The London arbitration group at Arnold & Porter has a strong track record in representing both states and global corporate clients in high-stakes investor-state arbitrations. The group's cases incorporate a range of industries, including energy, mining, construction, shipping, hospitality, telecoms, banking, and financial services; and the team is increasingly active in life sciences-related arbitrations. Co-leading the practice, David Reed is an international commercial and international investment arbitration specialist; Patricio Grané Labat has longstanding experience in international investor-state and commercial arbitrations, along with international trade and PIL issues; and Monty Taylor routinely acts for corporations, individuals and governments in international arbitrations. The second line of key practitioners includes counsel Álvaro Nistal, whose experience includes several ICJ proceedings, while senior associates Bart Wasiak and Tim Smyth both assist with PIL-related matters. Former partner Dmitri Evseev recently left to become a full-time, independent arbitrator.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Arnold & Porter's research was conducted precisely in accordance with my instructions, was extremely useful and met the highest standards of quality. The work was conducted pro bono; nevertheless, it is evident that a significant amount of time and effort was devoted to producing these memoranda, exemplifying their strong ethical values and commitment to its pro bono practice and human rights more generally.'
'Álvaro Nistal is an exceptionally skilled lawyer with a level of expertise in public international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, that only very few lawyers (in particular working outside humanitarian organsations) possess. Alvaro understands his clients needs, is clear both in his written and oral communication, has detailed and in-depth knowledge of the areas he advises on and is extremely practical when proposing solutions. He was also very responsive at all times and demonstrated exceptional communication skills.'
'The team I worked with was very much on the same page and coordinated the work in a very efficient way to meet the tight deadline we faced for the submission before the European Court of Human Rights. They took the time to understand what was needed and really catered the work to meet the highest standards.'
'Patricio Grané Labat showed a very tailed approach to working with me on the case before the European Court, and organised the work of the team efficiently.'
'Arnold & Porter has a great number of highly-qualified partners and associates capable of handling every aspect of public international law disputes, such as treaty interpretation, state responsibility and attribution and state immunity. They have significant experience in successfully representing sovereigns and sovereign entities. The team is well organized, and each of its members is knowledgeable in the field of public international law, hard-working and dedicated to the defense of the case.'
'David Reed is a very experienced and reliable counsel. He stands out with his excellent strategic judgement which helps him identify the most important legal and factual aspects of a case, and on this basis to develop an effective defence.'
'Monty Taylor is one of the best representatives of his generation. He stands out with his deep knowledge of all procedural and substantive aspects of international investment law, and effective advocacy.'
'Álvaro Nistal is very knowledgeable in public international law and brings considerable and wide experience from having spent many years in dedicated PIL practice. He has excellent strategic and tactical instincts and cares deeply about his clients.'

Key clients

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - Europe
Czech Republic
Kingdom of Thailand
Republic of Peru
Republic of Colombia
Republic of Bulgaria
Republic of the Philippines
Republic of Turkey
Kingdom of Sweden
Republic of Korea

Work highlights

Representing ILGA-Europe in a number of proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights, concerning LGBTQ+ community protections.
Represented Peru in numerous investor-state arbitrations.
Represented Colombia, as respondent, in an ICSID arbitration, the dispute concerning novel human rights and environmental law issues (in relation to the claimant’s investment in a Latin American coal mine).