International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Contact number
(020) 7710 1000Chambers Review
Latham & Watkins demonstrates extensive experience in disputes with European and Middle Eastern elements. The team is sought after by high-profile clients, including financial institutions, energy companies and telecoms providers. It is also noted for its expertise in arbitral award enforcement matters and for its work in investor-state disputes. The firm is experienced in handling disputes in a range of industries including technology, energy and infrastructure, construction, and mining and minerals. The team represents both governments and commercial entities in arbitrations governed by investment treaties and brought under the Energy Charter Treaty.
Work Highlights
- Latham & Watkins advised Strabag SE, the major Austrian construction company, in the first ICSID arbitration ever brought against Libya. The case related to Libya’s failure to comply with its obligations under the Austria-Libya BIT
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Latham & Watkins played a key role in navigating the complexities of the case. Their knowledge of international arbitration law, and proactive and client-focused approach, led to a favorable outcome."
"They have good strength in arbitration and are led by top lawyers with significant strategic and tactical skills."
"Latham & Watkins are well organised, thorough and strong advocates."
"Latham & Watkins completely grasped and put to practical legal use the specific technical details around the case. They were sharp, always prepared, organised and efficient."
"The handling of the arbitration case was very efficient notwithstanding the technical nature of the dispute. The team is able to respond to our urgent queries quickly."
"Latham & Watkins played a key role in navigating the complexities of the case. Their knowledge of international arbitration law, and proactive and client-focused approach, led to a favorable outcome."
"They have good strength in arbitration and are led by top lawyers with significant strategic and tactical skills."
"Latham & Watkins are well organised, thorough and strong advocates."
"Latham & Watkins completely grasped and put to practical legal use the specific technical details around the case. They were sharp, always prepared, organised and efficient."
"The handling of the arbitration case was very efficient notwithstanding the technical nature of the dispute. The team is able to respond to our urgent queries quickly."
Notable Practitioners
Sophie Lamb KC is a skilled arbitration practitioner with impressive experience acting for big-ticket oil and gas companies in disputes such as those brought against sovereign states. She is recognised for her expert handling of both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations.
"Sophie is all around sharp, decisive and organised. She led the team to work at peak form."
"Sophie is an excellent advocate and team leader. She gives the client very strong and clear advice."
"Sophie is very commercial. She has very good strategy and always provides creative answers."
"Sophie is so talented. She delivers arguments in a very effective manner."
"Sophie is ever brilliant and at the top of her game."
Philip Clifford KC brings significant cross-border expertise to his arbitration practice, with recent experience acting in disputes seated across Hong Kong, France and London. He is particularly adept at representing clients in the oil and gas and construction sectors.
"Philip is a master tactician and strategist."
"Philip is straightforward and explains things as they stand. He is always to the point."
"Philip is an excellent lawyer who provides an excellent service."
"Philip is very smart and provides solutions."
Charles Claypoole undertakes extensive work in investor-state arbitration, playing a leading role in handling BIT and ECT claims. His practice often involves cases with complex and novel issues of foreign law.
"Charles knows the field extremely well. He has in-depth knowledge and good judgment. He did an excellent job."
"Charles has extremely good expertise in investment treaty case law."
"Charles is very nice to work with."
Thomas Lane is an associate in Latham & Watkins' International Arbitration practice. He has expertise in both international commercial and investor-state arbitrations having acted for clients in the energy and construction space.
"Thomas Lane is an excellent lawyer. His quality of work is very high and he is very impressive."
"Thomas Lane is very thorough, diligent and very good at staying on top of a remarkable amount of detail."
"Thomas Lane can understand all the underlying facts very deeply and can manage multiple parallel workstreams when working on the project."
"Thomas Lane is extremely thorough, easy to work with, and has got great judgment."
Ranked Lawyers at
Latham & Watkins LLP
UK-wide