
Benjamin Gottlieb is lauded for his “incredibly profound knowledge of international arbitration and sales law” with “particular expertise in CISG matters”.
Annabelle Möckesch is “one of the best lawyers of her generation” and has an “encyclopaedic knowledge of arbitration law”. Peers add that she is “a very diligent and sharp lawyer who you do not want to face as opposing lawyer”.
The “outstanding” Elena Trabaldo-de Mestral is “highly sought after by Russian clients” who is “very diligent and knowledgeable” in complex construction, investment and commercial disputes.

Twenty Essex

Kate Parlett is a “stellar practitioner with a real understanding of client needs in relation to international arbitration” who possesses “extensive experience representing clients from a wide range of sectors in cross-border disputes”.
Philippa Webb is “extremely knowledge on public international law”, and comes highlighted for her “immense experience and exposure to the courts” and “impressive knowhow regarding state immunity”.
Belinda McRae is “absolutely exceptional in commercial arbitration” and “will certainly be a huge name in the years to come” according to impressed sources who add that “she masters new and complex legal issues like no other”.
David Lewis QC is a “first-class barrister with expansive knowledge of Singaporean law”. He comes highly esteemed for his “incisive mind” and expertise in international energy and civil fraud disputes.

White & Case

Sylvain Bollée is a “highly impressive practitioner” who “knows French arbitration law inside and out”.
Angélica André is a “true superstar in the field” who is recognised as go-to counsel for post-M&A, energy, construction and infrastructure arbitration.

Herbert Smith Freehills

Gregory Travaini is a “rising star in the world of international arbitration” with “detailed knowledge of substantive and procedural law”. He is highlighted for his “strong focus on disputes emerging from Africa”.
Catrice Gayer earns plaudits for her “detailed understanding of technical issues, as well as her patience, endurance and impressive ability to reduce complex matters to the core” in cross-border construction, IP and post-M&A disputes.

King & Spalding

Ema Vidak Gojkovic is a “brilliant, insightful and knowledgeable” lawyer who “brought tremendous clarity to complicated issues and showed a deep understanding of client needs”, according to one source. She enjoys an “impeccable knowledge of arbitration law” and is an “exceptional cross-examiner”.
Sebastian Müller exhibits a “strong courtroom presence” and receives acclaim for his “great expertise in technology-related disputes”, and in particular his “specialised knowledge of data protection issues”.

Other leading individuals

Austria
Peter Riznik at Konrad Partners is a “truly impressive young arbitration practitioner with excellent judgement, deep knowledge and great instincts”. He has “significant experience as counsel in commercial disputes arising across Europe”.

Elisabeth Vanas-Metzler at the Vienna International Arbitral Centre is an “ambitious, smart and experienced practitioner” who excels in international commercial arbitrations.

Belgium
At Elexi Studio Legale, Emilio Villano has a “strong presence in the Spanish and Italian arbitration scene” and is recognised for his “incredible approach to cases”, including matters involving distribution agreements and competition.

England
At Allen & Overy, Naomi Briercliffe is an “articulate figure” who is “extremely knowledgeable about public and international law”. She “stands out for her stellar approach to investment treaty arbitrations”.

Independent practitioner Hafez Virjee is distinguished as an “extraordinarily talented arbitrator” who takes a “visionary approach to commercial arbitration” and “drives progress from an institutional perspective”.

Can Yeginsu with 4 New Square is “in a league of his own” among barristers and has “first-class instincts” according to clients. He is praised as a “devastating cross-examiner and elegant advocate” who “excels before commercial and investment tribunals”.

Cameron Murphy at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is an “outstanding advocate with razor-sharp intellect”. He is an “all-round arbitration superstar” with an “encyclopaedic knowledge of international investment law” and “extensive commercial experience”.

Govert Coppens at Volterra Fietta is celebrated as “an intellectual heavyweight” with a “highly efficient, effective and client-focused approach” to investment arbitration.

France
Friederike Schaefer from the ICC International Court of Arbitration is a “terrific legal thinker” who is “extremely well organised and efficient” and has “extensive practical experience in commercial and investment arbitration”.

Athina Fouchard Papaefstratiou with Eversheds Sutherland receives glowing recommendations as an “excellent speaker who is highly skilled and sought-after” as counsel in complex investment disputes across the MENA region.

