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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Public International Law

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

We operate in the real world: as one of the only the firm with professionals in a broad range of international law issues across a global network, we find pragmatic solutions to the trickiest international law problems.

Understanding the political and international law issues at play and the commercial realities our clients face allows us to best advise on their highest profile and most complex matters.

In addition to our investment protection and investor-state arbitration representations, our professionals provide focused legal and strategic advice across the full spectrum of pure public international law issues, including within the following areas:

  • Investment Protection and Treaty Disputes
  • International Boundary Disputes and Law of the Sea
  • Cross-Border Resources Deposits and Exploitation in Disputes Areas
  • Immunity of States and International Organisations
  • State Recognition, Secession and Succession
  • Climate Change and International Environmental and Energy Law
  • International Trade Law and World Trade Organisation Issues
  • Sanctions and Export Control
  • Foreign Corruption
  • International Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility

Clients (8)

  • The Republic of Chile
  • Vitol SA
  • Financial Institution
  • A consortium of international oil companies
  • Government of Malaysia
  • Bangladesh
  • Multi-national energy companies
  • Government of Spain

Industries (15)

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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public International Law - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills is widely respected for its work assisting multinational organisations, states and state-owned entities with the full range of PIL matters. Its work includes state-to-state disputes, advice on the implications of international developments and the law, and significant maritime boundary claims, as well as treaty negotiations. In addition, the firm is particularly well known for its investment treaty expertise, representing states and investors in disputes under the auspices of ICSID and other prominent institutions. The team also provides advice on international sanctions to clients including major energy companies and financial institutions.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills represented the Republic of Italy in relation to two enforcement actions of investment treaty awards under the Energy Charter Treaty.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their customer-focused, innovative, and forward-thinking approach continues to be highly effective in international arbitration and cross-border legal matters.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • They are pragmatic, responsive and have detailed knowledge.

    Public International Law respondentUK

  • They have a deep partner team with specialist experience of practicing in many different sectors.

    Public International Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Andrew Cannon
    Andrew Cannon

    Andrew Cannon

    Andrew Cannon is a highly skilled practitioner and global co-head of the firm's PIL practice. He has wide-ranging PIL expertise that includes state immunity issues, maritime delimitations, sanctions and investment treaties. He regularly undertakes significant government advisory work as well as handling investor-state arbitrations.

    • Andrew is an intellectual powerhouse and a trusted adviser.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • Andrew is a superb lawyer and advocate.

      Public International Law respondentUK
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  • Hannah Ambrose
    Hannah Ambrose

    Hannah Ambrose

    Hannah Ambrose is a well-recognised practitioner in the field of PIL and investor-state arbitration. She has a breadth of experience assisting clients with international commercial disputes and conflict-related policy advice.

    • She brings a comparative perspective in many jurisdictions.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • Hannah combines great legal acumen with finely tuned client handling skills.

      Public International Law respondentUK

    • She is a phenomenally hard working.

      Public International Law respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (2)

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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