International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 4
About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's award-winning Global International Arbitration practice is the largest and busiest in the world; according to GAR, the team have more merits hearings per year than any other law firm, with London an integral hub in the global IA network.
The cross-border nature of International Arbitration plays to the Firm's strengths as almost all cases involve cross-office collaboration. The team is able to advise on local law in all jurisdictions in which Baker McKenzie operates, with client feedback repeatedly emphasising their expertise regardless of location.
Chambers Review
Baker 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.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie represented Anaklia Development Consortium in a Geneva-seated ICC arbitration in its claim against Georgia for wrongful termination of the Investment Agreement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Baker McKenzie's team is very strong and experienced in handling complex and sophisticated legal and evidential issues."
"Baker McKenzie is certainly very impressive in many ways, including the knowledge of details of the case, level of preparation of every single member, balanced team and great team-work."
"They exhibited creative skills in finding solutions to difficult situations and have argued our case convincingly throughout the process."
"They are very responsive and provide quality services. They always analyse from a commercial perspective."
"Baker McKenzie possesses a breadth of experience and sophistication that continues to result in positive outcomes. The team brings depth and breadth to navigate complexities."
"Baker McKenzie's team is very strong and experienced in handling complex and sophisticated legal and evidential issues."
"Baker McKenzie is certainly very impressive in many ways, including the knowledge of details of the case, level of preparation of every single member, balanced team and great team-work."
"They exhibited creative skills in finding solutions to difficult situations and have argued our case convincingly throughout the process."
"They are very responsive and provide quality services. They always analyse from a commercial perspective."
"Baker McKenzie possesses a breadth of experience and sophistication that continues to result in positive outcomes. The team brings depth and breadth to navigate complexities."
Notable Practitioners
Andy Moody comes recommended for his handling of large-scale disputes and demonstrates a particular sector specialism in energy, mining and infrastructure mandates. He is well versed in acting in LCIA, ICC and UNCITRAL arbitrations.
"Andy Moody is skilled and very good at working on multijurisdictional disputes. He has a great strategic mindset."
"Andy has been an integral part of the team leading the way from day one and getting the result for us. We are impressed by his professionalism and level of knowledge."
"Andy is one of the lawyers who is equally a pleasure to work with and remarkably reliable and responsive. He is a true leader of the team providing valuable guidance and always ready to step in."
Edward Poulton is managing partner of the firm's London office. He is recognised for his in-depth knowledge of the financial services sector and regularly acts on issues such as M&A arbitrations. His practice has a particular focus on Africa and Europe.
"Edward Poulton is very sophisticated, highly intelligent, a good tactician and good to work with."
"He is skilled and very good at working at multijurisdictional disputes. He has a good business understanding."
"Ed is extremely calm, easy to deal with and nothing phases him at all."
Steve Abraham is a highly experienced practitioner who offers notable cross-border expertise, acting for clients across the globe in high-value energy and infrastructure arbitrations. He also currently leads the firm's dispute resolution team in the EMEA area.
"He is very good and has a commercially-oriented approach."
Judith Mulholland represents clients in commercial and investor-state arbitrations under a variety of rules. She has particular expertise in energy, including in oil and gas.
"Judith is extremely smart and astute at analysis of facts and application of law."
"Judith has an extremely good business understanding. She's calm, timely and everything you would want from a partner."
"Judith is a bright mind, has a great manner of speaking and is a truly valuable person to have on a team."