Practice

International Commercial Arbitration

We provide strategic representation in the most complex and high-stakes international commercial disputes.

Our International Commercial Arbitration practice is recognized as one of the foremost in the world. We combine a deep knowledge of private international and arbitration law, commercial and contract laws of many jurisdictions, and business sense, providing creative guidance to clients through every stage of an arbitration from risk assessment and pre-dispute planning to enforcement of awards.  With a proven track record in resolving complex, high-stakes cross-border commercial disputes, our team of seasoned arbitration practitioners represents private and sovereign entities in matters governed by all major arbitral bodies and under all major arbitral rules.

Our multilingual, multijurisdictional team composed of attorneys trained in both civil and common law, are experienced in disputes across sectors. We tailor our approach to the unique business objectives of each client and are committed to delivering efficient solutions that protect our clients’ interests and support long-term success.

We have acted in arbitrations under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), American Arbitration Association (AAA), International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC), JAMS, International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC),  World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and Swiss Rules. We also handle cases administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague (PCA), and the Paris Center for Mediation and Arbitration (CMAP).

Many of our attorneys frequently serve as presiding, sole, emergency, co-arbitrators, and appellate arbitrators, drawing on that experience to craft compelling case strategies.

The breadth of our experience is further evidenced by the fact that we have handled cases applying the laws of 34 different jurisdictions, including Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Dubai, England & Wales, Germany, France, Ghana, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Macedonia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela, and various different U.S. States (including California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington, D.C., among others).

Areas of Focus

Our extensive experience with international commercial arbitration include:
  • Accounting
  • Antitrust/Competition
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Banking, Commercial
  • Banking, Investment
  • Banking, Private
  • Bankruptcy
  • Business Valuation
  • Business Torts
  • Closely-held Companies
  • Commercial Contracts
  • Construction/Infrastructure
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Copyright
  • Corporate Law/Governance
  • Derivatives
  • Distribution
  • DCF methodology
  • Energy
  • Emergency Arbitration
  • Expedited Arbitration
  • Employment
  • Executive Compensation
  • Expropriation
  • Financial products
  • Fiduciary Duty
  • Franchising
  • Fraud
  • Hospitality
  • import/Export & Freight
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance
  • Interim Measures
  • International Contracts
  • Intellectual Property
  • Joint Ventures
  • Merchandising
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Partnerships
  • Patent licensing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Power generation
  • Real Estate
  • RICO
  • Sales Law
  • Securities Law
  • State/State Entity contracts
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications
  • United Nations

Awards & Accolades

Chambers Global: International Arbitration
Chambers Africa: Dispute Resolution
Chambers Latin America: International Arbitration
Chambers USA: International Arbitration | Arbitrators
Chambers USA: International Arbitration | Counsel: The Elite
GAR 30
Legal 500 Latin America: International Arbitration
Legal 500 USA: International Arbitration

Key Contacts

Related Practices & Industries

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Representative Matters

Our attorneys represent or have represented the following clients, or served as arbitrators, in the following international and domestic commercial arbitrations:
 

  • A joint venture between a French renewable energy company and a Spanish engineering company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris and governed by Argentinian Law over two Solar Power Plants in Argentina.
  • A U.S.-based renewable energy project developer in a CPR arbitration applying New York law for non-payment against a Canadian supplier of solar photovoltaic modules. 
  • A Southeast Asian State in an ICC arbitration seated in Lausanne, Switzerland governed by Swiss Law over defects in the design and construction of a nuclear power plant. 
  • A fuel wholesaler in an AAA arbitration seated in Washington, D.C., over a biodiesel purchase agreement with a supplier. 
  • An AAA arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York Law arising from the engagement of a merchant banking firm to help develop investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
  • A South Asian State agency in an ICC arbitration seated in Hong Kong and governed by English Law brought by a solar energy developer over the latter's breach of a power purchase agreement for the construction and operation of a solar power plant. 

