About

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

For more than four decades, Debevoise has maintained one of the world’s foremost arbitration practices, representing clients in the most challenging, complex and highest-value disputes around the world.

We also take a leadership role in developing the practice of international arbitration, participating on the boards of leading arbitration institutions and acting as arbitrators in high stakes disputes.

Debevoise’s London office is a key limb of this global practice. Its senior arbitration experts include Lord Goldsmith QC, the former Attorney-General of the UK; and Tony Dymond, the former head of the Seoul office of a leading international law firm. The wider senior team includes David W. Rivkin, described as a “giant” in the field of international arbitration, partners Samantha J. Rowe and Patrick Taylor, and international counsel Aimee-Jane Lee.

Our London team advises clients on disputes arising in jurisdictions all around the world. As well as significant matters in North America and Europe, nearly 60% of the Group’s matters involved disputes in emerging market jurisdictions in Latin America, Africa or Asia.

Our practice is advocacy led, counting amongst its members some of the country’s foremost advocates. We take cases through every stage, from initial advice and strategy through to the various stages of arbitration and hearings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration - UK-wide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Debevoise & 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.

Work Highlights

  • Debevoise represented Suomi Power Networks, Supernova and AMF, shareholders in Caruna, Finland's largest electricity distribution company, in an ICSID arbitration against The Republic of Finland under the Energy Charter Treaty.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Jeffrey Sullivan
1
Jeffrey Sullivan
1
Band 1
Jeffrey Sullivan KC is co-chair of Debevoise's arbitration group in Europe. He is particularly known for his expert handling of claims brought under the ECT, which forms part of his extensive investor-state arbitration practice. He demonstrates strength across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Jefferey is extremely clear and sees any issues straight away.

Jeffrey has an excellent technical skill set.

Jeff is always available, delivers straightforward practical advice and is great at handling clients.

Jeffrey is an excellent operator with extensive experience, sensible judgement and measured advice.

Jeffrey provides excellent support.

Peter Goldsmith
1
Peter Goldsmith
Head of International Arbitration
1
Band 1
Peter Goldsmith KC is co-managing partner of the firm's London office, and is widely acknowledged for his extensive arbitration practice. He has an exceptional portfolio of market-leading international commercial and investor-treaty disputes.

Peter is a great asset to the team.

Peter is a true star in international arbitration. He completely masters the environment, and his skills in cross-examination are impressive.

Patrick Taylor
3
Patrick Taylor
3
Band 3
Patrick Taylor has a broad arbitration practice with expertise spanning the oil and gas, energy and telecoms sectors. He often acts under LCIA, ICC and ICSID rules and handles disputes seated across the globe.

Patrick Taylor is technically excellent, and his cerebral, smooth advocacy style delivers results for his clients.

Patrick provides strong advice and works cohesively with the Debevoise team to provide clear and consistent advice.

Patrick is very practical yet provides a wide variety of approaches and options.

Patrick is extremely engaged and committed to the case, with a broad view of the dossier.

Patrick is very clever and savvy.

Samantha Rowe
4
Samantha Rowe
4
Band 4
Samantha Rowe boasts an impressive client list, which includes sovereign states and renowned international organisations such as those in the oil and gas sector. She regularly handles disputes under ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules.

Samantha is extremely engaged and committed to the case.

Samantha is always strategic and provides high-quality advice.

Samantha knows her area of law inside out, and we like to work with her. She is technically brilliant.

Conway Blake
6
Conway Blake
6
Band 6

Conway Blake regularly advises and acts for clients in both investor-state and commercial disputes, as well as in challenges to arbitral awards.

Conway is an accomplished, brilliant young partner.

He is very strategic and achieves a good result for the clients.

Ranked Lawyers at
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Provided by Chambers
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Band

UK-wide

International Arbitration

Jeffrey Sullivan KC
1
Jeffrey Sullivan KC
1
Band 1
Peter Goldsmith KC
1
Peter Goldsmith KC
Head of International Arbitration
1
Band 1
Patrick Taylor
3
Patrick Taylor
3
Band 3
Samantha Rowe
4
Samantha Rowe
4
Band 4
Conway Blake
6
Conway Blake
6
Band 6

Members

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Aimee-Jane Lee

David W. Rivkin

Peter Goldsmith

Peter Goldsmith

Head of Department

Samantha J. Rowe