International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
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Provided by Freshfields
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Chambers Review
Freshfields has an experienced team handling commercial arbitrations for well-known multinational companies in the energy, natural resources, financial services, telecoms and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm manages an active caseload of disputes arising around the globe, including high-profile matters involving African, Latin American and Asian companies and states. It is respected for its work advising on investor-state disputes, including those governed by BITs, and for handling commercial disputes involving state-owned entities. The team regularly handles arbitrations involving leading arbitral institutions such as the ICC, the LCIA and UNCITRAL.
Work Highlights
- Freshfields advised Akfel Commodities and iSystems Global on an investment-treaty arbitration against Turkey.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Freshfields combines its deep international law expertise with a keen understanding of the commercial and quantum related aspects of big-ticket cases."
"Freshfields stands out due to its global reach, exceptional legal expertise, and a strong reputation in handling complex, cross-border legal matters."
"The team at Freshfields dealt with extremely complicated issues extremely well.They were proactive, very smart, focused and dedicated, with a well of experience in cross-border arbitrations."
"Freshfields is very thorough, committed and professional."
"Freshfields is exceptional.They are incredibly knowledgeable, detail oriented, and have exceptional client relations skills. They get to the root of the matter and understand our business."
"Freshfields combines its deep international law expertise with a keen understanding of the commercial and quantum related aspects of big-ticket cases."
"Freshfields stands out due to its global reach, exceptional legal expertise, and a strong reputation in handling complex, cross-border legal matters."
"The team at Freshfields dealt with extremely complicated issues extremely well.They were proactive, very smart, focused and dedicated, with a well of experience in cross-border arbitrations."
"Freshfields is very thorough, committed and professional."
"Freshfields is exceptional.They are incredibly knowledgeable, detail oriented, and have exceptional client relations skills. They get to the root of the matter and understand our business."
Notable Practitioners
Sylvia Noury KC is head of the firm's international arbitration practice in London. She is highly visible in investor-state arbitration, with extensive expertise acting for clients across South Africa, Eastern Europe and India in complex BIT disputes.
"Sylvia is very thorough, analytical and cuts to the chase."
"Sylvia is an outstanding team leader, who has a clear understanding of the client's needs as well as a keen sense of how a tribunal may look at a case. Her advocacy is very effective."
"Sylvia is top of her game. She is a world-class lawyer. She is exceptionally bright, a hard worker and has a good rapport with clients."
"Sylvia has immense knowledge of international law and is a great advocate."
William Thomas KC's arbitration practice includes complex disputes arising from the telecoms industry. He expertly acts for both claimants and sovereign states in big-ticket BIT disputes.
"Will has great judgment and is very clear in thinking through tasks. He is also very collaborative as well as being analytically sharp."
"Will is a thoughtful lawyer and a very persuasive advocate."
"Will has extensive knowledge. He has highly impressive skills and is a pleasure to work alongside."
Oliver Marsden handles complex commercial and investor-state arbitrations in a broad range of sectors. He has particular expertise in handling post-M&A disputes for clients in the financial services and private equity spaces.
"Oliver Marsden is very clever, thorough and commercial. He exercises sound judgment and gives clear advice to clients."
"Oliver is extremely bright, dedicated and strategic. He leaves no stone left unturned."
"Oliver is very responsive, calm and has a good clarity of thought."
"Oliver is a rigorously meticulous and very considered international arbitration lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Freshfields
UK-wide