Widely considered to rank among the leading arbitration groups worldwide, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s US offering is a key contender for major, headline-grabbing cases across the globe. Equally adept at commercial and investor-state work, the New York-based team is routinely involved in landmark matters—across a comprehensive range of industries—on behalf of both corporate and state clients. Department co-chair Catherine Amirfar brings to bear extensive experience in high-stakes, public international law disputes and successfully represented Italian investors in ICSID proceedings against Albania arising out of the claimants’ investments in a hydroelectric plant and a media company. Fellow co-head Mark W. Friedman additionally co-leads the mining and natural resources practice; he paired up with increasingly prominent arbitration specialist Ina Popova to represent Gramercy Funds Management in a complete win on jurisdiction and merits in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the government of Peru under the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA). Other experienced names include Latin America practice co-head Dietmar Prager, who ‘stands out for his decisiveness and sharp intellect’; and Natalie Reid, who co-chairs both the public international law group and the Caribbean practice group. Talented up-and-coming names include next-generation partner Laura Sinisterra. David Rivkin has retired. Floriane Lavaud has left the firm.

Satisfied clients hail Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP as ‘the best law firm in international arbitration’. Forming a significant part of its global international arbitration practice, the firm’s US offering is split between Washington DC and New York and is active worldwide, with a focus on the Americas. Recognized internationally for its record in ICSID cases, with an emphasis on major investor-state disputes, the group is also well-versed in high-stakes commercial arbitrations. In Washington DC, Latin America practice co-head Nigel Blackaby draws on extensive hands-on experience—he has acted as counsel or arbitrator in over 100 arbitrations—and is particularly revered for energy and mining disputes. Also in DC, Caroline Richard is noted for her focus on investor-state cases, with recent involvement in major multi-jurisdictional matters. From New York, Buenos Aires- and New York-qualified Noiana Marigo co-heads the global international arbitration team and the Latin America practice and is sought after for work across the Americas; she recently teamed up with Blackaby and Richard to represent Glencore on a landmark ICSID arbitration claim against Colombia. New York’s Elliot Friedman fronts the international arbitration group for the Americas and is representing ConocoPhillips in its ongoing attempts to enforce its mammoth ICSID award against Venezuela. Up-and-coming arbitration specialist Lee Rovinescu and Thomas Walsh are also recommended in New York.

A ‘market-leading international arbitration practice’, King & Spalding LLP impresses sources with its strong capability in both investor-state and commercial cases. Arguably best known for its dominant position in energy and natural resources disputes, it also demonstrates adept handling of matters in the manufacturing, construction, transport and telecoms spheres, among others. New York managing partner Edward Kehoe and Houston-based Doak Bishop are widely considered references in the market and they continue to represent Chevron in a high-profile investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Ecuador, seated in The Hague, arising out of a $9.5bn Ecuadorian court judgment against Chevron for alleged environmental harm caused by historical oilfield operations. Houston-based Wade Coriell and Atlanta-based Elizabeth Silbert—who were recently appointed global head and deputy head of international arbitration respectively—are also co-leading the Chevron file. Other senior names include New York-based Samaa Haridi, who is an experienced counsel and arbitrator; Harry Burnett, who sits in Miami and focuses on Latin America-related work; Craig Miles, who splits his time between Houston and Miami and specializes in energy and infrastructure disputes; and Chicago’s Javier Rubinstein, who offers experience in English and Spanish-domiciled work. Aloysius Llamzon, based in Washington DC, is a key up-and-coming name.

‘An exceptional arbitration practice that has all the ingredients necessary for success’, White & Case LLP’s full-service offering is distinguished by its enviable track record in both commercial and investor-state cases, with sources particularly praising its expertise in the latter sphere. Frequently engaged to represent both investors and states, the team has represented parties in over 100 investor-state disputes worldwide and consistently handles cases under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Fielding one of the deepest benches in the market, the national group is split between offices on the East and West Coast with Washington DC standing as the seat of global international arbitration head Abby Cohen Smutny, who is hailed for her ‘unsurpassed knowledge and practice in international public law and international investment arbitration’. Cohen Smutny is acting alongside New York-based Ank Santens to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a $500m telecoms-related dispute under the China-Saudi bilateral investment treaty (BIT). Other go-to senior partners include Washington DC-based Carolyn Lamm, who ‘can find a solution in any situation’, and New York’s Paul Friedland, who is renowned globally for his specialist experience in the international arbitration space. The New York group also draws on Damien Nyer, who heads the Americas international arbitration practice. Hansel Pham is a further key contact in Washington DC, while Brody Greenwald is recommended in Los Angeles. Kristen Young departed the practice in February 2024, and Jonathan Hamilton left in March 2024.

