Ranking tables
International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration | UK
UK-wide
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
A&O Shearman 8 Years Ranked
Clifford Chance LLP 8 Years Ranked
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 8 Years Ranked
Freshfields 8 Years Ranked
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 8 Years Ranked
Herbert Smith Freehills 8 Years Ranked
Latham & Watkins 8 Years Ranked- Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP 8 Years Ranked
White & Case LLP 8 Years Ranked
Band 3
Band 4
Band 5
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP 8 Years Ranked
Enyo Law LLP 3 Years Ranked
Fieldfisher 4 Years Ranked
Mishcon de Reya LLP 4 Years Ranked
Reed Smith LLP 5 Years Ranked
Signature Litigation LLP 4 Years Ranked- Simmons & Simmons LLP 4 Years Ranked
Stephenson Harwood LLP 8 Years Ranked
Vinson & Elkins RLLP 5 Years Ranked- Eversheds Sutherland
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 King & Spalding International LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 1 | 8 Years RankedKing & Spalding has a substantial international arbitration practice with a global reach, advising parties from South Asia and Europe. It fields a team of experienced advocates, with experience in disputes arising in the energy, shipping, mining and financial services sectors. The team is experienced in handling institutional disputes, including those under ICC, LCIA and AAA rules, as well as ad hoc arbitrations. The firm's notable commercial practice is also bolstered by increasing investor-state expertise.
1 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 1 | 8 Years RankedSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom has a renowned international arbitration practice with significant experience representing clients in the energy, telecommunications, media and natural resources sectors, as well as handling matters for financial service clients. The firm handles arbitral proceedings under a range of institutional rules, such as those of the LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL. It is also adept at representing sovereign states and investors in investment treaty cases arising out of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
1 Three Crowns LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 1 | 8 Years RankedThree Crowns houses an acclaimed international arbitration outfit with an impressive client roster, featuring well-known names from the energy, natural resources, financial services, telecoms and engineering sectors. The firm fields a heavyweight team of arbitration specialists with expertise in both commercial arbitrations and investor-state disputes, acting for clients across Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The team has extensive experience acting for clients in arbitrations under the rules of the major arbitration institutions, such as ICSID, the LCIA and the ICC. It is well versed in handling BIT claims and disputes brought under the Energy Charter Treaty.
1 WilmerHaleInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 1 | 8 Years RankedWilmerHale 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.
Band 2
2 A&O ShearmanInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedA&O Shearman is highly regarded for its stellar track record in representing sovereign states and corporates in high-value investment treaty disputes. The firm has considerable experience carrying out its own advocacy before courts and tribunals. It is also adept at handling a number of other PIL matters, such as ECT and BIT claims, sovereign immunity concerns and international treaty drafting. The firm's practitioners regularly appear before tribunals under the auspices of UNCITRAL, ICSID and LCIA rules, among others. The team is experienced across a number of industries, acting for clients in the financial services, energy and telecoms sectors.2 Clifford Chance LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedClifford Chance has a robust commercial arbitration practice representing blue-chip clients from the financial services sector and the extractive industries. Its strong bench handles a range of institutional arbitrations, including those under the rules of the LCIA, ICC and LMAA, seated across jurisdictions such as Geneva, London, Paris and Dubai. The firm also has a strong investor-state arbitration practice, advising on ICSID and UNCITRAL disputes. It is highly regarded for its counsel and advocacy work, and is particularly adept in handling breach of contract claims.2 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton is a well-known name in the market handling high-value commercial arbitrations for energy sector clients, investment funds and other corporate entities, with notable ASEAN expertise. In addition, the firm maintains a strong investment treaty and investor-state arbitration practice, acting on behalf of a number of sovereign states. It advises clients in proceedings under ICC, ICSID, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules, among others. The practitioners also have considerable experience handling claims brought under the Energy Charter Treaty. The London team works closely with the firm's pre-eminent New York office.2 FreshfieldsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedFreshfields has an experienced team handling commercial arbitrations for well-known multinational companies in the energy, natural resources, financial services, telecoms and pharmaceutical sectors. The firm manages an active caseload of disputes arising around the globe, including high-profile matters involving African, Latin American and Asian companies and states. It is respected for its work advising on investor-state disputes, including those governed by BITs, and for handling commercial disputes involving state-owned entities. The team regularly handles arbitrations involving leading arbitral institutions such as the ICC, the LCIA and UNCITRAL.2 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly acts on significant commercial arbitrations and complex investor-state claims, fielding a strong bench of experienced practitioners in both. The firm attracts a variety of clients in the telecommunications, financial services and energy sectors, as well as governments. The team is experienced in handling a wide range of contentious matters, including disputes arising out of joint ventures, infrastructure projects, insurance agreements and commercial contracts. It regularly handles arbitrations before leading arbitral institutions as well as ad hoc disputes.2 Herbert Smith FreehillsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedHerbert 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.2 Latham & WatkinsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedLatham & 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.2 Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has a highly respected international arbitration practice with expertise in handling disputes arising in the construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, mining and telecommunications sectors. The firm represents clients in arbitrations conducted under the rules of leading institutions, including the ICC, the LCIA and UNCITRAL. It is also highly regarded for investment treaty work, with expertise in numerous BITs and the Energy Charter Treaty. The team often handles disputes arising out of joint ventures and breach of contract claims.2 White & Case LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedWhite & Case has a well-established international arbitration group with significant expertise in disputes arising from large-scale infrastructure projects around the world. The firm has substantial expertise in arbitrations arising in Eastern Europe, particularly within the energy, insurance and financial services sectors. It handles arbitrations across a number of institutions, including the LCIA, the ICC, SIAC, ICSID and UNCITRAL, and in ad hoc proceedings. The team is experienced in handling every aspect of the process, including advocacy. The practice is particularly recognised in the market for its expertise in construction arbitration, while also being increasingly active in investment treaty claims.
