We have represented clients in arbitration proceedings under the rules of all the major institutions and trade associations, such as LCIA, ICC, CIETAC, SCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, DIFC-LCIA, LMAA, SCMA, FOFSA, 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 are frequently instructed in arbitration matters by clients and law firms in those regions and in other jurisdictions.
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.
In the past decade, we have handled some of the most high-profile proceedings to enforce, or resist the enforcement of, arbitral awards before the English, Hong Kong and Singapore courts.
Our team is a natural first choice to instruct on such matters.
Stephenson Harwood "performs excellently and its experienced practitioners are able to handle the most difficult and complex disputes efficiently."
The Legal 500 UK 2021
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria's state-owned oil company
Advising in allegations of fraud and forgery in the high-value case involving the defence in England of several attempts to enforce a Nigerian arbitration award. Now valued at over US$350 million.
Global airlines
Acting for several major airlines (including the world's largest budget carrier) in numerous arbitrations in the last five years.
Oil and gas company
Acting in a major LCIA arbitration (with claims and counterclaims valued at over US$750 million) concerning the management of two deep offshore oil blocks in West Africa.
Sovereign state
Acting for a sovereign state in a US$4 billion ad hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
Global mining conglomerate
Acting for a subsidiary in several arbitrations and related court proceedings concerning the largest copper mine in Zambia.
ICSID
Representing an investor in an ICSID arbitration against Kazakhstan with a claim valued at US$1.5 billion.
Sovereign state
Advising a sovereign state, resisting the enforcement of a US$700 million plus ICSID award against it.
East Asian conglomerate
Acting in an arbitration and related enforcement proceedings in Singapore and Hong Kong, leading to judgments which are amongst the leading authorities on enforcement in those jurisdictions.
India's largest real estate developer
Acting in enforcement proceedings in England in respect of a US$300 million plus arbitral award.
Major fruit juice producer
Acting for a major fruit juice producer in arbitration proceedings in London.