The “amazing” Laurie Achtouk-Spivak of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is a “smart, driven and gifted lawyer” with “phenomenal advocacy skills”. She is “brilliantly insightful and broad-minded” with a “deep knowledge of international investment law and African contractual disputes”.

At Hughes Hubbard & Reed, Leon Ioannou is a “first-class arbitration lawyer” who is “highly impressive in his case-handling and cross-examination” in commercial and investment disputes .

Sara Nadeau-Séguin with Teynier Pic is a “splendid and passionate advocate” with “world-class expertise”. She is “powerful and convincing in hearings” and “revered in the French and Canadian arbitration communities” for her stunning track record in mining, energy and construction disputes.

Céline Greenberg at Céline Arbitration is a “strong analytical lawyer” who “cuts straight to the point”. She has amassed significant experience across a broad range of high-value arbitrations including banking, technology and sports cases.

Germany
Sven Lange at Busse Disputes is highlighted as "very knowledgeable, in particular in investment arbitration". Sources further describe him as "practical and efficient with a sharp legal mind".

Georg Scherpf of Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft is noted as an "astute and results-driven" lawyer as well as a "brilliant advocate" who impresses with the "clarity of his written submissions and oral pleadings".
Tim Rauschning is "extremely well informed" when it comes to investment arbitration, with sources commenting that he is "highly regarded in the South American market" in particular.

"Outstanding disputes lawyer" Judith Sawang at Wendelstein stands out for her dedication to her clients’ cause, with interviewees commenting, "Her commitment to client service is second to none."

Italy
Emilio Bettoni with Arblit - Radicati di Brozolo Sabatini Benedettelli Torsello is highlighted for his “very sharp legal mind” and “very technical and analytical” understanding in domestic and international arbitration, and in particular for his “amazing work in large-scale construction disputes”.

Netherlands
Martin Doe from the Permanent Court of Arbitration is “a tremendously strong legal mind” who stands out for his “knowledge of international case law”. He is highly regarded for his “extraordinary efficiency and thorough analysis” as well as his “detailed experience in investment arbitrations”.

Switzerland
Flavio Peter with Wenger & Vieli “stands out for the extremely high quality of his work as counsel” and is lauded as a “client-driven advocate with an impressive focus on shareholder and corporate disputes”.

Marco Stacher at Walder Wyss is a “superb practitioner and scholar” who is highly esteemed as “an authority on all matters of arbitration” including ad hoc and institutional proceedings as counsel and arbitrator.

Johannes Landbrecht from Gabriel Arbitration has “invaluable experience in commercial and investment disputes” and is “particularly recommended for IP arbitration”.

Martin Aebi at Lenz & Staehelin is an “excellent litigator and arbitrator” who concentrates his practice on a broad range of issues including IP, joint venture, post-M&A, banking and construction disputes.

Ukraine
At Integrites, Serhii Uvarov is a “terrific future leader of the arbitration field”. He is “renowned for his business-oriented approach and outstanding rapport with clients” and enjoys a stellar track record in domestic and cross-border energy, retail, distribution and banking disputes.

 

The Americas

Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Simon Batifort – Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle LLP, New York
• Tai-Heng Cheng – Sidley Austin LLP, New York
• James P Duffy IV – Reed Smith LLP, New York
• Lauren Friedman – King & Spalding LLP, New York
• Karina Goldberg – Ferro Castro Neves Daltro & Gomide Advogados, São Paulo
• Carlo de Lima Verona – Demarest Advogados, São Paulo
• Flavia Mange – Mange & Gabbay, São Paulo
• Viren Mascarenhas – King & Spalding LLP, New York
• Hugh Meighen – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Toronto
• Lisa M Richman – McDermott Will & Emery, Washington, DC

Leading firms

King & Spalding

Viren Mascarenhas stands “among the sharpest and most curious minds in the international arbitration field” and is considered an “authority on contract and investment law”.
Lauren Friedman is touted for her “in-depth knowledge of international law and case law in connection with investment treaty arbitrations”, with one source noting that “clients love her for her practical approach”.

White & Case

Damien Nyer is an “extraordinary lawyer who is well versed in civil and common law and has amassed deep technical knowledge and superb advocacy skills”, making him a go-to as counsel and arbitrator in high-stakes engineering and infrastructure disputes.
Hansel Pham is renowned as counsel in multijurisdictional investment arbitrations and is recognised for his excellent work in a number of complex high-value disputes.