A first port of call for state-side mandates, Arnold & Porter leverages the firm’s prominent sovereign and government practice to excel in representing sovereign clients in investor-state arbitrations. Its preeminent reputation in this sphere is underpinned by its impressive success rate in investment arbitrations. The group also continues to increase its share of commercial disputes, with a focus on the life sciences and technology industries—its US West Coast arbitration practice is particularly noted for this type of work. From Washington DC, Paolo Di Rosa specializes in complex investment arbitration and recently teamed up with partners in Shanghai and Seoul to successfully defend the Government of South Korea in the first treaty-based investment arbitration ever filed against Korea. San Francisco based practice head Maria Chedid is one of two attorneys from the US currently serving as a US member of the ICC Court of Arbitration. In New York, Mélida Hodgson is recommended for Latin America-related disputes, where she has represented Venezuela, Panama and Peru, among other sovereigns. Additionally, Washington DC-based Whitney Debevoise is highly regarded for international finance disputes.

Chaffetz Lindsey LLP’s firm-wide focus on international arbitration pays dividends in a diverse and multi-jurisdictional caseload. The New York-based international disputes boutique is well versed in representing the full spectrum of clients in commercial and investor-state arbitrations, as demonstrated by its recent work on behalf of sovereign states, state-owned companies and major multinational corporations. Department head James Hosking is highlighted by sources as ‘a phenomenal team leader’, where he draws on his experience in acting as counsel in over 100 arbitration proceedings. Among his highlight cases, Hosking continues to represent AES Corporation in its high-profile reconvened $2bn ICSID arbitration against Argentina, seeking damages for breaches of the US-Argentina BIT. The AES work is additionally co-led by Caline Mouawad, who has deep experience in commercial and investment disputes, and Aníbal Sabater, who is ‘capable of dealing with the most complex cases’. Other key partners include seasoned specialist and firm co-founder David Lindsey; ‘formidable lawyer and arbitrator’ Yasmine Lahlou; the ‘brilliant and efficient’ Gretta Walters; and Andreas Frischknecht, whose practice encompasses both international arbitration and cross-border litigation.

Covington & Burling LLP’s international arbitration team is praised as ‘not only technically impeccable, but also provides outstanding service’. The group’s close relationship with the Government of Ukraine continues to see it play a central role in the state’s various proceedings against the Russian Federation related to the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including representing state-owned Naftogaz in connection with Russia’s expropriation of its assets in occupied Crimea. Over the past year, the team also handled several investor-state disputes on behalf of corporate clients, while its commercial arbitration work saw it act on a slew of cases in the insurance, construction, telecoms, and energy and natural resources fields. From Washington DC, Marney Cheek co-chairs the global arbitration and disputes practice. Cheek is a key contact for the Ukraine cases together with Washington DC-based appellate specialist David Zionts, whose practice also spans arbitration; Jonathan Gimblett, who splits his time between London and DC; and New York-based David Pinsky. Other names in DC include Allan Moore, who specializes in commercial and insurance coverage disputes; Miguel López Forastier, who co-chairs the global problem-solving practice; and newly promoted partner Clovis Trevino. In New York, Nicole Duclos is a popular choice for Latin America-related disputes.

