Public international law

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Client Satisfaction

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is ‘one of the few truly expert law firms for public international law’. The sizeable team in London represents states in high-stakes International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings, and is particularly experienced in state-to-state matters of international significance. The practice further acts for intergovernmental organisations in UN-related matters, along with representing major corporations in the domestic courts. Resuming his role as chair of the House of Lords International Agreements Committee in 2023, former UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith KC has an enviable market reputation for his appearances before international courts; Jeffrey Sullivan KC, a July 2023 recruit from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, is a renowned Energy Charter Treaty expert; Samantha Rowe’s track record includes disputes before the ICJ, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the WTO; and investor-state arbitration specialist Conway Blake ‘rapidly cuts through the noise to identify the key issues’. The team also includes Aimee-Jane Lee, who focuses on public international law, international treaties and international arbitration; and Monika Hlavkova, who is experienced in both investment and commercial arbitrations under a wide range of rules.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Debevoise offers one of the most diverse and engaged teams around. They really understand clients’ needs and provide the best possible assistance.’
‘Their proficiency in many languages, their understanding of the regional and global mechanisms, and their incredible warmth when dealing with clients show how committed they are to clients’ objectives.’
‘The practice is unique in its ability to combine world-class lawyers with unusual integrity and diligence, putting the interests of the client first and foremost. The commitment to pro bono work is also truly exceptional, often on the cutting edge of the most significant developments in international law.’
‘One of the few truly expert law firms for public international law, with excellent experience in ICJ cases.’
‘Jeffrey Sullivan KC is a personable and effective advocate. ’
‘Samantha Rowe deserves mention for her diligence - it is a pleasure to work with her.’
‘Samantha Rowe and Aimee-Jane Lee are both excellent practitioners.’
‘Conway Blake is thoroughly commercial, understands the key commercial drivers and shapes advice around these - rapidly cuts through the noise to identify the key issues.’

Key clients

Center for Reproductive Rights
Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law
OUTBermuda
Reprieve UK
Republic of Azerbaijan
Shell International Trading and Shipping Company
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company
The Bahamas

Work highlights

Acting for Shell International Trading and Shipping Company, and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, in proceedings concerning an oil spill that occurred in December 2011.
Representing Azerbaijan in its claims against the Republic of Armenia for breaches of the Energy Charter Treaty and international law, in connection with Armenia’s misuse of Azerbaijan’s energy resources during the occupation of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory between 1991 and 2020.
Representing OUTBermuda in proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights against the United Kingdom, concerning Bermuda’s revocation of the right of same-sex couples to marry.

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.

Lord Goldsmith KC

Hall of fameDebevoise & Plimpton LLP

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Monika Hlavkova

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Jeffrey Sullivan KC

Hall of fameDebevoise & Plimpton LLP

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.