International Arbitration - The English Bar

3 Verulam Buildings has a well-established reputation in international arbitration, with notable depth in commercial disputes. The set is steeped in a long history of top-quality appointments in the financial services sector, often acting in arbitrations relating to shareholder disputes, as well as arbitration award enforcements. Its barristers also demonstrate expertise in energy and development-related disputes for clients across the Middle East, Europe and Africa, frequently conducted under the rules of the LCIA, the ICC, SIAC and UNCITRAL. Members offer additional strength to clients in investor-state disputes, acting in complex and high-value ICSID arbitrations. Counsel from 3VB have been involved in a number of high-profile matters over the past year, including representing investors in an ICSID arbitration claim against the country of Turkmenistan.

"The clerks at 3VB are some of the best in the business. They are responsive and very commercial."

"An excellent set of clerks. I have particular praise for Stephen Penson, senior practice manager, Stuart Pullum, senior practice manager, and Lucy Burrows, deputy senior practice manager."

"I have always had excellent service from the clerks - they are a pleasure to deal with."

Ali Malek KC
Ali Malek KC handles a broad range of international arbitration disputes regarding oil and gas, infrastructure, banking and joint venture matters, among others. He acts on behalf of governments, investors, shareholders, charities and international companies in arbitrations across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He is familiar with the rules of various arbitral bodies including the LCIA and ICSID. He also has expertise in handling disputes under Sections 67 and 69 of the International Arbitration Act 1996. "He is very energetic and attentive to detail, full of ideas and extremely reliable to work with." "Ali Malek is an extremely good advocate."

Can Yeginsu
Can Yeginsu assists with the full gamut of international arbitration including those governed by LCIA, ICC and ICSID rules. He is experienced in disputes relating to conflicts of law and jurisdiction, and is well versed in matters concerning a wide range of industries including the IT, energy, insurance, shipping and financial services sectors. "Can Yeginsu is a gifted advocate, commands the room and is persuasive with every point he presents." "We always feel lucky to work with Can. He is highly intelligent and has meticulous attention to detail."

Christopher Harris KC
Christopher Harris KC is an impressive performer in the space with significant experience representing clients in commercial international arbitration disputes relating to a wide array of industries. He is well regarded for his advocacy in high-value oil and gas disputes and infrastructure-related arbitrations. He regularly acts in arbitrations under ICSID, UNCITRAL and ICC rules. He also acts in investment treaty arbitrations. "He is at the top of his game; he has considerable presence in courtrooms at hearings." "He not only has a firm grasp on technical legal concepts but also has the uncanny ability to present complex ideas clearly and thoughtfully." "He has an excellent command of complex arbitration-related litigation issues and provides top-of-the-line strategic advice."

Zachary Douglas KC
Zachary Douglas KC possesses a wealth of expertise in international disputes, having appeared before various arbitral tribunals governed by the rules of many major arbitral institutions, such as the SCC, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and ICSID. Being fluent in Russian and French, he is experienced in carrying out arbitrations in both of these languages. His cases are often precedent-setting and at the cutting edge of the law. "He cuts to the core issues and doesn't waste any time, and is truly a brilliant legal mind."

Damien Walker
Damien Walker has an arbitration practice that covers truly international commercial disputes, many of which give rise to issues of conflicts of law. He is experienced in handling proceedings governed by the majority of leading institutional rules. He also takes part in investment treaty applications, and offers expertise handling disputes under Sections 67, 68 and 69 of the International Arbitration Act 1996. "Damien is an outstanding legal mind and is very diligent." "He is hard-working. He has the appetite to consume millions of pages of documents and then knows how to boil it down."

Georges Chalfoun
Georges Chalfoun is an impressive junior with a multifaceted arbitration practice who regularly handles significant disputes for clients in the oil and gas sector. He continues to establish a strong presence in the Middle East, while also taking instructions in Eastern Europe. "He is great at grappling with the commercial intricacies of the matter, and indeed very good at drafting." "He is incredibly hard-working, he spots the important detail quickly and he leaves no stone unturned."

Jonathan Nash KC
Jonathan Nash KC is frequently instructed on high-value, high-profile international arbitrations. He has acted in matters under the ICC and LCIA, among others, covering subjects such as sports, telecommunications and finance disputes. "He is someone who can build an exceptionally strong case, even in difficult cases." "He's super. His advocacy is brilliant, his written work is concise and clear, he's great with clients and he is very commercial."

Liisa Lahti
Liisa Lahti is highly experienced in international arbitration matters. She has particular expertise in challenging arbitration awards. She has acted in matters under FCC, the HK arbitration ordinance, ICC and LMAA rules. She is often sought out to act as sole counsel. "Working with Liisa was an absolute delight: not only is she hugely lay client friendly and focused, she is able to swiftly identify the crux of the issues in the dispute while developing other nuanced and complex arguments." "I have always found her a pleasure to work with. She's user-friendly and very bright."

Nicholas Craig KC
Nicholas Craig KC has a vast experience in acting in international arbitration matters. He appears in a variety of disputes relating to subjects such as energy, insurance and telecommunications, among others. He also sits as an arbitrator. "He's very calm at all times, which is obviously very much welcomed in difficult situations, and he is a very collegiate individual."

Cameron Miles
Cameron Miles has emerged as a highly talented barrister with academic pedigree, who focuses on ICSID arbitrations and enforcement cases. He has represented both companies and states in large-scale disputes concerning investments in energy and natural resources infrastructure. "He is a first-class mind with a natural flair for advocacy. He is remarkably fast and can process complex issues at lightning speed."

Mark Wassouf
Mark Wassouf is well respected in the international arbitration market. He draws on his previous experience as a solicitor and is highly regarded for his representation in international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. His fluency in Arabic gives him a strong advantage in instructions emanating from the Middle East. "Mark Wassouf is a class act in every sense - understated, reassuring and always across the brief." "Mark is an excellent advocate." "He's got real presence and just a very fine mind, I would say."

Rajesh Pillai KC
Rajesh Pillai KC provides robust assistance in international arbitrations. He acts for a wide range of clients including contractors, investment funds and shareholders. He is often sought after for his expertise in offshore and foreign law disputes, particularly in connection with India. His clients include companies and individuals from around the world. "He's very good at dealing with a team and with clients especially and simplifying complex concepts." "No issue or problem is too big for him, and he is able to calm nerves in the room while maintaining focus on the key issues." "He understands the dynamics in India and he applies that when he is advising the client."