‘One of the strongest teams in defending state interests’, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is highly regarded for its track record in investment disputes, where it predominantly acts for sovereign states and state-owned companies. The team also continues to add to its corporate roster and it has recently represented private and state-owned companies in both contract and treaty-based claims. New York-based firm chairman, George Kahale, leads the practice and continues to represent the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the biggest ICSID annulment case in history, stemming from ConocoPhillips’ original $30bn demand for damages. Managing partner of the Washington DC office, Claudia Frutos-Peterson, is also a high-profile arbitration specialist- she is currently acting together with Fernando Tupa, who splits his time between New York and Buenos Aires, and the London office to defend the Argentine Republic in two investment arbitrations relating to pension reforms. The group additionally includes up-and-coming specialist Simon Batifort, who works between New York, Brussels and Paris; Elisa Botero, whose practice is divided between New York and Bogotá; Washington DC-based Borzu Sabahi, who ‘excels in analyzing complex legal issues’; and New York-based associate Andrew Larkin.

With a strong record in state-side representations, Foley Hoag LLP’s thriving international arbitration practice specializes in investment disputes, where it acts for nations worldwide. The team has successfully represented over 80 sovereign clients in multimillion-dollar disputes across all key industries, including recently scoring a victory for Nepal in its first-ever investment arbitration, which was brought under the UK-Nepal BIT. The firm also houses a solid commercial arbitration offering that frequently acts for corporations and state-owned entities in contractual disputes. Washington DC-based Constantinos Salonidis co-chairs the international litigation and arbitration department globally and has represented a string of European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American states in investment treaty arbitrations. Salonidis notably co-led the Nepal case together with fellow Washington DC-based partners Lawrence Martin and Tafadzwa Pasipanodya. Other recommended counsel in DC include Kenneth Figueroa and Clara Brillembourg, who together co-chair the Latin America practice, as well as Derek Smith and associate Sudhanshu Roy. From New York, Christina Hioureas also co-chairs the global group and additionally heads the firm’s United Nations practice; she is currently playing leading roles in cases on behalf of Croatia and Bangladesh. Daniel Schimmel, whose practice spans international dispute resolution and international corruption investigations, heads the group in New York.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP possesses a fully integrated international litigation and arbitration practice, which provides it with the ability to utilize the same groups to handle arbitral disputes and connected judicial proceedings, including enforcement matters. Well-balanced between commercial and investor-state disputes, the group frequently lands key roles in multi-jurisdictional, high-stakes cases, with strong recent showings in the energy, technology, aerospace, financial services and manufacturing spheres. Julie Bédard heads the international litigation and arbitration group for the Americas and divides her practice between New York and São Paulo; she recently paired with up-and-coming partner Jennifer Permesly—also in New York—to represent Brazil’s Embraer, and its related entities, in a headline-grabbing $4.2bn ICDR case against Boeing. Additional recommended names in New York are global department head John Gardiner, who has extensive experience in commercial and investor-state cases; Timothy Nelson, who acts for sovereign and corporate clients on sensitive public international law issues and is currently advising a major energy company on an $8bn investment treaty claim; and Gregory Litt, who handles a varied mix of arbitral and judicial disputes.

Three Crowns LLP focuses exclusively on international arbitration and international law, where it represents multinational corporates and sovereign states in high-stakes disputes. The team’s US offering, which in centered in Washington DC, has extensive expertise across a mix of commercial, investor-state and state-to-state cases and it further benefits from its ability to draw on its international lawyers for additional cross-border firepower. A co-founding partner of the firm, Luke Sobota enjoys a prominent reputation globally for his activity in headline-grabbing cases, with a focus on the energy, financial and technology spheres. Another seasoned specialist, Liz Snodgrass contributes deep experience in acting on commercial and investor-state cases and recently represented Burford Capital in a $140m arbitration brought against Sysco Corporation. Rounding out the partners is Scott Vesel, who brings to bear significant international prowess following stints in London and Bahrain. Vesel acted alongside the London office to represent the Sultanate of Oman in ICSID arbitration and annulment proceedings concerning a $180m claim brought by Turkish construction company, Atilla Dogan. The group also leans on a strong second line of non-partners, including Buenos Aires-qualified special legal consultant, Agustin Sanz; Simon Consedine, promoted to partner in January 2024; and English-qualified special legal consultant, Nicola Peart.

