Public International Law

William Thomas KC is head of the firm's PIL disputes, litigation and arbitration group. He has a broad PIL practice with a strong focus on Middle Eastern jurisdictions. He exhibits considerable strength in matters concerning the Law of the Sea and boundary disputes, and also has significant experience appearing before the ICJ.

Will is devastating as a cross-examiner. He is extremely forensic; he manages the detailed evidence and the big picture. He did a great job keeping everything accessible for the client.

Will is an experienced and astute PIL practitioner. Clients love working with him. He is very focused and an excellent advocate.

Will is very collaborative as well as being analytically sharp.

Sylvia Noury KC is head of the firm's arbitration practice in London. She is highly experienced in international arbitration, with significant expertise in high-value BIT disputes. She has a particular focus on emerging markets, handling substantial work across Africa, India and Latin America for clients in industries such as energy and telecoms.

She is a very hard worker and an excellent team leader.

Sylvia has a very analytic mind. She is able to grasp complex issues and distil them down to tasks and deliverables so that her arguments before tribunals can be understood and accepted.

Sylvia is exceptional. She is a leader in her field, but also a delight to work with.

Joshua Kelly is a senior associate in Freshfields' London office. His expertise spans investment treaty disputes, international environmental law, the Law of the Sea and human rights.

Josh has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He is thorough, responsive and knowledgeable: all round first class.

Josh is impressively clear in his advice and measured in his response to emergencies. He is a reassuring presence on a case.

Josh Kelly is incredibly commercially savvy, which really sets him apart. He is also very collaborative and easy to work with.