During 2023, Winston & Strawn LLP ’s international arbitration practice handled a broad array of commercial and investment disputes, with notable activity in the financial services, TMT and energy and natural resources spheres. The team also continues to strengthen its Latin America disputes offering, where it is currently acting on cases involving Panama and Venezuela, among other jurisdictions. Chicago-based Ricardo Ugarte is a seasoned litigator and arbitration counsel with robust experience under key arbitral rules, including UNCITRAL, ICC and ICSID. Also noted are Miami-based Gustavo Membiela, who has an emphasis on Latin American disputes, and Houston’s Imad Khan, who was recently promoted to partner.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ricardo Ugarte and Imad Khan provide a very client-focused approach and are always thinking and asking about client needs- they are open to creativity. On the actual work, they are open to working collaboratively with in-house counsel to achieve the best result for the client. ’
‘W&S's international treaty arbitration team helped identify, build and obtain funding for the case, taking a highly commercial approach while demonstrating deep understanding of the legal framework, including ongoing developments in the law and political dynamics.’
‘Ricardo Ugarte is a very impressive practitioner, highly commercial and experienced and, importantly, willing to invest time in the right case to bring it to the funded stage. He has built a significant level of trust with us as client.’
- ‘I have worked with Imad Khan for many years. He is very well versed in international arbitration and a great person to work with. He is my first call for any international issues.’
Key clients
- Dominion Minerals Corp.
- Banco San Juan Internacional
- SunTech Power Holdings Co.
Work highlights
- Representing Avanzalia in a $200m+ dispute concerning efforts to block its ability to connect its solar power plant to a Panamanian substation owned by the defendant.
- Representing Suntech Power International in a dispute filed under the Energy Charter Treaty to recover damages from the Republic of Italy arising from Italy’s removal of feed-in-tariffs.
- Representing Banco San Juan Internacional in connection with a UK judgment enforcement action against Petróleos de Venezuela et al.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ricardo Ugarte