Primarily recognized for its strength in energy—primarily oil and gas—disputes, Baker Botts L.L.P.’s international arbitration group additionally shines in IP, construction, joint venture and general contractual cases. The firm’s continued investment in diversifying its practice was recently evidenced by the hire of two lawyers into its Washington DC office: seasoned investor-state specialist Jennifer Haworth McCandless and special counsel María Carolina Durán both joined from Sidley Austin LLP. The national department includes key names such as Houston-based senior counsel Michael Goldberg, who is a disputes veteran, and New York-based global practice co-head Andrew Behrman, who plays a lead role in many of the department’s most high-profile cases. Also recommended are New York-based special counsel Edward Schorr, who is sought after for energy disputes; and energy and TMT-focused Vern Cassin, whose practice is split between New York and Washington DC.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s international arbitration practice draws on ‘an outstanding mixture of seasoned professionals and hard-working staff’, according to sources. Split between New York and Washington DC, the US group additionally plugs into the firm’s extensive global network to represent clients worldwide on commercial and investor-state cases, with a notable emphasis on Latin America. The department is co-led from New York by Ari MacKinnon, who focuses on Latin America-related disputes; he is representing Pluspetrol Resources Corporation in a Spanish-language ICC arbitration initiated by Peruvian state-owned oil company, Perupetro. Department co-chair Jeffrey Rosenthal, also in New York, maintains a broad dispute resolution practice that spans a range of judicial and arbitral matters, with recent activity in post-merger disputes, treaty cases, joint venture disputes and securities issues, among others.

The team at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is praised for the ‘quality of its investor-treaty arbitration offering’—it also frequently handles commercial cases. Leveraging its experience under all major arbitration rules, including AAA, ICDR, ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL, the group is engaged by both corporations and sovereign states to handle high-stakes, cross-border disputes. In Washington DC, John Townsend has an impressive track record in complex and politically sensitive matters; he continues to act alongside Washington DC-based department chair James H. Boykin to represent Ukrainian entities in five Crimea-related investment treaty arbitrations against the Russian Federation under the Russia-Ukraine BIT. The DC practice also includes Rémy Gerbay, who stands out for his ability to ‘bridge civil law and common law sensibilities’, and Diego Durán de la Vega, who co-heads the Latin American disputes practice. In New York, Daniel Weiner stands out for his niche expertise in art-related and pharmaceutical disputes. In February 2023, former department co-head Hagit Muriel Elul left the firm. In April 2024, new global co-head of arbitration Gaela Gehring Flores joined in Washington DC from A&O Shearman.

‘Exceptional both in terms of its quality and its geographical reach’, Norton Rose Fulbright’s international arbitration practice leverages a thriving Houston offering, which marks it as a key contender for energy and natural resources-related work. Primarily active on commercial cases, the team is also well versed in investor-state matters, where it has extensive experience in both ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings. From Houston, global department head, Mark Baker, has acted as counsel or arbitrator in cases spanning more than sixty countries worldwide, with a focus on the energy, infrastructure, mining, transport and financial services spheres. Kevin O’Gorman, also in Houston, spearheads the US international arbitration practice and specializes in commercial, energy, sovereign, treaty and project-related disputes. The group also draws on Washington DC’s Matthew Kirtland, who is praised as ‘inventive in his arguments’; New York-based insurance disputes co-head Mina Matin, who is highly regarded for Bermuda Form arbitrations; and talented San Francisco-based senior associate Katie Connolly.

Distinguished by its growing profile for Latin America-related work, Reed Smith LLP is praised for its understanding of ‘the challenges and opportunities that arise from the region’s dynamic and diverse markets’. Frequently involved in commercial and investor-state cases, the team enjoys a particularly strong presence in energy and natural resources-related disputes, where it acts for major global energy companies. Additionally, the life sciences and shipping industries are significant sources of work. As a testament to its unique focus on Latin America, many of the department’s key names are based in Miami, including seasoned international arbitration specialist José Astigarraga; Francisco Rodriguez, who serves as vice-chair of the US international arbitration practice; Sandra Millor, who handles a range of cross-border arbitral and judicial disputes; and foreign legal consultant Gilberto Guerrero-Rocca. The deep bench also draws on Houston’s Francisco Rivero, who spearheads the Latin America business team, and New York-based James Duffy.

