Public International Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
We operate in the real world: as one of the only firms with experts in a broad range of international law issues across a global network, we find pragmatic solutions to the trickiest international law problems.
Understanding the political and international law issues at play and the commercial realities our clients face allows us to best advise on their highest profile and most complex matters.
In addition to our investment protection and investor-state arbitration representations, our experts provide focused legal and strategic advice across the full spectrum of pure public international law issues, including within the following areas:
- Investment Protection and Treaty Disputes
- International Boundary Disputes and Law of the Sea
- Cross-Border Resources Deposits and Exploitation in Disputes Areas
- Immunity of States and International Organisations
- State Recognition, Secession and Succession
- Climate Change and International Environmental and Energy Law
- International Trade Law and World Trade Organisation Issues
- Sanctions and Export Control
- Foreign Corruption
- International Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills is widely respected for its work assisting multinational organisations, states and state-owned entities with the full range of PIL matters. Its work includes state-to-state disputes, advice on the implications of international developments and the law, and significant maritime boundary claims, as well as treaty negotiations. In addition, the firm is particularly well known for its investment treaty expertise, representing states and investors in disputes under the auspices of ICSID and other prominent institutions. The team also provides advice on international sanctions to clients including major energy companies and financial institutions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Herbert Smith Freehills team is able to handle incredibly complex and nuanced matters. The team operates hand in hand with the clients."
"The Herbert Smith Freehills team is able to handle incredibly complex and nuanced matters. The team operates hand in hand with the clients."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Cannon is a highly skilled practitioner and global co-head of the firm's PIL practice. He has wide-ranging PIL expertise that includes state immunity issues, maritime delimitations, sanctions and investment treaties. He regularly undertakes significant government advisory work as well as handling investor-state arbitrations.
"Andrew Cannon is fantastic on PIL. He spent some time at the Foreign Office; he really brings that broader perspective on the needs of states and how to advise on politically sensitive cases."
"Andrew is a brilliant lawyer who is able to find the guiding thread to cut through complex matters."
Hannah Ambrose is recognised as an up-and-coming practitioner in the field of PIL and investor-state arbitration. She has a breadth of experience assisting clients with international commercial disputes and conflict-related policy advice.
"Hannah is a tireless advocate and an incredibly astute lawyer with a depth of PIL experience."
"Hannah is very dynamic and very knowledgeable about the field. She has a good overview and knowledge of what is going on currently and where the law is heading."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Clients
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
A consortium of international oil companies
Bangladesh
Financial Institution
Government of Malaysia
Government of Spain
Multi-national energy companies
The Republic of Chile
Vitol SA
Industries
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Consumer Products
Energy
Financial Institutions
Government & Public Sector
Infrastructure
Leisure & Sport
Manufacturing & Industrials
Mining
Nuclear
Oil & Gas
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Power
Private Capital
Renewables
Technology, Media & Telecommunications