Department profile
Freshfields

International Arbitration

Latin America Guide 2026 : International Counsel


Freshfields

Rankings

About

Provided by Freshfields

Our diverse team of over 200 market-leading lawyers in multiple locations conducts arbitrations all over the world, whatever the governing law of the dispute, the language of the arbitration, the applicable arbitration rules, or the subject matter of the dispute. Our involvement is not limited to arbitral proceedings: we advise clients in the full range of matters, from arbitration to post-award proceedings, including annulment proceedings before domestic courts and ICSID annulment panels.

Our Latin America practice

Within our international arbitration group, we have developed a specialized team to meet the needs of our clients with interests in the Latin American region. Our Latin American team advises states, corporations, and international organizations with investments or operations in that region on a wide range of commercial and investment disputes.

Our specialists have broad experience working within the context of Latin America’s legal and political systems and speak fluent Spanish and Portuguese. Our multinational group includes common law and civil law lawyers who match advice on both systems of law with a full understanding of the Latin America context.

Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in this category: https://www.freshfields.com/en-gb/capabilities/services/international-arbitration/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration - International Counsel

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Freshfields possesses an outstanding team offering profound insight into the intricacies of multi-jurisdictional arbitration disputes arising in Latin America. The international arbitration team is the first port of call for top-level corporate investors from a range of industry sectors engaging in highly complex investment treaty arbitration cases, especially those concerning Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela. The top-tier law firm also boasts additional expertise in state representation, as well as commercial arbitration cases originating from post-M&A disputes.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields represented Glencore in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the Plurinational State of Bolivia in relation to a dispute over the nationalisation of Glencore's tin and antimony smelters and its investment in the Colquiri tin and zinc mine.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Of all the lawyers I have worked with, the Freshfields team is the most creative. They can quickly understand the particularities of new industries, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

    International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Freshfields stands out for its high degree of specialisation in international arbitration. The team uses its in-depth knowledge of applicable precedents strategically for a favourable resolution.

    International Arbitration respondentLatin America

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Nigel Blackaby
    Band 1Nigel Blackaby

    Nigel Blackaby

    Distinguished practitioner Nigel Blackaby is held in high esteem by clients and peers alike. He is noted for his undisputed experience handling some of the most high-profile and sophisticated commercial and investment treaty arbitration cases throughout Latin America.
    • Nigel Blackaby has vast experience and intelligence. He uses his strategic vision of cases and his leadership skills to bring out the best in his team for the benefit of the client.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
    • Nigel Blackaby impresses with his work, arguments and knowledge of arbitrations.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Band 1Noiana Marigo
    Band 1Noiana Marigo

    Noiana Marigo

    New York City-based outstanding international arbitration partner Noiana Marigo is highly skilled at representing investors in investment treaty disputes across Latin America.

    • Noiana Marigo is an exceptional professional who is always willing to provide her first-class legal advice, regardless of the level of complexity of the matter.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
    • Noiana Marigo's ability to identify strategic solutions and offer expert advice demonstrates not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to excellence.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Band 3Caroline Richard
    Band 3Caroline Richard

    Caroline Richard

    Caroline Richard is based in Washington, DC. She is adept at representing corporate clients in investor-state disputes across Latin America.

    • Caroline Richard is very articulate and a good speaker. She is a well-rounded and bright lawyer with soft skills.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Up and ComingNatalia Zibibbo
    Up and ComingNatalia Zibibbo

    Natalia Zibibbo

    Up-and-coming practitioner Natalia Zibibbo represents multinational companies with investments in the energy, mining and aviation sectors. Her practice focuses on commercial and investment arbitration across Latin America.

    • Natalia Zibibbo has a great ability to delve into business topics. Her level of sophistication is very strong.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Associates to watchSantiago Gatica
    Associates to watchSantiago Gatica

    Santiago Gatica

    New York City-based Santiago Gatica debuts in the rankings as an associate-to-watch after receiving both client and peer endorsement for his international arbitration practice in Latin America.

    • Santiago Gatica is an extraordinary lawyer. He provides innovative solutions and has extensive knowledge of the arbitration market.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America

Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (5)

International Counsel

Members

Provided by Freshfields

Freshfields has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership