
International Arbitration: The Elite
USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
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DLA Piper represented AVZ Minerals in an $8+ billion ICSID arbitration against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in a series of related ICC arbitrations concerning the Manono Lithium and Tin project.
Strengths
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DLA has demonstrated a solid understanding of our industry and commercial needs, going beyond purely legal advice to provide strategic guidance aligned with our business objectives. The team is able to contextualize legal risks within the broader commercial framework, which adds significant value in high stakes arbitration.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAThey have a tremendous knowledge of our business and our clients. They understand our challenges, help partner with me and other members of the legal team in-house, as well as our clients, to drive solutions that work for the company. They're constantly listening and learning and grasping to understand the dynamic business challenges.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAWe get global reach with local precision. The team benefits from a broad international presence in key arbitration hubs, combined with in-depth expertise under the major institutional rules. This provides exceptional capability in managing complex cross-border disputes across multiple jurisdictions.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSADLA's Arbitration Team has strong experience handling investor state disputes. The team is well-versed in our region, with a good sense of business and cultural sensitivities in working with clients on the ground.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAThe team at DLA is always on top of the matters, very proactive, responsive and knowledgeable.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
Charlene Sun
Charlene Sun is noted for her expert handling of arbitral enforcement litigation.
Charlene is top of her field in judgment enforcement and asset recovery. She is one of the few practitioners who really understands that space and can navigate it effectively.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
James E Berger
James Berger regularly represents a range of commercial clients in high stakes enforcement proceedings.
James did excellent work, all in a timely manner and on point. The knowledge of the situation and the matters at hand, combined with an understanding of the delicate balance between the parties and his absolute focus, makes James totally unique.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAJames stood out for clarity in explaining complex points and strong advocacy skills. He was exceptional in terms of responsiveness and ability to anticipate our needs.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAJames Berger is the type of lawyer that you want on your side when things get complicated and the type of lawyer that you'd rather avoid being on the other side. He is very sharp, pragmatic, responsive, communicative and fun to work with.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Kate Brown de Vejar
Kate Brown de Vejar has significant experience in appearing in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. She is active in a range of sectors, including construction, energy and financial services. She's a guiding light in the North American international arbitration space. She has a proper international attitude and world view.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAKate is a pleasure to work with, and has a tactful understanding of the matter and the roles involved.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Michael Ostrove
Michael Ostrove is an experienced practitioner who regularly represents investors and European states in complex investor state arbitrations under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules.
He's an excellent senior partner - who is reliable, responsible and consistently cooperative. He's a pleasure to work with and willing to go the extra mile where necessary.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAHe's super experienced and a serious intellectual and arbitration lawyer.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 
Kiera Gans
Kiera Gans is experienced in acting on behalf of a range of parties involved in both commercial and international arbitrations. She is adept at handling arbitrations under various rules. She very astutely managed the client and other several voices involved and made several strong and practical arguments in pleadings, which helped shape a very effective response and ultimately resulted in a cost-efficient proceeding and a favorable outcome.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Associates to watch 
Associates to watch 
Elena Rizzo
Elena Rizzo is an associate based in DLA Piper's New York office. She regularly represents both corporates and sovereign entities in arbitral proceedings.
I enjoy working with Elena. She's accessible and responsive to requests. She appreciates client needs and minimizes rework.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSAElena is an excellent lawyer. She knows the matter in detail, is very responsive and highly knowledgeable.
International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at DLA Piper LLP (US) (6)
DLA Piper LLP (US) has rankings in the following guides
Band 4 Latin America 2026
Practice area: International Arbitration
Location: International Counsel
View department profile for Latin America 2026
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