International arbitration

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP

Client Satisfaction

Acting in bet-the-company disputes worldwide, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP’s international arbitration team in London ‘manages to get resoundingly successful outcomes’. Encompassing both commercial and investor-state disputes, the practice’s expertise covers the gamut of arbitration work; it excels in appointing and challenging arbitrators, liaising with arbitral institutions and resolving jurisdiction issues, as well as drafting arbitration agreements, pleading cases, undertaking advocacy at hearings, and enforcing and challenging arbitration awards. Europe international litigation and arbitration group head since July 2023, Kate Davies KC is an international commercial and investment treaty arbitration expert, who is experienced in both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. Commercial arbitration and investment treaty disputes specialist Daniel Gal KC has particular experience in multi-jurisdictional disputes involving the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Brazil. Bruce Macaulay’s caseload includes both international arbitration and cross-border litigation. The practice further comprises Devika Khopkar, who has notable experience in investor-state arbitrations and India-related disputes. Promoted to partner in April 2024, Nicholas Adams acts in financial, technology, energy and telecoms-related disputes. David Edwards departed the firm in December 2023, while David Kavanagh KC retired in June 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They think creatively of arguments and legal strategies that no one else comes up with.’
‘Through carefully-threaded arguments and meticulous advocacy, Skadden manages to get resoundingly successful outcomes.’
‘Extremely focused on quality - highly technical, but at the same time they see the big picture and are commercially minded. Quick turnaround times.’
‘Daniel Gal is highly recommended - one of the best brains in the industry, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Agility Public Warehousing Company
Emaar Properties
Voimaosakeyhtiö
Enka Renewables
Binance
Trina Solar
Vodafone

Work highlights

Successfully annulled a 2021 award issued by the ICSID, dismissing Agility’s $664m claim against the Republic of Iraq (brought under the Iraq 2015 Iraq-Kuwait bilateral investment treaty and international law).
Achieved a second victory for Emaar Properties in a London-seated, Indian law governed ICC arbitration.
Acting for a gas and electricity supplier, in relation to disruptions to the supply of LNG that was caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.