England - London • Dispute resolution

A&O Shearman

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With ‘deep knowledge of arbitration law and practice’, A&O Shearman‘s London team is highly active in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations. The team is particularly well known for gas price disputes, but its wide-ranging expertise also covers claims involving banking, finance, IP, TMT, infrastructure and construction projects, and shareholder and M&A-related conflicts. The practice additionally acts in arbitration-related litigation. Heading the international arbitration group, gas price arbitration specialist Mark Levy KC is 'a superb advocate'; David Herlihy, a 2002 partner recruit from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, and Matthew Hodgson, are both international commercial and investment treaty arbitration experts; and James Freeman has a 'brilliant mind'. Guled Yusuf, who acts in institutional and ad hoc arbitral proceedings, was elevated to partner in May 2022, while counsel Sunil Mawkin specialises in disputes in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Pretty perfect - reliable, smooth, client focused, practical, clear, and excellent advocacy. Also nice people with a strong team ethic.’

  • ‘Mark Levy - great advocate, commercial, practical, smart, and great judgement.'

  • ‘Mark Levy is a superb advocate. He is familiar with all the details and makes great use of that during argument and cross-examination.'

  • 'James Freeman - brilliant mind, super-clear and logical.'

  • ‘Matthew Hodgson is an exceptional lawyer and strategist.’

  • ‘A&O has a strong team with good camaraderie, which makes working with them seamless and efficient. They also make use of all the updated legal tech applications and that saves a lot of time and money for the client.’

  • ‘A&O's international arbitration practice has a deep rich heritage built on generations of talented individuals serving a world-class client base.’

  • ‘Deep knowledge of arbitration law and practice and astute tactical sense.’

Key clients

  • International Finance Corporation
  • BG
  • Reliance Industries
  • Qatargas
  • International Swaps & Derivatives Association
  • Kempinski Hotels
  • Government of Pakistan
  • Manchester United

Work highlights

  • Representing BG and Reliance Industries in arbitrations against the Government of India, regarding two Indian-law governed production sharing contracts for oil and gas fields.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Levy KC

Other key lawyers

David Herlihy, Matthew Hodgson, James Freeman, Guled Yusuf, Sunil Mawkin