Department profile
Freshfields

International Arbitration

Latin America Guide 2027 : 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 advised AES in an investment treaty arbitration against the Republic of Argentina under the Argentina-US BIT, securing an award exceeding USD700 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields is at the top of its game. The firm is available at all hours, tackles every issue and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

    International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Freshfields is characterised by strong technical expertise, deep knowledge of Latin American regulatory and investment frameworks and seamless coordination across jurisdictions. The firm delivers consistent, high-quality advice in highly sensitive and strategically important matters.

    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 is an absolute master of the courtroom. His audience management is exceptional.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
    • Nigel Blackaby possesses strategic intelligence and is exceptionally skilled. He brings a unique strategic vision to every case and maintains a high level of involvement.

      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 expert in international arbitration who brings in-depth knowledge and a strategic, business-oriented vision. She explains complex matters clearly, facilitates decision-making and remains highly aligned with business interests while maintaining a proactive approach and exceptional availability.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
    • Noiana Marigo distinguishes herself through her clarity, structured thinking and well-defined strategy. She remains focused on the core issues of the conflict.

      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, including Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

    • Caroline Richard stands out in the arbitration field and consistently demonstrates her expertise in ICSID arbitration proceedings.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America
  • Band 6Natalia Zibibbo
    Band 6Natalia Zibibbo

    Natalia Zibibbo

    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 stands out for her deep technical knowledge and ability to offer strategic solutions tailored to each case. What truly sets her apart is her skill in communicating and explaining complex issues clearly and effectively, building trust and facilitating decision-making.

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

    Santiago Gatica

    New York City-based senior associate Santiago Gatica showcases solid capabilities in arbitration, including matters involving Colombia, as well as across the wider Latin America region.

    • Santiago Gatica is a lawyer of strategic intelligence who is exceptionally skilled, bringing a unique strategic vision to each case, a high level of engagement and extensive experience in international arbitration. He demonstrates a deep understanding of client needs and remains committed to achieving the client's objectives.

      International Arbitration respondentLatin America

Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (5)

International Counsel

Members

Provided by Freshfields

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