Public International Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 3088 0000Chambers Review
A&O Shearman has a strong track record in representing sovereign states and corporates in high-value investment treaty disputes. It has considerable experience carrying out its own advocacy before courts and tribunals. The firm is also adept at handling a number of other PIL matters, such as ECT claims, WTO cases, sovereign immunity concerns, and international treaty drafting and negotiation. The team also advises on international human rights issues.
Work Highlights
- A&O represented the Republic of Djibouti in advisory proceedings with the ITLOS concerning the obligations of states regarding climate change.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A&O are very strong technically and very easy to work with."
"A&O's team possesses a robust capability to adeptly handle a wide array of legal matters with precision and proficiency. They are dedicated to providing exceptional client service."
"The partners are very knowledgeable about treaties, ICSID and international law. They are very responsive and answer questions and concerns quickly and professionally."
"A&O are very strong technically and very easy to work with."
"A&O's team possesses a robust capability to adeptly handle a wide array of legal matters with precision and proficiency. They are dedicated to providing exceptional client service."
"The partners are very knowledgeable about treaties, ICSID and international law. They are very responsive and answer questions and concerns quickly and professionally."
Notable Practitioners
David Herlihy has tremendous experience in investor-state arbitrations as well as broader PIL matters. He regularly acts on behalf of both companies and sovereign states in big-ticket disputes brought under BITs, as well as providing advice on issues concerning international human rights law.
Matthew Hodgson advises clients on complex international treaty arbitrations and PIL disputes. He has notable experience appearing before ICSID, representing both sovereign states and private global corporations. He was previously stationed in A&O's Hong Kong office, giving him in-depth knowledge of and exposure to APAC-specific matters.
"Matthew has demonstrated very impressive case performance capabilities, including deep knowledge."
"Matthew's strategic acumen and profound expertise played a crucial role in steering our endeavours towards success."
"Matthew is well versed in international law and treaties."
Guled Yusuf has developed a strong practice which spans investor-state disputes and a broad range of PIL matters, including trade law and border delimitation issues.
"Guled is a leading practitioner and a delight. We found him to be exceptional technically and commercially."
Ranked Lawyers at
A&O Shearman
UK-wide