Ferro Castro Neves Daltro & Gomide Advogados

Karina Goldberg is an “extremely bright, dynamic and experienced arbitration lawyer with international expertise”. She is highlighted for her “brilliantly effective approach to complex corporate and commercial arbitration proceedings”.
Eduardo Pecoraro is an “incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking individual” who “demonstrates strong analytical skill and a splendid business-oriented approach” in financial disputes arising from large-scale construction projects.

Other leading individuals

Brazil
Carlo de Lima Verona from Demarest Advogados earns commendation as “one of the very best arbitration lawyers of his generation”. He is a “top-notch advocate who is extremely reliable and user-friendly” according to peers who note his expertise in compliance and corruption issues.

Flavia Mange with Mange & Gabbay earns plaudits as “one of the most highly skilled professionals working in the field of international arbitration”. Clients rely on her strategic approach to complex disputes arising from mining rights, distribution contracts, franchise issues and M&A transactions.

Canada
At Borden Ladner Gervais, Hugh Meighen is revered for his “detailed experience in domestic and international arbitrations” spanning a broad range of issues including unfair treatment, wrongful terminations, joint ventures and delays.

Rachel Howie at Dentons is a “thoughtful and practical lawyer who provides pragmatic advice to clients” in domestic and cross-border disputes pertaining to the energy and natural resources sectors.

Colombia
At Diana Correa International, Diana Correa is “an excellent arbitrator and attorney” with “great knowledge of Colombian and international law”. She has amassed significant experience in multi-party disputes relating to energy, oil and gas, construction and telecommunications projects.

Chile
Francesco Campora at Loy Letelier Campora is a “superb arbitration practitioner with strong experience in M&A and commercial distribution disputes”.

Peru
Mauricio Raffo of Miranda & Amado Abogados is a “well-rounded, focused and methodical lawyer” with “an impressive track record in arbitration proceedings and judicial litigation”.

USA
The “incredibly tenacious and intellectually superior” Simon Batifort with Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle is highlighted for his “first-rate strategy and legal expertise” as well as his “exceptional diplomatic skills and cultural understanding” in high-stakes international investor-state disputes.

James Duffy at Reed Smith is a “prolific writer and terrific advocate” who is distinguished by his broad international expertise in investment treaty and cross-border commercial disputes.

Sidley Austin is home to Tai-Heng Cheng, who is celebrated as a “market-leading arbitration lawyer” with more than 20 years of experience resolving disputes for clients in the pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, real estate and financial services industries.

The “excellent” Erika Levin at Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss is noted for her “strong hands-on approach” as counsel and arbitrator in cross-border financial disputes across a spectrum of industries.

Lisa Richman from McDermott Will & Emery is a “brilliant and energetic lawyer” with a “spectacular work ethic”. She is a go-to for domestic and international disputes relating to construction and infrastructure projects, IP issues and energy contracts.

Christina Hioureas at Foley Hoag is a “dominant force in the international arbitration community” thanks to her “breadth of experience in public and private international law spanning a multitude of industries” and her “particularly impressive knowledge of energy and investor-state arbitration”.

 

Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Christian Albanesi - Linklaters LLP, Washington, DC
• Christina L Beharry – Foley Hoag LLP, Washington, DC
• Héctor Anaya Mondragón - Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez SC, Mexico City
• Floriane Lavaud - Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, New York
• Carlos E Martínez Betanzos - Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez SC, Mexico City
• Juan Felipe Merizalde Urdaneta - Dechert LLP, Washington, DC
• Gustavo Santos Kulesza - BMA - Barbosa Müssnich Aragão, São Paulo
• Alexandra von Wobeser - Von Wobeser y Sierra SC, Mexico City
• Gretta Walters – Chaffetz Lindsey LLP, New York

Leading firms

King & Spalding

Charles Rosenberg is a “very talented, collaborative and responsive lawyer” who is considered to be “a true heavyweight in the arbitration arena” thanks to his “remarkable experience in international investment disputes”.
Cedric Soule is a “spectacular arbitration lawyer with rigorous analytical and writing skills” along with a “razor-sharp intellect” and “impressive ability to operate in English, French and Spanish flawlessly”.
John Templeman garners plaudits for his “expertise in and immense knowledge of international arbitration proceedings”. He is described as a “top-class practitioner who works tirelessly” and has a strong track record in commercial and investor-state disputes.