  • An African State and State-owned entity in an SCC arbitration seated in Stockholm and governed by Ghana Law, consistent with International Law concerning a dispute over an oil and gas unitization.
  • A producer of liquefied natural gas against a Spanish gas distributor in an ad hoc arbitration seated in Boston and governed by New York Law arising from the implementation of a price renegotiation clause in the context of a long-term sales contract.
  • An African State in two ICC arbitrations seated in London and governed by Ghana Law, consistent with International Law instituted by a subsidiary of a UK oil and gas company, addressing the extent of the State’s right to tax, specifically, addressing taxation concerning loan interest deductions and insurance policies.
  • A Dubai company as respondent in an ICC arbitration, seated in London and governed by English Law, concerning the construction of an oil storage facility in Sharjah, UAE.
  • Two South Asian State-owned oil companies in ICSID commercial arbitrations governed by Bangladesh Law brought by a Canadian gas arising from two blowouts in a gas field it operated. 
  • A South Asian State and its State-owned oil & gas corporation in ICSID arbitration proceedings governed by Bangladesh Law regarding a concession to explore, develop and exploit natural gas fields. 
  • A Bangladesh State-owned entity in a SIAC arbitration seated in Paris and governed by English Law in a dispute arising from drilling and exploration agreements of natural gas reserves.
  • A Dutch company against an African company (Burkina Faso) in an ad hoc arbitration seated in Paris governed by OHADA law arising from the termination of an oil supply contract in Africa.

  • A Bangladesh State-owned entity in a PCA administered gas price reopener/revision arbitration seated in Singapore governed by Bangladesh Law, hearing venue Portugal
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law between the owner of an industrial park and a tenant in Europe regarding the pricing of steam indexed on natural gas.
  • A Greek State-owned entity in two related ICC arbitrations seated in Sweden governed by Swiss Law arising from a gas sale and purchase agreement and related interconnector pipeline treaty.

  • A South Asian State-owned oil company in an ICSID commercial arbitration seated in Singapore governed by Bangladesh Law pertaining to a tax dispute over a lucrative venture in an oil and gas field. 
  • A Latin American State entity in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by French Law concerning a mining dispute involving corruption charges.
  • An Asian state entity in a an ICC arbitration seated in Paris in relation to the performance of an armament contract (boats) and involving the payment of unlawful commissions.
  • An Asian navy as defendant in an ICC arbitration, under French law, concerning the payment of hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit commissions in the context of military procurements.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in Geneva under Swiss Law between parties in Hong Kong and Europe arising from international corruption investigations under the U.K. Bribery Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the transportation industry.
  • An Asian air force as claimant in an ICC arbitration, seated in Paris under French law, concerning the payment of illicit commissions in the context of military aircraft procurement.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in Geneva under French Law between consultant and European company involving allegations of international corruption in the aviation industry.
  • An ICDR emergency arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law between members of a NY limited liability company arising from the sale of property in Cuba and U.S. sanctions laws.

  • A manufacturer and installer of industrial piping in an ad hoc dispute seated in Paris and governed by French Law regarding the construction of a nuclear plant.
  • A French construction company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris and governed by Benin Law against a port authority in Benin in a construction dispute .
  • A European State as defendant in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by Bulgarian Law with a construction company related to the construction of a bridge and related rail and road infrastructure under a FIDIC contract.
  • A European State as defendant before a dispute arbitration board governed by Macedonian Law in a dispute with a consortium of foreign construction companies related to the construction of a railway under a FIDIC contract.
  • An Asian State-owned entity as defendant before a dispute arbitration board in a dispute with a consortium of foreign construction companies related to the construction of an electric infrastructure governed by English Law.
  • An Asian State agency in an ICC arbitration seated in Singapore governed by Bangladesh Law arising out of a dispute regarding the construction of Bangladesh’s first ever deep-sea port under a FIDIC contract, including force majeure claims relating to COVID.
  • A State-owned water supply and sewage company and the State’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy in an ICC arbitration seated in London governed by Albanian Law concerning a project to construct a sewage treatment plant and related sewers for the municipality of Tirana.
  • A State-owned agency in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by Ukraine Law
  • with a Chinese State-owned company, which concerns the parties’ termination of a contract to construct a strategically important bypass for the city and the company’s numerous defects and delays in breach of the construction contract.
  • A Middle Eastern State-owned entity in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by Qatar Law arising from the construction of a sewage plant.
  • A Latin American local government in two related CAIP arbitrations seated in Paris governed by Peruvian Law arising from a dispute concerning the calculation and adjustment of tolls charged as part of a contract to construct and refurbish certain main roadways. 
  • A Latin American local government in two contract-based arbitrations under the UNCITRAL Rules seated in Washington, D.C. and governed by Peruvian Law, related to the refurbishment and operation of three branches of a major highway and the implementation of various toll increases.

