International arbitration

Signature Litigation LLP

A ‘go-to disputes law firm’, Signature Litigation LLP is experienced in an array of international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. The team also covers investment cases. Ioannis Alexopoulos’ sector expertise encompasses financial services, energy, and oil and gas, along with shipping, international trade, telecoms, IT and infrastructure. International arbitration specialist Philipp Kurek is a September 2023 hire from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Neil Newing is ‘a smart and sophisticated lawyer’, and Tsegaye Laurendeau is an Africa expert. The practice further includes Bernhard Maier, who focuses on the natural resources and energy sector, and international commercial and investor-state arbitration practitioner Pietro Grassi.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Always available to resolve tight deadlines and all time restrictions that are associated with litigation. Quality and services that are consistent and impeccable.’
‘An outstanding disputes, litigation and arbitration practice and a go-to disputes law firm in London. The team is hugely experienced and practical when it comes to analysing and developing strategies, and second to none in implementing thoughtful and highly-effective disputes strategies.’
‘Ioannis Alexopoulos is a brilliant strategist, with the ability to manage and navigate multi-jurisdictional teams of lawyers for the benefit of the client and overall case management plan.’
‘Philipp Kurek is an outstanding professional and standout operator.’
‘Philipp Kurek manages both cases and clients with real expertise - someone who is always on top of all aspects of his matters. An exceptional lawyer, who is dedicated, hard-working and knowledgeable.’
‘Neil Newing and Pietro Grassi are two standout individuals. They are exceptionally talented lawyers who work really well together as a team.’
‘Neil Newing is a smart and sophisticated lawyer, and Bernhard Maier’s input is precise, to the point and very valuable.’
‘Tsegaye Laurendeau is an experienced litigator. One of the most talented and dedicated litigation and arbitration partners in the firm. Tsegaye's ability to analyse the key drivers in a disputes situation quickly and devise and implement an effective strategy are major assets. Truly outstanding.’

Key clients

Solway Investment Group
Solway Industries Swiss
Solway Mining
Discovery Global
GRF Paragon (Malaysia)

Work highlights

Representing Solway Investment Group, Solway Industries Swiss and Solway Mining in an UNCITRAL arbitration against Liberia, based on the Switzerland-Liberia BIT and the 2010 Liberian Investment Act.
Acting for Discovery in an ICSID claim against the Slovak Republic (under the US-Slovak BIT), which alleges that it was prevented from conducting oil and gas exploration drilling operations.
Representing GRF Paragon (Malaysia), Maximilian Johnson and Simon Murray, in relation to denial of justice claims against Mongolia (under the Malaysia-Mongolia and UK-Mongolia BITs), and arising out of a large investment in the Mongolian mining sector.