Among WilmerHale’s practice strengths, the international arbitration team stands out for its focus on IP-related matters, where it can work in conjunction with the wider firm’s premier patent litigation offering. Other core areas of expertise include energy, financial services, defense, and M&A-related disputes. Rachael Kent serves as vice chair of the global international arbitration group, where she contributes over 25 years of experience in commercial and investment disputes straddling both common law and civil law jurisdictions. Danielle Morris is noted for her strong recent run of investor-state cases, where she has predominantly represented investors in complex, multi-jurisdictional proceedings. The team also includes John Trenor, whose broad international arbitration experience encompasses commercial, investor-state and state-to-state matters. All named partners are based in Washington DC.

BakerHostetler represents corporate and state clients across the full range of commercial and investor-state cases globally. The team’s arbitral experience is underpinned by a robust enforcement capability and it is widely recognized for its expertise in locating assets worldwide. Houston’s Sashe Dimitroff spearheads the practice globally and DC-based Analia Gonzalez heads the Latin America team. Additionally, Kenneth Reisenfeld, based in DC, leads the investor-state arbitration offering. In New York, international litigation head Gonzalo Zeballos also handles a significant volume of international arbitration work. Mark Cymrot has retired.

Composed of ‘bright, persuasive and creative team-players’, Baker McKenzie LLP’s international arbitration group is distinguished by its ability to plug into one of the largest practices globally. Among its other core attributes, the US team stands out for its extensive national platform—which includes partners across the East and West Coasts—and also for its experience in major emerging markets, including former CIS states, Latin America and China. Recommended names include New York’s Andrew Riccio, who co-chairs the North America international arbitration practice; Houston-based senior counsel Brendan Cook, who specializes in construction, manufacturing and energy-related disputes; and ‘exceptionally talented partner’ Eugenie Rogers in Dallas.

Demonstrating a marked focus on Latin America-related work, Clifford Chance’s international arbitration practice continues to grow its roster of investment cases seated in Washington DC, where it is currently acting on seven matters. The team additionally handled a slew of post-M&A disputes over the past year. Divided between New York and Washington DC, the group benefits from the ability to lean on the wider firm’s generous global network for cross-border support. In Washington DC, José García Cueto specializes in commercial and investor-state cases and is acting as lead, or co-lead, counsel in matters worth over $6bn. Anthony Candido is noted in New York.

Continued global growth in technology-related arbitration, including investment cases, is positioning Cooley LLP as an increasingly prominent name in the international arbitration field. That being said, the team’s industry experience extends beyond the firm’s signature sweet spots of technology and life sciences to encompass mining and financial services, among other matters. Over the past year, New York-based department head Rachel Thorn notched up key roles in a string of high-profile cases, including representing Odyssey Marine Exploration in an ICSID arbitration brought under Chapter 11 of the NAFTA against Mexico. Marc Suskin, also in New York, has recently handled arbitrations for many of the world’s leading tech companies.

Dechert LLP’s global international arbitration practice leans on well-staffed platforms in many of the world’s principal arbitration hubs, including London, Paris and Hong Kong. Striking a balance between commercial and investor-state work, the team represents a range of investors, corporations, sovereign nations and state-owned entities, with an emphasis on the financial services, energy, mining, construction and TMT industries. From bases in Washington DC and London, Arif H. Ali co-chairs the international arbitration and public international law group and is lauded as a ‘heavyweight figure in the world of arbitration’. The Washington DC team also includes experienced arbitration partner Alexandre de Gramont and newly promoted counsel David Attanasio.

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s international arbitration practice impresses with its ability to ‘greatly capitalize on its international presence’, as evidenced by a recent case list that has seen the team act alongside lawyers in Canada, Colombia and Mexico. The group additionally stands out for its extensive experience in Latin American markets, with a focus on infrastructure, energy and natural resources disputes. Global department co-chair Kate Brown de Vejar splits her practice between New York and Mexico City, where she represents corporations, sovereign states and state-owned enterprises in commercial and investor-state disputes. Also in New York, Kiera Gans is building a strong reputation for investment treaty arbitration.