Band 3
3 Baker Botts UK LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedBaker Botts is well respected for its strong bench of bilingual and dual-qualified arbitration practitioners. The firm is active across a range of jurisdictions, including those in Europe, the CIS, Latin America and the Middle East. It is experienced in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, including those under ICC, AAA and LCIA rules, with particular expertise in the construction, energy, natural resources and telecoms sectors. The team also acts for both states and corporations in investment treaty disputes. It is well versed in disputes brought under the Energy Charter Treaty.
3 Baker McKenzieInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedBaker McKenzie has a well-known team of arbitration practitioners active in disputes arising in the energy, mining, infrastructure and financial services industries. The firm has notable experience in corporate and company matters, including joint venture issues, shareholder disputes and post-M&A claims. It also advises on arbitral award enforcement matters. The team often represents CIS-based individuals and businesses, and is experienced acting in disputes held under a range of rules, including those of the LCIA and the ICC.
3 CMSInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedCMS offers sector-specific expertise in key areas, including insurance, energy and construction. The firm also assists clients in the healthcare and financial services sectors. It is able to conduct its own advocacy in arbitration and handles proceedings under leading arbitral institutions such as the ICC and LCIA. The team acts for a client base of market-leading energy, telecommunications and infrastructure companies.
3 Hogan LovellsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedHogan Lovells has a strong bench of dedicated arbitration specialists with particular expertise in the energy sector, as well as African and CIS disputes. It is a well-established arbitration practice attracting instructions from significant entities in the construction, oil and gas, telecommunications and financial services sectors. The firm is also respected for its work in investor-state disputes, in which the team has experience acting for both sovereign states and corporate clients. The team demonstrates particular expertise in the Energy Charter Treaty and has appeared before leading arbitral institutions including the ICC and LCIA.
Band 4
4 AshurstInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedAshurst is well known for its considerable expertise in energy and infrastructure disputes. The firm regularly handles high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes for market leaders in the extractive industries. It is also active advising clients from the LNG and infrastructure sectors. The team is experienced in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, including those conducted under ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA and SIAC rules. It is also adept at handling significant breach of contract claims.
4 Clyde & Co LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedClyde & Co has an experienced international arbitration team, focusing on disputes arising in construction, natural resources, shipping, insurance and international trade. It provides assistance with cases under leading arbitral institutions and rules, with particular expertise in ICC and LCIA hearings. The team also demonstrates expertise in jurisdictional challenges and choice of law issues. The firm's clients include oil and gas, transport and natural resources companies.
4 DentonsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedDentons has a respected international arbitration team with strong credentials in commercial disputes. It fields considerable expertise in the energy sector with an impressive roster of oil and gas majors among its client base. The team regularly acts in ICC, LCIA, DIFC and ad hoc arbitration and is particularly active in Middle Eastern and Africa-related disputes. The firm is particularly adept at handling arbitration relating to debt recovery under loan agreements.
4 DLA Piper LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedDLA Piper has an accomplished arbitration team and is regularly entrusted with complex multi-jurisdictional mandates. It is particularly adept at handling energy, natural resources and infrastructure-related disputes. The London team is supported by an extensive network of offices. The team handles disputes arising in Africa, Europe, Central and South-East Asia and the Middle East, including acting for clients in the energy, real estate and banking sectors. The firm is experienced in handling disputes arising from joint ventures and other commercial issues, and is well versed in LCIA, SIAC and ICC proceedings.
4 LinklatersInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedLinklaters represents sovereign states and multinational corporations in commercial and investment treaty international arbitration. The firm's areas of expertise include matters in the energy, telecommunications and banking industries. It is noted for its impressive in-house advocacy capabilities. The team regularly acts on disputes conducted under the auspices of institutions such as the ICC, the LCIA and HKIAC, and also offers expertise in BIT claims and disputes brought under the Energy Charter Treaty.
4 Norton Rose FulbrightInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedNorton Rose Fulbright has a broad-based commercial arbitration department with particular expertise in financial services and infrastructure. The firm regularly works for companies in the energy and natural resources sector, with work including disputes under the Energy Charter Treaty. It houses a team of professionals with experience in handling ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and other arbitral proceedings.
