International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 5
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422About
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Our market-leading team is known for its expertise in managing complex and substantial arbitrations worldwide. We are well versed in related court proceedings, such as jurisdiction challenges, freezing orders and the enforcement of arbitral awards.
We have represented clients in arbitration proceedings under the rules of all the major institutions and trade associations, such as LCIA, ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, LMAA, GAFTA, UNCITRAL and ICSID.
Our expertise is global, led from our offices in London, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, with support from our other offices.
We have particular experience of international arbitrations relating to emerging markets, especially Africa, India and the CIS.
We can help you with disputes across a wide range of sectors, including aviation, energy, international trade, commodities, shipping, and financial services.
Our expertise is reflected in the wide variety of clients for whom we act including global airlines, ship owners, energy companies, insurers, traders and entrepreneurs and sovereign governments.
We have in-depth knowledge of arbitral law and procedure – but more importantly we never lose sight of the commercial realities, pressures and priorities that our clients have to face every day.
Our expertise is reflected in the regular arbitral appointments received by our dedicated international arbitration partners. Three partners have authored books on arbitration topics and our team members regularly speak at international conferences.
Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood is experienced in handling arbitration arising in the aviation, shipping, commodities, energy and financial services industries. The firm houses international expertise, particularly in emerging markets such as Asia, the CIS and Africa. The team also has a strong practice in court proceedings for the enforcement or challenge of arbitral awards. It is adept at handling ad hoc arbitration and those under the rules of the leading arbitral bodies including the LCIA and ICC.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwood represented an Asian gas company in a dispute against another Asian gas company.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Stephenson Harwood has a good ability to team up and manage complex cases. They have very good knowledge and information of the market."
"Stephenson Harwoodhave been extremely impressive in their tactical nous and ability to obtain the best result for the client.They are experienced and talented."
"Stephenson Harwood has in-depth knowledge of various jurisdictions. They have professionalism and an eye to detail. They enabled us to take well informed and calculated decisions and actions."
"Stephenson Harwood has a good ability to team up and manage complex cases. They have very good knowledge and information of the market."
"Stephenson Harwoodhave been extremely impressive in their tactical nous and ability to obtain the best result for the client.They are experienced and talented."
"Stephenson Harwood has in-depth knowledge of various jurisdictions. They have professionalism and an eye to detail. They enabled us to take well informed and calculated decisions and actions."
Notable Practitioners
Kamal Shah is head of the firm's Africa and India groups. He receives strong praise for his expert handling of Africa-related disputes. His client base includes investors, companies and high net worth individuals, and he often acts in arbitration involving the infrastructure and hospitality sectors.
"Kamal is extremely impressive. He combines being soft spoken with deep experience and tactical ruthlessness."
"Kamal is first rate. His commercial awareness sets him apart and he really understands the Africa market."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Adetola Adebesin
Charlotte Welsh
Daniel Boon
Ellen Dixon
Henry Simpson
Isabelle Wenger
Jide Adesokan
Rovine Chandrasekera
Head of Department