International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
We advise clients on arbitrations under a broad spectrum of civil and common laws. We are experienced in arbitrating under the rules of all major arbitration institutions, as well as having conducted numerous ad hoc arbitrations. Our genuine sector knowledge, commercial awareness and regional sensitivity are unrivalled. We advise clients and conduct arbitrations in a number of languages. Once you have an arbitral award, we can help you to enforce it around the world.
Our long standing experience of acting in investor-state and state-to-state arbitrations and in-depth knowledge of the nuances of these specialist areas means we can help you to best meet your objectives. We provide advice on the best possible investment and treaty protection.
Conducting our own advocacy means our skilled advocates play a critical role in the strategy of the case from the outset. It also minimises the cost and time involved for our clients in instructing external counsel. Members of the arbitration group regularly sit as arbitrators and this valuable insight into the arbitral process from a different perspective helps us to identify winning strategies.
Whether you are a financial institution, a multinational corporation, a government or a state-owned entity, we combine in-depth legal and sector knowledge with a proven track record of successfully acting in complex disputes, working alongside local counsel where appropriate.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has an accomplished team, noted for conducting its own advocacy in ad hoc proceedings as well as those under institutional rules, including those of the ICC, LCIA and JCAA. The firm is well regarded for its representation of oil and gas majors, technology companies and financial institutions. It is active in disputes arising in Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA. The firm is highly respected for its work in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, and is experienced in bringing cases under the Energy Charter Treaty and bilateral and multilateral investment treaties.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith represented Azerbaijan and its state-owned oil company, SOCAR, in ICSID investment treaty arbitration proceedings brought by Dr Zaur Leshkasheli and Rosserlane Consultants Limited under the Energy Charter Treaty and the Azerbaijan-Georgia BIT.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Herbert Smith Freehills are a market-leading team which combines technical excellence with commercial shrewdness."
"They provide succinct, user-friendly and commercial advice. They are really impressive."
"HSF put together an experienced team and addressed all the issues. They are prompt and professional."
"It was a significant arbitration and they hit it out of the park in terms of preparation. Everything was top notch."
"Herbert Smith Freehills are a market-leading team which combines technical excellence with commercial shrewdness."
"They provide succinct, user-friendly and commercial advice. They are really impressive."
"HSF put together an experienced team and addressed all the issues. They are prompt and professional."
"It was a significant arbitration and they hit it out of the park in terms of preparation. Everything was top notch."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Cannon fields significant expertise in investor-state disputes, which is bolstered by his public international law credentials. He regularly handles complex BIT claims on behalf of both commercial clients and state entities.
"Andrew was on top of the issues throughout the proceedings and always conducted himself and led the project in a professional manner. I would be delighted to work with him again."
"Andrew Cannon is fantastic."
"Andrew Cannon has great expertise."
Craig Tevendale is head of the firm's London international arbitration team. He is widely recognised for his expertise in Middle Eastern-related arbitrations and is highly sought after by major oil and gas clients.
"Craig Tevendale goes the extra couple of miles for his clients."
"Craig Tevendale is a great strategist and fantastic advocate."
"Craig is really good in keeping us in the loop."
Chris Parker KC is recognised for his impressive, commercially-oriented arbitration practice. He regularly represents clients in the energy, mining and life science sectors.
"Chris Parker is fantastic. He is an excellent advocate, is smart and is able to translate that into practical advice and strategy to advance our position."
"Chris is very strong counsel."
"Chris provides critical and useful guidance to me. He is extremely effective, responsive, and a pleasure to have represent our company."
"Chris is brilliant. He has the ability to grasp difficult concepts and translate them into simple propositions. He is strategic and calm.He is also an excellent team leader."
Hannah Ambrose is a partner in Herbert Smith Freehills' international arbitration and public international law team. Hannah has particular expertise in commercial arbitration for a variety of clients, and is experienced in a wide range of rules.
"Hannah is very dynamic and very knowledgeable about the field generally. She has a good overview of knowledge of what is going on currently and where the law is heading."
"Hannah Ambrose is just incredible. She is really great at managing teams."
"Hannah shows deep knowledge and appreciation about investor state arbitration. She has significant experience."
"She is super detail-oriented and very likeable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Head of Department
Anuradha Agnihotri
Charlie Morgan
Christian Leathley
Head of Department
David Nitek
Hannah Ambrose
James Doe
Jeremy Garson
Louise Barber
Mike McClure KC
Raeesa Rawal
Industries
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Banks
Consumer Products
Energy
Financial Institutions
Government & Public Sector
Hotels
Infrastructure
Leisure & Sport
Manufacturing & Industrials
Mining
Nuclear
Oil & Gas
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Power
Private Capital
Renewables
Technology, Media & Telecommunications