Public International Law

Nigel Blackaby KC, based in Washington, DC, is a highly-esteemed figure in the international arbitration space. He is widely recognised for his ability to handle complex investor-state and commercial mandates across a plethora of industries before major arbitral tribunals.

"Nigel Blackaby is measured and responsive, and effective in developing ideas and strategies."

"Nigel always contributes a lot with his experience and his character. He knows how to explain complicated things to the client."

William Thomas KC is the global head of Freshfields' public international law group. Thomas has an established reputation as a dedicated PIL advocate, possessing longstanding experience handling inter-state and investor-state disputes.

"William is a top-notch lawyer. He was very good at making strategic calls and did a lot of the cross-examinations and mastered that and how to handle the witnesses. He was also really adept at managing the client. He has the ability to grasp the detail while seeing the bigger picture."

"William is hard-working, pragmatic, enthusiastic and knowledgeable."

Sylvia Noury KC has a stellar international arbitration practice serving as Freshfields' practice head for arbitration in London. Noury remains popular among clients for commercial and investment treaty arbitrations involving energy and natural resources as well as telecommunications.

"Her advocacy skills are second to none, and her written submissions are persuasive and convincing, not to mention her creative and innovative approach to questions of strategy."

"Sylvia is client-centric and develops a very strong team in support. She has a brilliant legal mind."

Leading Freshfields' international arbitration practice group in Paris, Noah Rubins KC is a fine choice for clients facing ICC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and SCC arbitrations. With experience sitting as an arbitrator and serving as counsel in high-stakes arbitrations, Rubins brings a depth of seasoned proficiency, particularly in arbitrations brought under the Energy Charter.

"Noah is a master litigator with great skill and experience. He was extremely well prepared throughout the case in general."

"Noah Rubins is outstanding. He is easy to talk to, smart, straight to the point, commercially minded, collaborative and very reactive."

As global co-head of Freshfields' international arbitration group, Noiana Marigo has established an impressive practice in international dispute resolution. Qualified to practise in Buenos Aires and New York, Marigo is well regarded for her experience sitting as an arbitrator as well as handling investment treaty arbitrations across the USA and Latin America.

"Noiana is a very skilled lawyer and experienced in international arbitration and in Latin America. She is the kind of partner that follows everything. Noiana is deeply involved in the cases and knows every angle. She also provides comfort and that puts us at ease."

"She is very convincing when presenting her arguments and extremely wise in questioning witnesses and experts."