  • An African state in a PCA arbitration seated in Accra and governed by Ghana Law concerning the non-renewal of a mining license.
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law between parties in Europe and the United States arising from the termination of a distribution agreement in the aluminum industry.
  • A Brazilian mining company in ICC proceedings seated in New York governed by Brazil Law against an Argentine shipping corporation in connection with a maritime dispute.
  • A U.S. company in ICDR proceedings seated in New York governed by New York Law against a Chilean mining company concerning the breach of a copper supply contract.
  • Brazilian shareholders of a mining corporation in an ICDR arbitration seated in New York governed by Brazilian law against joint venture partner in connection with exercise of the right of first refusal to buy the controlling shares of the mining company.  
  • A UK mining corporation in a dispute with its U.S. joint venture partner regarding the exercise of a right of first refusal.
  • A State-owned mining company in South America in an ICDR arbitration in New York and Washington, D.C. over rehabilitation of a power plant serving the mine and the surrounding community.

  • A Spanish public company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by Spanish Law arising from the construction of a military submarine and the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.
  • A Swiss financial index manager in an ICC arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law against a U.S. company in connection with a licensing and intellectual property dispute.
  • An UNCITRAL arbitration seated in New York and governed by the laws of Liechtenstein and the Netherlands arising from the termination of a North-South American franchise agreement and related intellectual property rights.
  • A major French group against a company in the People's Republic of China in an ICC arbitration in Hong Kong arising from a patent licensing agreement. 
  • A Scandinavian developer and distributor of health care diagnosis packages in an ICC arbitration initiated by an American manufacturer of tests that determine risk of heart seeking damages resulting from the breach of the parties' license and development agreement. 
  • A large European and American biotechnology corporation in connection with a dispute over royalties alleged to be due under a licensing agreement for patented technology. 
  • An LCIA arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law concerning the rights to use a gaming license.
  • A Japanese motor company as claimant in a JCAA arbitration, seated in London and governed by Japanese Law, with a motorcycle rider it had sponsored in the Dakar Rally.

  • A major Mexican conglomerate in an ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York Law against its former joint venture partner in connection with a contract dispute  .
  • A Corte de Arbitraje de Madrid €1billion emergency arbitration case in a dispute over a hostile takeover governed by the laws of Spain.
  • A gaming company against a public company in a SIAC arbitration seated in Singapore in the context of a dispute between partners.
  • A major French dairy manufacturer against an Egyptian joint venture partner in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris under Egyptian law
  • A U.S. joint venture partner in the media industry against its Mexican joint venture partner in an ICC arbitration seated in Mexico governed by Mexican Law arising from a joint venture contract. 
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York under Delaware law in a $2 billion dispute between members of a Delaware limited liability company in the spirits industry over the exercise of a right of first refusal.
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York between minority shareholders of a limited liability Cayman corporation and private equity firm regarding the sale of the business.
  • An ICDR emergency arbitration seated in New York under Delaware law in a $600 million dispute between joint venture partners in Singapore and the U.S. in the real estate industry.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York under New York law between members of a limited liability company in the construction and operations of controlled landfills in North Africa over the restructuring of that company.
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York under Delaware law between joint venture partners arising from a public private partnership to build residential and academic facilities in West Africa.  
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York under Cyprus law involving breach of contract and fraud claims arising from a joint venture agreement and related agreements involving parties in the U.S., Ukraine, and Cyprus.

