Energy Litigation, International Arbitration, Renewables, Offshore Oil and Gas, Dispute Resolution

Melanie Willems, Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group in the London office, is experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution including expert determination, mediation, and adjudication. Melanie has extensive experience in both ad hoc proceedings and those administered by the major international arbitral institutions, such as ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, ICSID, as well as standard form contract rules. She also represents clients in the English courts and sits as an arbitrator.

Melanie acts for clients in a range of industries, including engineering, energy, construction, rail, infrastructure/transport, hospitality and hotels, retail, property development, banking and finance, technology, and insurance. She has particular experience in contractual disputes arising from energy, major projects, engineering matters, and hospitality. Clients seek Melanie’s counsel on international projects disputes in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and India in relation to foreign investments, power plants, renewable energy, desalination plants, petrochemical plants, oil rigs, pipelines, hotels, roads/highways, hospitals, transport, and government projects.

Melanie is ranked for international arbitration in all major legal directories and was inducted to The Legal 500 UK’s Hall of Fame for International Arbitration in 2021. She is also included in The Legal 500 “International Arbitration Powerlist”, which showcases 200 of the UK’s leading practitioners working in law firms and the Bar.

Melanie is a prolific writer and speaker, and lectures frequently on topics related to international arbitration and various forms of dispute resolution, in the UK and abroad.

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Bar Association (IBA), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Committee Member of the London Branch, 2007-2015, Former President of and Committee Member of the Society of Construction Arbitrators.

Partner, Chair of International Arbitration Practice Group

LL.B., Kings College London, 1989. Maitrise, Law, Université  de Paris I, 1989. MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration, Kings College London, 1993