International arbitration

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

‘Entrusted with the most complex and high-value disputes’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is ‘a go-to firm for international arbitration’. Covering commercial, investor-state and state-to-state arbitrations, the London practice acts under the rules of all major arbitration institutions, as well as in ad hoc arbitrations. The London international arbitration group is led by ’world-class advocate’ Craig Tevendale. Global co-head of the international arbitration practice Andrew Cannon, who also leads the firm’s India disputes offering, acts in arbitrations across multiple jurisdictions: Chris Parker KC is ‘an able and agile advocate’. Christian Leathley, back in London from the firm’s New York office since 2023, specialises in international commercial and investment arbitration and Mike McClure KC , who returned to London from the firm’s Seoul office in 2023, ‘excels in case presentation’. The next line of key practitioners features commercial and investment arbitration specialist Hannah Ambrose, Charlie Morgan, who acts in energy and technology disputes, and Louise Barber, who ’truly stands out among her peers’. International commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration expert Joel Halliday is another name to note, along with Anuradha Agnihotri, who acts in disputes over shareholder and share purchase agreements, as well as construction projects. In April 2024, former global arbitration head Paula Hodges KC left to become an independent arbitrator.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘An experienced, knowledgeable team. HSF is a go-to firm for international arbitration - entrusted with the most complex and high-value disputes. A leading team on the London arbitration market. Strong both on procedure and substance.’
‘They have ample experience and skill to handle investor-state disputes, in addition to commercial arbitration. Top-notch knowledge of international law and international arbitration. An experienced team that quickly delivers high-calibre products.’
‘Christian Leathley is an extraordinary lawyer, who performs extremely well in submitting arguments to the tribunal and organising all the proper documents needed by the tribunal. One other aspect is empathy. Christian’s attitude is not only intelligent in his presentations, but also courteous towards the tribunal and other parties.’
‘Craig Tevendale is a world-class advocate, who is surrounded by an extremely talented team of associates who are perfectly attuned to clients’ needs.’
‘Louise Barber in particular is one to watch - her talent for written and oral advocacy is undeniable, and her intellect and strategic acumen are remarkable. She truly stands out among her peers.’
‘Andrew Cannon and Hannah Ambrose have impressive experience, both in the procedural aspects of arbitration and substantive law.’
‘Chris Parker KC is able to turn his hand to very different cases and is an able and agile advocate. Joel Halliday has an excellent skillset for a senior associate and solicitor, and he has an exceptional ability to extract essential and core information for cases.’
‘Mike McClure KC is two steps ahead of his competitors from the initial engagement, through to providing merit advice on the case. He not only possesses extensive knowledge, excellent strategic skills and masterful leadership, but also excels in case presentation. His approach is simple yet effective. More importantly, he is sincere in his work and dedicated to his clients. He never gives false hope but fights to the very end.’

Key clients

BP
Chevron
Eni
Standard Chartered Bank
Sinopec
Star Hydro Power
Vedanta
Government of Azerbaijan
Woodside
The Government of Sierra Leone

Work highlights

Representing the Republic of Azerbaijan (and its state-owned oil company SOCAR) in ICSID investment treaty arbitration proceedings.
Representing two international energy companies in relation to a high-value and highly politicised dispute, which concerns a mega-value oil and gas project in Africa.
Representing a biotechnology company in Covid-19 vaccine-related arbitrations.

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