  • A real estate investor in an ad hoc arbitration seated in Geneva governed by German Law against a property developer regarding the sale of two luxury apartment blocks.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York Law relating to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality sector and claims under contractual excuse doctrines.
  • A prominent hotel brand in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris over alleged breach of management agreements in Europe, Africa and Asia. 
  • A southern European tour operator in a lease dispute in a French-language ICC arbitration relating to a large resort complex in the Indian Ocean. 
  • An ICC arbitration arising from a hotel development and management agreement and technical services agreement relating to the development and management of a hotel.

  • An ICC Arbitration seated in Paris and governed by French Law in a dispute over the installation of telecommunication towers.
  • A major U.S. bank in a complex multi-party ICC arbitration seated in New York governed by Brazilian Law, and related litigation in aid of arbitration, concerning the control of a major Brazilian telecommunications company.
  • A telecommunications company as claimant in an LCIA arbitration, under English law, in connection with the acquisition of operators in several African states 
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by Québec Law between parties in Colombia and Québec arising from a contract to provide satellite broadband services.
  • A major European telecommunications group against a U.S. telecommunications group in an international arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law arising from an M&A transaction.
  • A consortium of American, Canadian, German and Japanese companies in ICC proceedings against the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding claims over the construction of a nationwide telecommunications system. 
  • A major telecommunications company against a German company in an ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York Law regarding the ownership of patents. 

  • A Japanese pharmaceutical company against a French Shareholder in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by French Law concerning the implementation of a put option clause in a post M&A dispute.
  • A publicly traded medical device manufacturer in a dispute over supply and distribution agreements with OEM in an ad hoc arbitration in New Jersey. 
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in Boston governed by Maine Law between parties in China and the U.S., arising from a contract to purchase products in the life science industry and allegations of antitrust violations.
  • A publicly traded global medical device company in a JAMS arbitration seated in Boston against an insurer. 
  • A European pharmaceutical company in an LCIA arbitration under English Law, stemming from a joint venture in China, as well as a broad range of associated corporate law issues.
  • A European pharmaceutical company in an HKIAC arbitration, under Hong Kong law, stemming from a joint venture in China, as well as a broad range of associated corporate law issues.
  • A French gene therapy company as defendant in an AAA arbitration under New York law, and seated in New York, concerning a dispute with a US company about license fees for adeno-associated virus patents.
  • An Ad Hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 2021 between parties in Canada and the U.S. regarding the ownership of intellectual property in the life science industry governed by New York Law.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law concerning the distribution of a pain relief device.
  • An innovative pharmaceuticals company in an ICC arbitration seated in New York applying New York Law relating to an enterprise license agreement and related WHO prequalification.

  • An appellate AAA arbitration seated in Texas governed by Delaware Law involving the development of a wealth-management mobile application.
  • An AAA arbitration seated in North Carolina governed by North Carolina Law between parties in the United States arising from a master license agreement and services agreement regarding the development of a software.
  • Dozens of separate AAA arbitrations under California, Delaware and New York law against a major online retail company related to the alleged recording and storage of users' voices by smart speaker technology for commercial benefit in violation of consumer privacy and other rights. 
  • An IT consulting firm in an AAA arbitration seated in Boston in a multi-million dollar dispute with fast-growing women's clothing retailer over SAP implementation. 
  • An AAA arbitration between parties in Canada, Norway, and the U.S. seated in New York governed by New York Law regarding sales representative agreement in the tech industry.  
  • An AAA arbitration governed by New York Law between investment firm and acquirer of a business in the software industry arising from post-M&A dispute.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York law between parties in Canada and the United States involving the implementation of a maintenance software system in the aviation industry.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in Montreal and governed by California Law involving technology relating to electric vehicles involving parties in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Various Silicon Valley tech companies in a series of interrelated ICC and ICDR disputes alleging breach of contract and fraud seated in California and governed by California Law.

