Winston & Strawn LLP's expanded presence in New York, Miami and Houston has given it a more sizeable platform for international arbitration engagements, with teams in Washington DC, Chicago and London are also active in Latin America disputes. The firm has a major focus on the energy sector (which has been reinforced by the growing team in Houston), with mining and maritime also areas of key strength. It also has a fine record in investor-state and commercial arbitrations involving multiple Latin American states. Chicago partner and former chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice, Ricardo Ugarte is an established name noted for his ability to move seamlessly between (investor-state and commercial) arbitration and litigation; although he has a global focus, he has an impressive background in Latin America cases. Marcelo Blackburn is a pivotal figure in the Latin America team, handling a mix of investigations and arbitratal matters, and with a strong emphasis on Mexico. Miami’s Gustavo Membiela is another experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a substantial focus on Latin America international arbitration. Houston’s Imad Khan was promoted to partner in January 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Exceedingly dedicated/committed; phenomenal communication.’
‘They are generally very available to answer any questions you may have about the procedure (or for a question in general).’
Key clients
- Dominion Minerals Corp
- Banco San Juan Internacional
Work highlights
- Represented Dominion Minerals Corp in its claims (brought pursuant to the treaty between the United States and the Republic of Panama) concerning the treatment and protection of investments arising out of Dominion’s investment in a copper and gold concession in Western Panama.
- Represented Banco San Juan Internacional (BSJI) in connection with a UK judgment enforcement action against Petróleos de Venezuela.