International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7786 9000About
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
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 & Plimpton represented Nova Group Investments in an ICSID claim against the Romanian government under the Netherlands-Romania BIT. The claim is in respect of the purported expropriation of Nova Group's Romanian assets and breaches of their BIT protections.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Debevoise is very effective at cross-jurisdictional work. They are really good technically and were incredibly good at both written and oral advocacy."
"They were innovative in their thinking and worked really hard. They had attention to detail and put us in as strong a position as we could be."
"Debevoise is reliable and they are fun to work with. They are always responsive and provide the best possible services."
"The team is responsive, sharp and creative. They have a really good team."
"Debevoise is very effective at cross-jurisdictional work. They are really good technically and were incredibly good at both written and oral advocacy."
"They were innovative in their thinking and worked really hard. They had attention to detail and put us in as strong a position as we could be."
"Debevoise is reliable and they are fun to work with. They are always responsive and provide the best possible services."
"The team is responsive, sharp and creative. They have a really good team."
Notable Practitioners
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 Goldsmith is an absolute powerhouse."
"Peter Goldsmith is an incredibly able advocate. He very good and is very highly regarded in the field."
"He is very sharp and has excellent ideas."
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.
"Jeffrey Sullivan is a powerhouse of investor-state arbitration."
"He is extremely well connected and his written work and advocacy is of the highest quality. He is an expert and is really well established across the market. He is an exceptional lawyer."
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 extremely determined. He is clever, knowledgeable, experienced and tenacious."
"He was very sharp, very clear and very sensible in his written and oral advocacy."
"He is a great team player and has a great sense of coordination. He is effective at directing a team and rolling up his sleeves."
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 Rowe is a real star."
"She is really high quality."
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 a leader and a delightful person to work with."
"Conway Blake is a real star. He is a fantastic lawyer and advocate."
Ranked Lawyers at
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Aimee-Jane Lee
David W. Rivkin
Head of Department
Samantha J. Rowe
