Energy heavyweight King & Spalding LLP covers the full spectrum of commercial and investment arbitrations out of 18 global offices, with Latin American work contributing a significant chunk of the team’s overall caseload. With specific expertise in energy, construction, and mining, the team has had some notable recent victories against both major corporates and sovereign bodies. The firm has been active in Peru, with 2024 producing some significant victories as well as new mandates for the team. Doak Bishop is recognised as a preeminent lawyer in the field due to his 40 years of experience in both commercial and investment arbitrations. Harry Burnett, co-head of the Latin America international arbitration practice, is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and relocated from New York to Miami in 2022. Roberto Aguirre Luzi leads alongside Burnett and Craig Miles and has extensive experience in energy and infrastructure disputes in the region. Miles, who splits his time between Miami and Houston, has secured some significant ICSID awards on behalf of investors against a range of host governments. Recommended lawyer Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina is bilingual and has practised in both the US and Mexico. All lawyers are based in Houston unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘K&S has the best international arbitration team. Regarding disputes related to Latin America, they have extensive experience in multiple sectors and with multiple jurisdictions. They have knowledge, expertise, the ability to process all the information, they know the players and the authorities, and they have one of the best track records. They are top of the line.’
- ‘They have a lot of experience. It is very easy to work with them as a team. The team is fully bilingual (Spanish/English).’
- ‘I have worked with the Houston office, where I highlight the work of partners Doak Bishop and Craig Miles, and that of associate Arturo Oropeza. They are a very good team. I have also worked with the Miami office, where I highlight partner Harry Burnett.'
- ‘The best arbitration practice in the world. Simply outstanding. Sophisticated, experienced, collaborative, highly effective and commercially oriented. '
- 'Harry Burnett, Fernando Cortina-Rodriguez and Craig Miles are superstars in the field. The go-to lawyers for any kind of international dispute.'
- 'The key strengths of K&S are in their individual lawyers. Harry Burnett is an outstanding leader of the team. Harry is exceptionally easy to deal with, is friendly and helpful, yet very well versed and experienced in all things relating to international arbitration. Harry is an absolute pleasure to work with. Harry is ably supported by a strong international arbitration team, including rising star Marcio Vasconcellos. Marcio is a big name for the future!'
Key clients
- Refinería de Cartagena
- Petersen Energía
- The Agarwal Family (U.K. Mining Investors)
- Chevron Corporation
- Odyssey Marine Exploration
- AMERRA Capital Management
Work highlights
Secured $900m for Reficar in its high-profile dispute with U.S. contractor CB&I over the construction of an oil refinery in Colombia.
Represents Petersen Energía in the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”) against Argentina and YPF S.A., Argentina’s State-owned oil company.
Represents Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. in a multibillion-dollar ICSID arbitration against Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Harry Burnett
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Roberto Aguirre Luzi
Craig Miles
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina
Practice head
Harry Burnett; Craig Miles; Roberto Aguirre Luzi
Other key lawyers
Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina; Doak Bishop