Department profile
Freshfields

Public International Law

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Freshfields

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Provided by Freshfields

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United Kingdom | Freshfields

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public International Law - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Freshfields is highly regarded for its PIL work in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and India. The firm is very experienced in advising on inter-state and investor-state disputes, and is often sought after for its expertise in international human rights matters, especially those affecting businesses. It has further expertise in handling boundary disputes and matters concerning the Law of the Sea, and is also known for its pro bono contribution to various NGOs and other human rights organisations. The team has appeared before a range of international courts and tribunals including the ICJ and ECtHR, and offers significant expertise in international disputes concerning the oil and gas and telecoms sectors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields represented the American Bar Association (Center for Human Rights) acting as counsel for two human rights defenders in Uzbekistan in relation to forced labour.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are thorough with strategic sense and at the top of the market for public international law knowledge and experience.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • They consistently provide outstanding service and go above and beyond.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • Freshfields is very internationally positioned.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • Freshfields demonstrates unparalleled experience and knowledge combined with commitment and dedication.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • They are very attentive to client needs and are very analytical in the advice provided.

    Public International Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • William Thomas
    William Thomas

    William Thomas

    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.

    • William is very attentive and engages in deep legal discussions profoundly.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • He also has a very good manner with clients.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • William is very service-oriented.

      Public International Law respondentUK
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  • Sylvia Noury
    Sylvia Noury

    Sylvia Noury

    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.

    • Sylvia is thoughtful and innovative.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • Sylvia has outstanding knowledge combined with full commitment to the case and strong understanding of client’s needs.

      Public International Law respondentUK
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  • Joshua Kelly
    Joshua Kelly

    Joshua Kelly

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

    • Joshua is technically really good.

      Public International Law respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (3)

UK-wide

Members

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