International arbitration

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

With ‘great experience across international arbitration’, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s London team, which has a strong track record in state-to-state and investor-state arbitrations, also acts for blue-chip clients in high-value commercial arbitrations. The practice regularly acts before a range of arbitral institutions, including LCIA, ICC, SIAC, SCC, CIETAC, UNCITRAL and ICSID, as well as appearing in ancillary proceedings before the English courts. Global co-chair of the firm’s international arbitration group, Jonathan Leach, is ‘a superb leader’. Energy disputes group head Mark Howarth acts as both counsel and advocate before international tribunals. Richard Little is an experienced commercial dispute resolution practitioner and Sheena Buddhdev acts in international arbitrations under all the major arbitral rules. The practice further includes experienced international arbitration lawyers Kate Lomas, Luisa Zukowski in Manchester, and Leeds-based Alex Cook. During 2023, the London office notably bolstered its credentials through the recruitment of commercial and investment treaty arbitration specialist Katia Finkel from Baker McKenzie LLP in September, while infrastructure, energy and renewables sector expert James McKenzie and Wilson Antoon, who acts in international commercial and investor-state arbitrations, both joined from King & Wood Mallesons in November.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has a great mix of incisive and interrogation skills, as well as deft tact and diplomacy, that serve not only their clients but also tribunals too. They have great experience across international arbitration, including in investor-state work for both repeat state clients and investors. They are hands on and not afraid to do the advocacy work themselves.’
‘Quiet, reserved confidence, and unfazed. The arbitration team is a truly global practice, with lawyers with diverse experience in a variety of jurisdictions. It is a truly international arbitration practice.’
‘ES' international arbitration practice is very well led and organised. Great skill and commercial awareness. The team is very cohesive and tailored to clients’ needs.’
‘Mark Howarth is a real star. He is calm, considered and hugely experienced. He is also a pleasure to work with.’
‘Jonathan Leach - excellent, very approachable and personable, always taking the time to explain difficult concepts in a simple, yet comprehensive, way. He is a superb leader, and very cool and collected under pressure. He makes sure that when he arrives at a hearing, his client is in the best possible position.’
‘Katia Finkel - excellent. Absolutely outstanding in her cross-examination of other sides’ experts. Leaves no stone unturned. Katia is a very smart, skillful and reliable professional.’
‘James McKenzie has excellent client-handling skills.’
‘Wilson Antoon is not afraid to get stuck in. He is extremely sharp, picks up points very quickly, and sees the case from all sides.’

Key clients

National Iranian Oil Company
Malaysia’s Minister of Finance (Incorporated)
1Malaysia Development Berhad
State of Libya
Islamic Republic of Iran
SBEC Systems

Work highlights

Representing the National Iranian Oil Company in a long-running London-seated arbitration, which relates to sales of Iranian gas to the UAE under a long-term gas sale agreement.
Acting in parallel arbitration and court proceedings for two Malaysian government entities against two Abu Dhabi government entities in the 1MDB fraud, which involved the theft of billions of dollars from the Malaysian people by individuals, including the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak.
Acting for the Islamic Republic of Iran in several large-value cases, in relation to the Iran United States Claims Tribunal (IUSCT) matter, the IUSCT established by the Algiers Accords in 1981 and now regarded as a pillar of public international law.

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