With 'excellent instincts when it comes to international disputes', Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s practice stands out for its specialist sector expertise in energy, transport and infrastructure across the firm's international network. Construction and energy disputes expert Rebecca Williams is 'a fighter that clients want in their corner'; Rob Fidoe acts in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations under various rules; Mike Phillips is maritime disputes leader; Andrew Ward specialises in heavyweight international arbitration; and Andrew Hutcheon is 'skilled at securing good outcomes'. Mark McAllister-Jones is a recently-elevated counsel, while Archit Dhir, Alexander Creswick and Jack Moulder are experienced senior associates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The commercial disputes team at WFW is a delight to work with.'
'Extremely sharp, hardworking, and have excellent instincts when it comes to international disputes.'
'They really know what they are doing in international arbitration, and take care to manage the process at every stage to put their clients in the best possible position.’
‘Rebecca Williams is an outstanding disputes lawyer. Her instincts in relation to strategy and how matters are likely to be received by a tribunal are always spot on; and when dealing with difficult opponents, she is a fighter that clients want in their corner.'
'Regardless of the size or complexity of a dispute, Mark McAllister-Jones is all over the detail. Even at crunch points, he manages to ensure that everything is under control and difficult issues are dealt with promptly, carefully and skilfully. He is an excellent disputes lawyer.’
‘Andrew Hutcheon is highly experienced, conscientious of the needs of his clients, and skilled at securing good outcomes for them.’
'Rob Fidoe is an outstanding lawyer - adept at managing complex technical disputes and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute. Rob's easygoing manner is very popular with clients and other team members, who find him very easy to work with.'
'Alexander Creswick is extremely bright, and shows maturity and ability beyond his years. He is dependable and unflappable - a partner in the making.'

Work highlights

Acting for a project developer and EPC contractor in consolidated LCIA arbitration proceedings, in respect of a framework purchase agreement to procure approximately $140m of PV panels and equipment for 13 solar projects.
Successfully representing a state-owned energy company in LCIA proceedings (and related injunctive and anti-suit applications), which relate to a dispute under a matched sale-purchase agreement for the supply of 60 LNG cargoes.
Acting for vessel owners in a complex dispute in the maritime sector, involving the interpretation and enforcement of vessel pooling arrangements where the claims and counterclaims are over £3.5bn.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Rob Fidoe

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

He specialises in international commercial dispute resolution (particularly arbitration) and advises corporates and multi-nationals across a broad range of industry sectors including aviation, energy, infrastructure and international trade. Rob trained and qualified with the firm in London, then worked out of the Bangkok office from 2007 to 2016. He is recommended by Legal 500 UK 2021, where he is described as “an outstanding lawyer” whose “easy-going manner is very popular with clients”. He is “adept at managing complex technical disputes and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute”.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rebecca Williams, Rob Fidoe

Other key lawyers

Mike Phillips, Andrew Ward, Andrew Hutcheon, Mark McAllister-Jones, Archit Dhir, Alexander Creswick, Jack Moulder, Alexis Martinez

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