Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

We advise clients on arbitrations under a broad spectrum of civil and common laws. We are experienced in arbitrating under the rules of all major arbitration institutions, as well as having conducted numerous ad hoc arbitrations. Our genuine sector knowledge, commercial awareness and regional sensitivity are unrivalled. We advise clients and conduct arbitrations in a number of languages. Once you have an arbitral award, we can help you to enforce it around the world.

Our long standing experience of acting in investor-state and state-to-state arbitrations and in-depth knowledge of the nuances of these focused areas means we can help you to best meet your objectives. We provide advice on the best possible investment and treaty protection.

Conducting our own advocacy means our skilled advocates play a critical role in the strategy of the case from the outset. It also minimises the cost and time involved for our clients in instructing external counsel. Members of the arbitration group regularly sit as arbitrators and this valuable insight into the arbitral process from a different perspective helps us to identify winning strategies.

Whether you are a financial institution, a multinational corporation, a government or a state-owned entity, we combine in-depth legal and sector knowledge with a proven track record of successfully acting in complex disputes, working alongside local counsel where appropriate.

Industries (17)

  • Consumer Products
  • Energy
  • Oil & Gas
  • Renewables
  • Nuclear
  • Power
  • Financial Institutions
  • Banks
  • Government & Public Sector
  • Infrastructure
  • Leisure & Sport
  • Hotels
  • Manufacturing & Industrials
  • Mining
  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
  • Private Capital
  • Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has an accomplished team noted for conducting its own advocacy in ad hoc proceedings as well as those under institutional rules, including those of the ICC, LCIA and JCAA. The firm is well regarded for its representation of oil and gas majors, technology companies and financial institutions. It is active in disputes arising in Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA. The firm is highly respected for its work in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, and is experienced in bringing cases under the Energy Charter Treaty and bilateral and multilateral investment treaties.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer continued to represent the Republic of Italy in relation to two enforcement actions under the Energy Charter Treaty in the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HSFK is hands-on, constantly keeping strategy in mind, responsive and to the point.

    International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
  • The size of the firm and its available expertise enable it to deal with complex matters.

    International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
  • The firm has extensive experience and a professional team that handled our complex case professionally.

    International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Andrew Cannon
    Band 3Andrew Cannon

    Andrew Cannon

    Andrew Cannon fields significant expertise in investor-state disputes, which is bolstered by his public international law credentials. He regularly handles complex BIT claims on behalf of both commercial clients and state entities.
    • He is very receptive and accommodating.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • He is personable, and he does not get stressed out over anything.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • Andrew is a brilliant lawyer: clear-minded, hard-working and very reliable.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • Andrew is an excellent advocate; he manages to be assertive without ever being aggressive.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
  • Band 3Craig Tevendale
    Band 3Craig Tevendale

    Craig Tevendale

    Craig Tevendale is head of the firm's London international arbitration team. He is widely recognised for his expertise in Middle Eastern-related arbitrations and is highly sought after by major oil and gas clients.
    • Craig is direct, easy to deal with, listens and is customer-friendly. He's sharp and incisive.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • Craig is a class act.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
  • Band 5Chris Parker KC
    Band 5Chris Parker KC

    Chris Parker KC

    Chris Parker KC is recognised for his impressive, commercially oriented arbitration practice. He regularly represents clients in the energy, mining and life science sectors.

    • Chris is able to see the issues immediately and explain them to clients and tribunals.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
  • Band 6Hannah Ambrose
    Band 6Hannah Ambrose

    Hannah Ambrose

    Hannah Ambrose is a partner in Herbert Smith Freehills' international arbitration and public international law team. Hannah has particular expertise in commercial arbitration for a variety of clients, and is experienced in a wide range of rules.

    • She is very responsive and attentive to the details.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • Hannah is very level-headed and personable ,which plays out in her ability to communicate effectively with clients.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK
    • She brings a comparative perspective in many jurisdictions.

      International Arbitration: Investor-State Arbitration respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has rankings in the following guides

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