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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

International Arbitration: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: The Elite - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Debevoise & Plimpton maintains its position at the forefront of the commercial and investment treaty arbitration market, acting for a wide range of multinational corporations and sovereign states. The firm offers a deep bench of experienced arbitration counsel, well versed in handling disputes conducted under the auspices of all major institutional rules as well as in those heard in ad hoc settings. The group provides particular expertise in arbitrations involving Latin American parties, as part of a broad global practice.
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Work Highlights

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  • Debevoise & Plimpton represented Hess Corporation in its landmark victory against ExxonMobil and CNOOC, clearing the way for its planned $53 billion sale to Chevron.

Strengths

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  • Two things distinguish Debevoise - internally, lawyers at all levels collaborate extremely efficiently, and the level of trust that Debevoise develops with its clients is remarkable. Honestly, I think Debevoise is the very best at what they do - I've seen them go against all of the heavy hitters and their quality of lawyering is strong and consistent across the board.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • The team in general is excellent in terms of martialing the facts and understanding them. They did an impressive job with written submissions, which made it seem clear and easy to understand, despite it being a very nuanced legal analysis.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • They probably have best international arbitration team across the board and they provide impeccable services. I think they stand out because of the breadth of practice, especially in the energy sector - you can name any type of dispute in this area and they have done it before and have first-hand experience in these disputes.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • The amazing thing about the Debevoise team is that they are all so collegial. They are all super collegial, always leaning in, always authentic and engaged. I feel like they're who everyone wants to work with. It's hard to not like them. They're fierce advocates and a really steady pair of hands.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • They have industry leading expertise and experience and excellent client service skills. The entire team I've worked with at Debevoise has been excellent from their senior partners to junior associates. Our business is unique and the team was able to come up to speed extremely quickly. Their commercial awareness is excellent.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Catherine Amirfar
    Catherine Amirfar

    Catherine Amirfar

    Catherine Amirfar's leading practice benefits from her previous work as a former adviser to the US Department of State. She is experienced in handling complex investment treaty arbitrations for both states and investors.

    • Everyone wants to work with her. She has done it all and is a really steady pair of hands.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • I believe Catherine is a perfect advisor, both in terms of character and capability.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • Catherine is an absolute powerhouse. She's an incredibly incisive thinker with unerring instincts. Beyond her advocacy for clients, she's a serious influencer in the international arbitration world.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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  • Mark W Friedman
    Mark W Friedman

    Mark W Friedman

    Mark Friedman remains a popular choice for a broad array of investors seeking expert counsel in investment treaty arbitrations. He also offers experience in commercial disputes.

    • Mark was the key partner and we took great comfort in having him represent us on a significant claim.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • Mark's commitment to his clients is simply remarkable, and its reflected in the absolute trust they have in his judgment - which is unerring. His instincts are the best in the business, and his understated style of advocacy is utterly delightful to observe.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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  • William H. Taft V
    William H. Taft V

    William H. Taft V

    William Taft is a highly regarded litigator who often advises clients on international disputes and in award enforcement proceedings.

    • He's an exceptional litigator with a remarkably broad practice.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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  • Dietmar Prager
    Dietmar Prager

    Dietmar Prager

    Dietmar Prager's practice spans investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, with notable expertise in disputes concerning Latin America.

    • He's world class in every way.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • He's responsive, collegial, substantively on top of things, and a hard worker. He's a tenacious advocate, because he pays attention to the detail and doesn't let important things go.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • Dietmar is phenomenal. He's super organized, very savvy, diligent and gets things done.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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  • Ina C Popova
    Ina C Popova

    Ina C Popova

    Ina Popova receives plaudits for her skilled advocacy. She covers both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, with her clients including individuals, corporations and states.

    • Ina is a brilliant person, the kind of person where you can't believe she is wiling to speak to a mere mortal like you. She's charming, charismatic and the arbitrators melt in front of her. She is a superstar who came up with very creative approaches to the case.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • She's one of the smartest people I have ever seen - she's scary smart.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • Ina stands out among IA partners - her intellect is the sharpest I've seen and, combined with her fierce advocacy, she has few equals in the business. And on top of that, she's among the nicest people you'll ever meet.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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  • Natalie Reid
    Natalie Reid

    Natalie Reid

    Natalie Reid has a thriving practice spanning commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. Her experience includes matters involving the Caribbean.
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  • Laura Sinisterra
    Laura Sinisterra

    Laura Sinisterra

    Laura Sinisterra enjoys a growing profile for her disputes practice, with particular expertise in international arbitration arising in the energy and natural resources sectors.

    • Laura's ability to synthesize large amounts of information and identify the key issues and arguments was excellent.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (8)

USA - Nationwide

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