Debevoise & Plimpton

The “phenomenal” Floriane Lavaud is a “shining star in the field of international arbitration” with “perfect knowledge of regulatory law” according to highly impressed peers.
Laura Sinisterra is a “superb lawyer” who is “extremely talented” and a “top choice for disputes in the oil and gas and construction industries”.
Daniel Aun earns acclaim as a “simply outstanding lawyer” with a “strong understanding of complex FCPA-like regulations” as well as “deep knowledge of the Brazilian market”.

Other leading individuals

Brazil
Gustavo Santos Kulesza at Barbosa Müssnich Aragão is lauded for his “top-notch analytical skills” and “vast knowledge of Brazilian contractual law”, earning a place as “one of the very best and brightest of his generation”.

At Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga, Laura Ghitti is highlighted as a “rising star at the Brazilian arbitration bar” with an “amazing profile” thanks to her “sharp approach, expansive knowledge and highly commendable academic background”.

Canada
John Siwiec at Perley-Robertson Hill & McDougall is hailed “everyone’s go-to for arbitration in Canada” by peers who praise his expertise in contractual and treaty disputes.

Colombia
The “wonderful” María Angélica Burgos from Baker McKenzie is a “tremendously thorough and committed attorney who is always on top of complex issues” and is “full of fresh and interesting ideas” thanks to her “in-depth understanding of international law and human rights issues”.

Ecuador
Javier Jaramillo-Troya at Pérez Bustamante & Ponce maintains a “terrific reputation across Latin America and the US” as a “sharp and truly excellent advocate” who excels in damages claims and energy disputes.

Mexico
Carlos Martínez Betanzos at Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez is an “incredibly talented lawyer with a wealth of experience resolving Latin American disputes”.
Héctor Anaya Mondragón impresses as an “exhaustively intelligent and proactive lawyer with first-rate client service skills”. He earns plaudits for his broad expertise spanning oil and gas, maritime, insurance and pharmaceutical disputes.

At Von Wobeser y Sierra, Alexandra von Wobeser is singled-out as “absolutely brilliant” and a “next-generation leader without a doubt”. She is highly sought after as counsel in investment disputes arising from sovereign debt and mining ventures.

USA
Christian Albanesi from Linklaters is celebrated as being “sensational as counsel and arbitrator in international commercial disputes”.

Juan Felipe Merizalde Urdaneta of Dechert enjoys a strong reputation as a “clear-minded and superbly talented lawyer” with a “deep understanding of US and Ecuadorian law”. He is considered a “leader in investment disputes in Latin America”.

Christina Beharry from Foley Hoag is a “creative and highly innovative practitioner” with “detailed knowledge of quantum matters”. She is “especially strong with respect to damages in investment arbitration”.

Analía González at BakerHostetler earns plaudits as an “extremely enthusiastic, hardworking and proactive lawyer” with a “clear mastery of international arbitration” and “a fantastic understanding of the Latin American market”.

Gretta Walters with Chaffetz Lindsey is lauded as “New York’s favourite arbitration lawyer” by peers and clients who add that she is a “quick-witted, creative and dedicated practitioner” who is “absolutely meticulous in her approach” across complex commercial and investment disputes.

 

Asia-Pacific

Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Gitanjali Bajaj – DLA Piper, Sydney
• Daryl Chew – Shearman & Sterling LLP, Singapore
• Elodie Dulac – King & Spalding LLP, Singapore
• Timothy Lindsay – Lindsay, Auckland
• Yoko Maeda – City-Yuwa Partners, Tokyo
• Shaneen Parikh – Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Mumbai
• Joel E Richardson – Kim & Chang, Seoul
• Thomas Walsh – Clifford Chance, Hong Kong
• Duncan Watson – Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, Hong Kong

Leading firm

Herbert Smith Freehills

Tomas Furlong is a “tremendously smart and dedicated lawyer” who is renowned for his “ability to remain calm under pressure in arbitration proceedings”.
David Gilmore is highlighted for his “extensive skillset and eloquence as counsel”, as well as his “creative and flexible approach to cross-border disputes”.

Other leading individuals

Australia
At DLA Piper, Gitanjali Bajaj is an “outstanding international arbitration practitioner” who is “undoubtedly considered a leader by her peers”. She is lauded for her “excellent organisational skills and clarity and efficiency of advice” as well as her “in-depth knowledge of the oil and gas sector”.

