International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Contact number
(020) 7872 1000About
Provided by WilmerHale
WilmerHale offers one of the world's premier international arbitration and dispute resolution practices.
Our international arbitration group has been involved in more than 650 proceedings in recent years. We have successfully represented clients in a number of the largest institutional arbitrations and several of the most significant ad hoc arbitrations to arise in the past decade. We have extensive experience with arbitrations administered by all of the major international arbitration institutions (including the ICC, LCIA, AAA/ICDR, SIAC, HKIAC, SCC, VIAC and others), as well as more specialised forms of institutional arbitration and ad hoc arbitrations, including arbitration of public international law issues. We pride ourselves on consistently achieving our clients' objectives through efficient staffing and the use of in-house know-how and precedents.
Centred in the London office, our multinational team consists of more than 70 lawyers in Europe and the United States, all of whom practice principally in the international arbitration field and many of whom specialise in particular areas (such as oil and gas, insurance, joint venture and M&A). Our international arbitration group includes both common and civil law practitioners, and prides itself on working together as an integrated team. In addition to representing clients as counsel, many of our lawyers regularly sit as arbitrators.
To learn more, visit us at www.wilmerhale.com/litigation/international_arbitration/
Chambers Review
WilmerHale has an outstanding international arbitration practice with an enviable track record of handling complex institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. The team has significant experience in the oil and gas, telecoms, financial and technology sectors. Its members appear before tribunals seated across a number of arbitration hubs, including London, Stockholm, Singapore and Paris, often in connection with multimillion and multibillion-dollar disputes. It also has expertise acting for states and corporations in arbitrations concerning investment treaties, including BITs. The firm's practitioners are experienced in acting under the auspices of institutions such as the ICC and LCIA.
Work Highlights
- WilmerHale represented a number of Chinese investors in an investment treaty arbitration against Ukraine relating to their investment in an aerospace manufacturing business.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"WilmerHale's work is almost invariably international and they are fully on top of managing cases across multiple jurisdictions."
"WilmerHale is handling the complex matters very professionally and with deep understanding.The team demonstrates knowledge of the legal issues and deep understanding of the commercial aspects."
"They have a very experienced team who work very closely with their clients and experts to understand complex issues. They provide excellent services and always respond to questions promptly."
"WilmerHale provided proper analysis and strategy for handling complex dispute involving many experts. Their team exhibits remarkable depth and breadth."
"WilmerHale's work is almost invariably international and they are fully on top of managing cases across multiple jurisdictions."
"WilmerHale is handling the complex matters very professionally and with deep understanding.The team demonstrates knowledge of the legal issues and deep understanding of the commercial aspects."
"They have a very experienced team who work very closely with their clients and experts to understand complex issues. They provide excellent services and always respond to questions promptly."
"WilmerHale provided proper analysis and strategy for handling complex dispute involving many experts. Their team exhibits remarkable depth and breadth."
Notable Practitioners
Chair of the firm's international arbitration group, Gary Born is a market-leading arbitration practitioner at the forefront of complex and high-value commercial and investment treaty disputes. He maintains a truly international presence, acting as counsel and arbitrator in disputes across the Middle East, the USA and South America, among other jurisdictions. He is well versed in a range of proceedings, including those under ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules.
"Gary Born consistently demonstrates unparalleled expertise, integrity, and dedication. His profound legal knowledge and strategic acumen have contributed significantly to our case."
"Gary was very gentlemanly in his approach at the tribunal hearings."
"Gary is an institution."
Steven Finizio has a comprehensive arbitration practice. He is particularly active representing investors in the energy and telecoms markets, and his practice includes disputes held under ICC, SCC and UNCITRAL rules.
Franz Schwarz is vice chair of the firm's international arbitration group. He has notable credentials in the pharmaceutical and banking sectors, and regularly acts in arbitrations governed by ICSID and ICC rules.
"Franz is very responsive and demonstrates a deep understanding of the client's needs.His drafting is truly impressive."
"Franz is a very talented advocate."
"Franz was very accurate in his management."
"Franz is really excellent."
Charlie Caher's practice sees him advising clients in the engineering and energy sectors, among others. He is adept at handling ICC and LCIA arbitrations, with notable experience in construction-related disputes.
"Charlie has superb judgment and a brilliant legal mind.He is highly impressive."
"Charlie is incredibly bright."
"I impressed by the way Charlie presented the case and questioned the other sides witnesses."
Jonathan Lim leads on a variety complex, commercial arbitrations. He has a strong focus on the Asian market and is comfortable representing clients in both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations.
"Jonathan understood perfectly the strategic considerations behind the multi-jurisdictional fight."
"Jonathan is an excellent advocate."
"Jonathan's exceptional legal skills and unwavering commitment to client success make him invaluable. Jonathan's collaborative approach and strategic thinking ensures optimal outcomes for clients."
Ranked Lawyers at
WilmerHale
UK-wide