International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Contact number
(020) 7105 0500Chambers Review
Arnold & Porter has a distinguished team renowned for advising sovereign states in Europe, Latin America and Asia on investment arbitrations. The firm demonstrates notable experience handling disputes under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. It is adept at advising on cases that cover a range of sectors, including mining, financial services and construction, among others.
Work Highlights
- Arnold & Porter defended the Republic of Bulgaria in an ICSID arbitration against a major claim brought by a Czech energy company under the Energy Charter Treaty.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Arnold & Porter's capability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is complete and wide-ranging. Their work is always substantively valuable and communication was always fluent."
"The department is outstanding. Their analysis is deep and solid."
"The team is well organised, very efficient and capable of mastering a huge evidentiary record."
"The client service is excellent. They convey confidence and knowledge. They are very efficient in their work."
"Arnold & Porter's capability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is complete and wide-ranging. Their work is always substantively valuable and communication was always fluent."
"The department is outstanding. Their analysis is deep and solid."
"The team is well organised, very efficient and capable of mastering a huge evidentiary record."
"The client service is excellent. They convey confidence and knowledge. They are very efficient in their work."
Notable Practitioners
Patricio Grané Labat has a strong reputation for his work in the investor-state space. He is regularly instructed by clients based in Latin America.
"Patricio is an extraordinary lawyer. He is extremely involved on the details of the case, with a sharp mind and a clear view of the whole matter and strategy."
"His advocacy skills are phenomenal, he is extremely intelligent and very organised."
"He is very good at reading where the issues lie and that drives how he designs he strategy of the case."
"He isn't just excellent on strategic decisions during the hearing but he is also a gentleman."
David Reed's practice involves advising both sovereign states and investors on a range of issues. He demonstrates strength in handling investor-state and commercial arbitration, with recent work involving disputes under ICSID and ICC rules.
"David is very much on top of the detail. He is a very creative thinker and very focused on identifying what it is going to take to win the case."
"David is really pleasant and is an effective advocate,"
"He stands out with his leadership qualities, powerful and persuasive oral and written advocacy, and an excellent understanding of all aspects of investment arbitration."
"He is a very talented and brilliant mind, focused not just the details but the bigger picture."
Álvaro Nistalis recognised for his investor-state arbitration practice. He has notable expertise advising sovereign states in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
"Álvaro is very good and has strong experience."
Bart Wasiak is a Senior Associate in Arnold & Porter's International Arbitration team. He is noted for his representation of states in investment treaty arbitrations.
"Bart Wasiak is very knowledgeable, dedicated and hard-working."
"He is very hard-working and always on top of his part of the case. He has a calm and effective cross-examination style."
Tim Smyth is a Senior Associate in Arnold & Porter's International Arbitration team. He is particularly adept at advising states and multinational corporates in investment treaty arbitrations.
"Tim Smyth is extremely good."
"Tim Smyth is a very bright lawyer who can provide an accurate analysis of any complicated legal problem and develop the best possible legal arguments."
Ranked Lawyers at
Arnold & Porter
UK-wide