Andrew Battisson at Norton Rose Fulbright is “strongly endorsed for his top-notch arbitration work” including commercial and investment treaty disputes.

Hong Kong
Thomas Walsh at Clifford Chance is “a rising star” who is “brilliant for arbitrations covering Hong Kong and South Korea” thanks to his “extremely detail-oriented approach”. He is highly sought after for his expertise in energy disputes.

Duncan Watson from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan stands out as an “exceptional adviser and advocate” who is “certainly among the very best of his generation”. He is a go-to for high-value construction, manufacturing and infrastructure claims.

India
Shaneen Parikh at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is a “trailblazing arbitration lawyer” who has amassed a wealth of experience as counsel in domestic and international shareholder, joint venture, construction, employment and financial disputes.

Japan
Yoko Maeda from City-Yuwa Partners is a “fantastic lawyer who has spearheaded several important arbitration initiatives in Japan” according to peers who highlight her “strong presence in the domestic market”.

Korea
Joel Richardson of Kim & Chang is an “excellent oral advocate” who excels in cross-border construction and contractual disputes across a broad range of industries and sectors.

New Zealand
Timothy Lindsay at Lindsay is an “extremely well-known lawyer” who earns plaudits for his “vast experience in international commercial and investment arbitration”.

Singapore
Elodie Dulac with King & Spalding is a “highly intellectual lawyer with deep expertise regarding energy disputes” who possesses a “profound understanding of investment arbitration”.

Daryl Chew at Shearman & Sterling stands out as a “very smart and commercially minded” lawyer. He comes highly recommended as counsel and arbitrator in complex construction, energy M&A and joint venture disputes.

The “excellent” Timothy Cooke at Stephenson Harwood is a “bright, responsive and practical arbitration lawyer” who is noted as a go-to for investment disputes across Asia.

At Jones Day, Zachary Sharpe is an “excellent lawyer” with a stellar reputation for his work as counsel in international oil and gas, construction and mining disputes.

 

Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Kate Apostolova - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Singapore
• Tim Breakspear - Banco Chambers, Sydney
• Darius Chan - Fountain Court Chambers, Singapore
• Eleanor Hughes - Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, Singapore
• Saemee Kim - Lee & Ko, Seoul
• Jennifer Lim - Sidley Austin LLP, Singapore

Leading firm

Herbert Smith Freehills

Martin Wallace receives effusive praise for his “thoroughness and attention to detail” as well as his “impressive analytical skill”, which he applies to an array of ad hoc and institutional proceedings.
Ben Jolley comes highly esteemed for his “in-depth knowledge of EPC contracts” and expertise in time extension disputes, as well as his “strong ability to maximise the interests of his clients” in construction and engineering disputes.

Other leading individuals

Australia
Tim Breakspear of Banco Chambers is a “vastly knowledgeable and technically astute barrister” who is “widely considered as market-leading international arbitration counsel” for high-value commercial cases.

Hong Kong
The “phenomenal” Matthew Townsend at Fangda Partners is noted for his “abundant experience in international arbitration proceedings as counsel and arbitrator”, and particularly for his “sharp and innovative approach” in hearings.

Korea
At Lee & Ko, Saemee Kim stands out as an “exceptional practitioner with strong analytical skills and a great commercial understanding of international disputes”.

New Zealand
Nicola Swan at Chapman Tripp is an “excellent arbitration lawyer” with a “detailed understanding of the intersection between environmental and climate change matters”, making her a go-to for disputes in the energy, utilities and natural resources sectors.

Singapore
Kate Apostolova at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is “internationally renowned as a sharp and eloquent arbitration practitioner” who is “extraordinarily bright and quick on her feet” in commercial and investor-state disputes in the mining, oil and gas and construction industries.

Darius Chan of Fountain Court Chambers is a “bright legal mind who regularly navigates his clients through complex legal issues” with his “incredibly thorough understanding of international arbitration”.

Eleanor Hughes with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is a “technically brilliant practitioner” who stands out as “go-to counsel for complex cases” arising from the oil and gas and financial services industries.

The “really excellent” Jennifer Lim at Sidley Austin is singled out for her “digilence, capability and knowledge of arbitration practice” as well as her “exceptional client handling” skills.