Commended for its broad global coverage, Eversheds Sutherland stands out for its ‘hands-on experience of diverse institutional arbitration settings and cultures’. The group handles a mix of commercial and investor-state cases, where it specializes in representing corporations and high-profile investors in arbitral proceedings and connected enforcement actions. From New York, Meriam Nazih Al-Rashid co-chairs the global international arbitration practice and also co-heads the Latin America arbitration team; she is noted for her broad public international law practice, which spans the full range of arbitral disputes. Key names in Washington DC include William O’Brien, who heads the cross-border litigation and international arbitration group, and John Lomas, whose work encompasses judicial and arbitral proceedings.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s international arbitration group frequently works alongside the firm’s litigation lawyers to provide integrated advice on multi-jurisdictional arbitral disputes and related litigation—including enforcement actions. The group typically represents corporate clients in commercial and investor cases worldwide, where it often forms cross-office teams with arbitration specialists in London and Dubai. New York-based Rahim Moloo co-heads the global practice and, together with the litigation team, recently represented Jay-Z in a dispute with Bacardi, which involved a series of ICDR arbitrations and parallel litigation. The group also draws on New York’s Lindsey Schmidt, whose practice spans arbitral and judicial disputes, and talented of counsel Ankita Ritwik, who is based in Washington DC.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’ New York-based international arbitration offering is a key pillar in the firm’s global Latin America practice, and it draws on dual-qualified lawyers admitted in Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile, as well as New York. Alongside its Latin America activity, the team stands out for its oil and gas expertise, where it counts global energy majors such as Chevron among its clients. US arbitration head Christian Leathley additionally co-leads the Latin America practice; he successfully represented Andes Petroleum Ecuador in a dispute seeking to recover its 40% share of a $1bn arbitral award. Amal Bouchenaki is recommended for her diverse multi-jurisdictional experience, with an emphasis on Latin America and the MENA region. Florencia Villaggi has left the firm.

Forming a key part of an integrated global disputes offering, Jones Day’s US group benefits from the ability to draw on international arbitration specialists in many of the world’s leading arbitration centers, with recent cases involving teams in London, Singapore, Paris, and Dubai, among others. The team has notched up a strong run of investment disputes of late, where it is particularly active against various post-Soviet and CIS states in ICSID and UNCITRAL cases. In Washington DC, Melissa Gorsline is a ‘very sharp and highly skilled advocate’ and possesses extensive experience in investor-state arbitrations. Also noted are Steven Smith in San Francisco; Stephen Pearson, based between New York and London; and Paul Hines in San Francisco.

Latham & Watkins’ ‘very professional, diverse and proactive team’ continues to make inroads into the international arbitration market under global department co-chair John Pierce in New York. Pierce has particularly boosted the firm’s capability in investment disputes, where it acts for a growing mix of states, state-owned entities and investors in high-stakes cases. That being said, the group also handled a significant volume of commercial matters over the past year, with an emphasis on post-M&A disputes. Other key contacts include New York-based counsel Santiago Bejarano, who is dual-qualified in New York and Colombia and is an increasingly prominent name for Latin America-related work.

Paul Hastings LLP‘s international arbitration group finds favor for its ability to ‘address the most complex international IP disputes’. Alongside its strength in IP-related proceedings, where it is particularly active in the pharmaceutical space, the team is also recognized for its strong skill sets in political risk and international trade credit insurance.  Igor Timofeyev in Washington DC, maintains a broad disputes practice that intersects international arbitration, appellate litigation and regulatory proceedings. Jonathan Hamilton, a DC-based specialist for Latin American arbitration proceedings, joined the team from White & Case LLP in March 2024. Joseph Profaizer  left the firm in October 2024.

Squire Patton Boggs continues to gain traction in investment treaty work, particularly on the state-side where the wider global international arbitration group now represents twenty-eight sovereign nations. It has also carved out a significant niche in energy disputes, with a lengthening raft of global energy corporations—including state-owned entities—turning to the team for support. Stephen Anway co-chairs the global practice from the US, where he splits his time between New York and Washington DC; he is representing Slovakia, Romania, and Iraq in arbitral disputes, among others. The team also includes Luka Mišetić, who specializes in cases involving Central and Eastern Europe; Charles Rosenberg, who recently joined from King & Spalding LLP; and senior associate Carlos Guzmán Plascencia—all are in New York. Miriam Harwood has left the firm.