  • A State-owned naval engineering firm in ICC proceedings in connection with breach of contract claims relating to improvements on military vessels.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law between joint venture partners in Europe and the United States regarding the exercise of a right of first refusal in the aviation industry.
  • A sales representative from Hong Kong as claimant in an ICC arbitration under New York law, and seated in New York, concerning commission fees due from a US aircraft engine manufacturer.
  • An ICC arbitration seated in New York and governed by Luxembourg Law arising from an aerospace purchase agreement involving parties in the U.S., Germany, and Panama.
  • A German aircraft lessor in an ICC arbitration in Paris arising from a failed transaction with a Mexican airline.

  • A Swedish automotive company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris under French law concerning a contract termination dispute with its exclusive distributor in New Caledonia. 
  • A manufacturer of complex machinery in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by German Law concerning quality of the machinery in an international sale.
  • An AAA arbitration seated in California and governed by California Law relating to claims under the U.S. Civil Rights Act in connection with alleged discriminatory conduct of a food delivery corporation based on race and ethnic origin.
  • An LCIA arbitration seated in Washington D.C. governed by New York Law arising from a cybersecurity breach in connection with the purchase and sale of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The breach resulted in hacked bank accounts and lost revenues.
  • A Latin America energy company in an ICC arbitration involving the breach of a contract for the management and administration of sugar cane plantations. 
  • A Spanish company in an ICC arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law with respect to a contract for the supply of medical equipment.
  • A South-American state-owned entity as defendant in GAFTA proceedings, under English law, concerning the purchase of a significant volume of grain, to feed its population during the pandemic.
  • An ICDR emergency arbitration seated in New York between parties in the U.S. and Italy arising from a long-term exclusive distribution agreement in the wine industry.
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law between parties in New York and the Middle East over the distribution of products in the United Arab Emirates.
  • A UAE incorporated entity in successful settlement relating to a price revision dispute with a United Nations agency under UNCITRAL rules resulting from changing market fundamentals in the sale and purchase of provisions for peacekeeping missions resulting from the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

  • A Corte de Arbitraje de Madrid arbitration governed by Spanish Law contractual dispute between the insurance courtier and an insurance company.
  • A bank of the Ivory Coast in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris governed by OHADA Law over security and debt repayment.
  • An appellate AAA governed by New York Law arbitration between financial institution and corporate bank client arising from alleged breach of contractual duty to monitor account.
  • An Appellate AAA arbitration governed by New York Law between financial institution and bank corporate client involving indemnification claims.
  • A series of AAA disputes seated in New York governed by California Law involving cyberfraud in the financial industry
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in New York governed by New York Law involving cryptocurrency regulation
  • An ICDR arbitration seated in Washington, D.C. governed by Delaware Law involving an alleged Ponzi scheme and related request for an injunction involving parties in China and the U.S.
  • A Big Four U.S. accounting firm in defense of a CPR arbitration in New York initiated by its audit client. 

  • A corporation against its former CEO in an AAA arbitration arising from a dispute over severance terms and non-compete obligations.
  • The CEO of a Fortune 100 financial services company in obtaining a seven-figure CPR arbitral award for breach of employment contract.
  • A AAA arbitration seated in New York and governed by New York Law between parties in Brazil and the United States arising from a management contract of a model in the fashion industry.

  • A Swiss fortune against a large auction house in ad hoc arbitration seated in Paris and governed by Swiss Law arising from the sale of antique furniture.
  • A Ministry of Culture of a Middle Eastern country in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris and governed by Danish Law over a traveling exhibition of a national treasure.

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