Chaffetz Lindsey LLP’s firm-wide focus on international arbitration pays dividends in a diverse and multi-jurisdictional caseload. The New York-based international disputes boutique is well versed in representing the full spectrum of clients in commercial and investor-state arbitrations, as demonstrated by its recent work on behalf of sovereign states, state-owned companies and major multinational corporations. Department head James Hosking is highlighted by sources as ‘a phenomenal team leader’, where he draws on his experience in acting as counsel in over 100 arbitration proceedings. Among his highlight cases, Hosking continues to represent AES Corporation in its high-profile reconvened $2bn ICSID arbitration against Argentina, seeking damages for breaches of the US-Argentina BIT. The AES work is additionally co-led by Caline Mouawad, who has deep experience in commercial and investment disputes, and Aníbal Sabater, who is ’capable of dealing with the most complex cases’. Other key partners include seasoned specialist and firm co-founder David Lindsey; ‘formidable lawyer and arbitrator’ Yasmine Lahlou; the ’brilliant and efficient’ Gretta Walters; and Andreas Frischknecht, whose practice encompasses both international arbitration and cross-border litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Chaffetz Lindsey has a fabulous international arbitration practice. The team is doing superb work in arbitration proceedings and enforcement actions and its lawyers are of the highest caliber.’
  • ‘James Hosking is a phenomenal team leader. Yasmine Lahlou is a formidable lawyer and arbitrator; she is everything parties would want in an arbitrator and is a great advocate. Gretta Walters has significant credibility in the arbitration community. She is brilliant and efficient.’
  • ‘The firm's lawyers are highly qualified and focused on clients needs. The team is very responsive. The work is carried out accurately and with great legal and strategic reasoning.’
  • ‘We worked with Aníbal Sabater. He is a very helpful person, capable of dealing with the most complex cases. Aníbal is a professional with solid skills and strong charisma and is always punctual in meeting deadlines.’

Key clients

  • The AES Corporation
  • APM Terminals Callao
  • Clorox Spain
  • Czech Republic
  • Eletrobras CGT Eletrosul
  • Enel
  • IESA Oleo & Gas
  • NNPC
  • Nordex
  • SPI Energy
  • Stoneway Capital

Work highlights

  • Represented Clorox Spain in its PCA-administered UNCITRAL arbitration against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under the Spain-Venezuela BIT.
  • Represented AES Corporation in an ICSID arbitration against Argentina seeking over $2bn in damages for breaches of the US-Argentina BIT.
  • Retained by the Government of Malaysia to advise on potential proceedings in the US relating to a 2022 arbitral award of approximately $15bn, resulting from an ad hoc arbitration initiated by eight Filipino citizens purporting to be the heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Hosking

Other key lawyers

David Lindsey, Aníbal Sabater, Caline Mouawad, Yasmine Lahlou, Gretta Walters, Andreas Frischknecht