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s group is widely acknowledged for its ability to bring together ‘expertise in international arbitration and upstream oil and gas contracts’. Indeed, the team utilizes the wider firm’s dominant oil and gas practice to specialize in energy-related disputes, where it acts for both energy companies and sovereign states in commercial and investor-state cases. The group also garners a significant volume of construction and project-related work. From bases in Houston and Dubai, James Loftis steers the international dispute resolution department and focuses on energy, construction and infrastructure disputes. Key names in New York include Camilo Cardozo, who serves as head of international disputes for the Americas, and José Sanchez.

During 2023, Winston & Strawn LLP ’s international arbitration practice handled a broad array of commercial and investment disputes, with notable activity in the financial services, TMT and energy and natural resources spheres. The team also continues to strengthen its Latin America disputes offering, where it is currently acting on cases involving Panama and Venezuela, among other jurisdictions. Chicago-based Ricardo Ugarte is a seasoned litigator and arbitration counsel with robust experience under key arbitral rules, including UNCITRAL, ICC and ICSID. Also noted are Miami-based Gustavo Membiela, who has an emphasis on Latin American disputes, and Houston’s Imad Khan, who was recently promoted to partner.

Leveraging its prominent global projects practice, A&O Shearman possesses extensive experience in construction disputes, particularly in relation to power, mining and infrastructure projects in the US, Latin America and the Middle East. The team also handles commercial cases involving the technology and life sciences sectors, while it is additionally well versed in investor-state disputes—as evidenced by its recent work for the Republic of Panama in treaty claims. Key contacts in the US group include Christopher Ryan, who operates from Washington DC and New York; and New York-based of counsel Henry Weisburg.

Dentons‘ practice handles both domestic and international arbitrations and brings experience in handling cases under various global arbitral rules, including ICDR, ICC, LCIA, HKIA and UNCITRAL. The team is particularly well-positioned to advise on multi-jurisdictional commercial and investor-state cases, where it can benefit from its ability to link up with its wider global arbitration offering. New York-based John Hay heads the international dispute resolution group for the US and is equipped to advise on the full range of arbitral proceedings. Fellow New York-based partners Diora Ziyaeva and Anthony Ullman also maintain significant arbitration practices.

Demonstrating broad geographical reach, K&L Gates’ international arbitration group represents a mix of sovereign and corporate clients in cross-border proceedings under ICSID, LCIA, ICC and ICDR rules, among others. The team’s ability to draw on its lawyers’ combination of judicial and arbitral experience also ensures that it is often selected to handle parallel litigation, including enforcement actions. Most notably, it is defending the Kingdom of Spain before US District Court in a case seeking to enforce a €291m ICSID Award. New York-based Matthew Weldon ‘is not afraid to get stuck in when the going gets tough.’

The international arbitration group at Mayer Brown is valued for its ‘deep knowledge of the energy sector’, which was recently evidenced by its involvement in several commercial and investor-state disputes on behalf of global oil and gas companies. The team also has experience in representing sovereign states in investment cases, with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan a representative client in this sphere. New York’s Ted Howes heads a robust US practice that also includes arbitration and litigation partner Michael Lennon, who works from Houston and London. In September 2023, international arbitration specialist David Weiss joined in Houston from King & Spalding LLP.

Demonstrating a growing focus on energy and construction disputes, McDermott Will & Emery LLP is equipped to advise on both commercial and investor-state cases. Split between Washington DC and New York, the two-partner team also benefits from its ability to lean on partners across Europe. Washington DC-based global department co-head Lisa Richman impresses with her ‘friendly but deadly and effective cross-examination style’; she has recently handled a slew of cases in the energy and life sciences spheres. In New York, David Kiefer specializes in judicial and arbitral matters arising out of construction and engineering disputes.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s international arbitration practice is able to draw on specialist partners in the US, the UK, Japan and China. The team is particularly well positioned to handle international trade disputes, where Washington DC-based Stephan Becker is recommended for his recent work representing Mexico in an UNCITRAL arbitration filed under NAFTA. Other key contacts include Richard Deutsch in Houston; Michael Jaffe in Washington DC; and New York's Derek Soller.