White & Case LLP

‘An exceptional arbitration practice that has all the ingredients necessary for success’, White & Case LLP’s full-service offering is distinguished by its enviable track record in both commercial and investor-state cases, with sources particularly praising its expertise in the latter sphere. Frequently engaged to represent both investors and states, the team has represented parties in over 100 investor-state disputes worldwide and consistently handles cases under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Fielding one of the deepest benches in the market, the national group is split between offices on the East and West Coast with Washington DC standing as the seat of global international arbitration head Abby Cohen Smutny, who is hailed for her ’unsurpassed knowledge and practice in international public law and international investment arbitration’. Cohen Smutny is acting alongside New York-based Ank Santens to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a $500m telecoms-related dispute under the China-Saudi bilateral investment treaty (BIT). Other go-to senior partners include Washington DC-based Carolyn Lamm, who ‘can find a solution in any situation’, and New York’s Paul Friedland, who is renowned globally for his specialist experience in the international arbitration space. The New York group also draws on Damien Nyer, who heads the Americas international arbitration practice. Hansel Pham is a further key contact in Washington DC, while Brody Greenwald is recommended in Los Angeles. Kristen Young departed the practice in February 2024, and Jonathan Hamilton left in March 2024.