Stephenson Harwood‘s ’excellent, collaborative team’ acts for governments and state-owned companies in high-stakes public international law matters. It is additionally well known for its financial sanctions credentials, as well as its Africa practice. The firm is also mandated for investment treaty and investor-state disputes. Kamal Shah is ‘a market leader for Africa and India-related work’; Rovine Chandrasekera works between London and Dubai; Richard Garcia is 'excellent’; Ben Sigler focuses on the financial and technology sectors; and Sue Millar is sanctions practice head. Charlotte Welsh and Isabelle Wenger are other key team members. Stephen Ashley left the firm in October 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent, collaborative team. They value the happiness of their associates and take diversity seriously.’
‘Skilled in energy law and English contractual interpretation.’
‘Strong depth of experience, often operating under the radar.’
‘Kamal Shah is a market leader for Africa and India-related work. He is excellent at managing client expectations.
‘Rovine Chandrasekera has impressive and tangible experience in challenging jurisdictions, and stands out in the area of international enforcement and recovery.’
‘Ben Sigler is very knowledgeable.’
‘Richard Garcia is excellent.’
- ’Charlotte Welsh is very intelligent and has outstanding drafting skills.’ ’
Key clients
- Republic of Iraq
- Arab Republic of Egypt
Work highlights
- Representing the Republic of Iraq (as co-counsel) in an ICSID arbitration brought by Orange (formerly France Telecom) under the France-Iraq bilateral investment treaty.
- Acting for the Arab Republic of Egypt in respect of massive sums allegedely misappropriated by former President Mubarak (and his allies).
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kamal Shah