Department profile
DLA Piper LLP (US)

International Arbitration: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


DLA Piper LLP (US)

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: The Elite - USA - Nationwide

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For
DLA Piper's team has a strong pedigree in both investment treaty and commercial disputes, leveraging the firm's impressive global platform to offer significant jurisdictional and cultural expertise in global disputes. The group is known for its expertise across a number of industries, including financial services, construction, energy and technology.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • 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

Provided by Chambers

  • 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 respondentUSA
  • They 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 respondentUSA
  • We 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 respondentUSA
  • DLA'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 respondentUSA
  • The 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 1Charlene Sun
    Band 1Charlene Sun

    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 1James E Berger
    Band 1James E Berger

    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 respondentUSA
    • James 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 respondentUSA
    • James 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 3Kate Brown de Vejar
    Band 3Kate Brown de Vejar

    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 respondentUSA
    • Kate is a pleasure to work with, and has a tactful understanding of the matter and the roles involved.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 3Michael Ostrove
    Band 3Michael Ostrove

    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 respondentUSA
    • He's super experienced and a serious intellectual and arbitration lawyer.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 4Kiera Gans
    Band 4Kiera Gans

    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 watchElena Rizzo
    Associates to watchElena Rizzo

    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 respondentUSA
    • Elena 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)

USA - Nationwide

DLA Piper LLP (US) has rankings in the following guides

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