4 Squire Patton BoggsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedSquire Patton Boggs is recognised for its work in the energy and LNG space. The firm undertakes significant international arbitration, often arising from gas price review disputes. The team is also well versed in representing high net worth individuals in proceedings across a range of arbitral seats. The firm has a notable presence in the Middle East and CIS regions.4 StewartsInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedStewarts has a dynamic practice with a notable offering in commercial arbitration. The firm demonstrates particular prowess in Africa-related disputes, and offers specialist experience in the energy and telecoms sectors. It acts on behalf of an impressive roster of companies, funds and high net worth individuals, alongside acting for sovereign states in BIT claims, and is experienced in arbitration held under LCIA, SCC and ICC rules.
Band 5
5 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 8 Years RankedBryan Cave Leighton Paisner has an impressive commercial disputes practice that combines energy and natural resources expertise with strong capabilities in the Middle East. The firm offers several dual-qualified lawyers, with team members admitted to practice in New York and Italy. It is also noted for its significant advocacy capabilities. The team is highly proficient in LCIA and ICC arbitrations.5 Enyo Law LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedEnyo Law fields significant expertise in commercial arbitrations. The team is particularly adept at handling mandates arising from sectors including energy, financial services and logistics. It also has considerable experience in the cryptocurrency space.5 FieldfisherInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedFieldfisher has a highly regarded practice which receives accolades for its international experience. It is renowned for advising on proceedings under ICC, UNCITRAL and LCIA rules. The firm boasts significant experience of handling disputes originating from Eastern Europe. Its clients stem from a range of sectors including financial services and oil and gas. The team has further experience representing sovereign states in disputes.5 Mishcon de Reya LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedMishcon de Reya fields a distinguished team that offers counsel across a wide spectrum of sectors including mining, financial services and telecommunications. It draws strength from its growing international presence. The firm handles significant LCIA and ICC arbitration and demonstrates the ability to handle disputes concerning a range of issues including challenges to arbitral awards and breach of contract claims.5 Reed Smith LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedReed Smith has a strong international arbitration practice that has a worldwide presence in the energy, construction, mining and telecoms sectors. It has a highly sought-after investor-state practice with an impressive track record in acting for states. The firm is well equipped to handle complex BIT claims and arbitrations under the Energy Charter Treaty. The practice is also increasingly noted for its experience in commercial disputes such as large-scale ICC claims.5 Signature Litigation LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedSignature Litigation is an impressive boutique renowned for its astute representation of clients in the energy, financial service and telecommunications sectors. The firm is routinely called upon to handle proceedings under LCIA rules. It has further experience of advising on enforcement actions. The team is well versed in multiparty and cross-border disputes, with recent work involving matters stemming from Europe and the Middle East.5 Simmons & Simmons LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedSimmons & Simmons is adept at handling both institutional and ad hoc arbitration. The firm advises clients across a range of industries including the mining, energy and financial sectors. It possesses a strong track record in handling matters across a range of jurisdictions, including Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is also considered to be a growing presence in the life sciences industry. The firm is routinely called upon to provide counsel on proceedings under LCIA and ICC rules.5 Stephenson Harwood LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 8 Years RankedStephenson 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.5 Vinson & Elkins RLLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedVinson & Elkins fields a strong international arbitration practice out of its London office. The team is highly adept at handling commercial arbitrations, regularly arising out of the energy and construction sectors. The firm also takes instructions on behalf of sovereign states and significant corporate entities based across Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Band 6
6 Addleshaw Goddard LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedAddleshaw Goddard is noted for its experience in handling international arbitrations arising in the construction, oil and gas, and insurance sectors. The firm is comfortable operating under a range of auspices, including those of the ICC, UNCITRAL and the LCIA. The team enjoys an international presence, acting for clients across South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
6 Jones DayInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedJones Day has a robust international arbitration team that is routinely called upon by clients in the energy, hospitality and construction sectors, among others. It is well versed in handling disputes involving the CIS and Middle East. The firm draws strength from its global presence, with offices in the USA, Europe and Asia. The team is adept at providing counsel on ICC, SIAC and LCIA arbitrations, and boasts experience advising on matters involving niche areas such as climate change-related disputes.
6 LaliveInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedLalive fields particular expertise in commercial arbitrations. The team is especially adept at handling mandates arising from the energy sector and infrastructure projects. The firm is also adept at handling investor-state disputes.
6 Pallas Partners LLPInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedPallas Partners is a disputes-only practice with broad experience in commercial arbitration. It regularly acts for clients in the financial services, construction and telecommunications spaces, as well as in enforcement proceedings in the commercial courts. The team routinely handles proceedings conducted under LCIA, DIFC and ICC rules.
6 Slaughter and MayInternational Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedSlaughter and May offers strong commercial experience across a range of rules, including those of the ICC, LCIA and LMAA, as well as in arbitration-related court proceedings. The firm regularly advises significant clients in the manufacturing, energy and commodities spaces.