International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 4
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7638 1111About
Provided by Ashurst
International arbitration is the default mechanism for resolving international commercial disputes. Ashurst's international arbitration specialists focus on providing tailored solutions for our clients in choosing appropriate arbitration processes and representing them in arbitration proceedings. Our global team comprises common and civil law lawyers across multiple jurisdictions – we operate as a single integrated global team.
We appear as advocates in cases seated in all the major arbitral seats globally. Our experience encompasses all major international arbitration institutions and rules, we also frequently act on ad hoc arbitrations.
As well as advising and representing commercial parties we also act for state parties and provide strategic and legal advice on public international law issues and investment arbitration matters, including ICSID arbitration.
The team's experience reflects the full breadth of industry sectors in which the firm's clients operate, with a particular focus upon the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors.
Senior members of the group sit as arbitrators which experience enables us to provide our clients with close insight into how arbitral tribunals operate and how to present cases to them most effectively. Our specialists publish regularly on developments in international arbitration. We also provide bespoke client training on arbitration and international law issues.
Chambers Review
Ashurst is well known for its considerable expertise in energy and infrastructure disputes. The firm regularly handles high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes for market leaders in the extractive industries. It is also active advising clients from the LNG and infrastructure sectors. The team is experienced in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, including those conducted under ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA and SIAC rules. It is also adept at handling significant breach of contract claims.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ashurst has been very good at managing the complexity and understanding ins and outs of the case and the actual crux of the matter. They've been very thorough."
"They are an excellent team with deep expertise.I have found the team very helpful and responsive, regardless of the pressure they were under."
"They are very professional, extremely knowledgeable and diligent in duties."
"Ashurst demonstrated good knowledge and proved to have good skills. They were very fast in providing support during the arbitration process."
"The team consisted of high level professionals that from the very start determined our legal strategy in the dispute."
"Ashurst has been very good at managing the complexity and understanding ins and outs of the case and the actual crux of the matter. They've been very thorough."
"They are an excellent team with deep expertise.I have found the team very helpful and responsive, regardless of the pressure they were under."
"They are very professional, extremely knowledgeable and diligent in duties."
"Ashurst demonstrated good knowledge and proved to have good skills. They were very fast in providing support during the arbitration process."
"The team consisted of high level professionals that from the very start determined our legal strategy in the dispute."
Notable Practitioners
Matthew Saunders leads the firm's global international arbitration practice and is widely recognised for his expertise in the energy sector. He has acted under various arbitral rules and in arbitration seated across Hong Kong, London and Paris.
"Matthew has a very fast rate of uptake in expert areas outside of his direct area of knowledge. He is articulate and very capable of summarising complex issues succinctly, and is a good communicator."
"He really has a remarkable knowledge of oil and gas.He is efficient and his oral skills are fantastic."
Philip Chong leads the international arbitration team in Europe and handles big-ticket, multi-jurisdictional oil and gas disputes. He is well versed in acting under the rules of various arbitral institutions, including the SCC and LCIA.
"Philip Chong is good on the detail and very good at managing a team. He is an excellent lawyer and is very affable."
"Philip is nothing short of fantastic. He is smart, analytical, pragmatic, and a great leader."
Emma Johnson has a burgeoning arbitration practice, demonstrating particular expertise in disputes relating to the energy and renewables sectors. She has notable experience acting under ICC and ICSID rules.
"Emma Johnson is excellent in handling comprehensive arbitration proceedings."
"Emma is very thorough and very experienced."
"Emma's attention to detail and ability to break down complex matters are truly excellent. She has great experience in the energy sector."
"Emma is a highly skilled and genuine individual providing work of the highest quality. She performs her role in a friendly and professional manner."
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