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King & Spalding LLP

International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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King & Spalding LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

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International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

King & Spalding has a substantial international arbitration practice with a global reach, advising parties from South Asia and Europe. It fields a team of advocates with experience in disputes arising in the energy, shipping, mining and financial services sectors. The team is experienced in handling institutional disputes, including those under ICC, LCIA and AAA rules, as well as ad hoc arbitrations. The firm's notable commercial practice is also bolstered by increasing investor-state expertise.

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Work Highlights

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  • King & Spalding continued to represent Go Airlines in a USD5 billion SIAC arbitration against US engine manufacturer International Aero Engines arising from various agreement breaches.

Strengths

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  • King & Spalding is extremely knowledgeable, very responsive and demonstrates impeccable understanding of the client's needs coupled with thorough, well-informed and focused advice.

    International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

  • The team was very qualified to handle, analyse and assess complex and sophisticated cases.

    International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

  • What makes them stand apart is their unmatched work ethic, superb responsiveness, user-friendliness and team versatility.

    International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

  • K&S's team lives and breathes complex and challenging disputes, and they have proved this time and again.

    International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

  • I was very much impressed with King & Spalding's mastery of the facts and opinions, and its ability to argue them persuasively.

    International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gary Born
    Gary Born

    Gary Born

    Gary Born is a market-leading arbitration practitioner at the forefront of complex and high-value commercial and investment treaty disputes. He maintains a truly international presence, acting as counsel and arbitrator in disputes across the Middle East, the USA and South America, among other jurisdictions. He is well versed in a range of proceedings, including those under ICC, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules.

    • Gary presents an awesome breadth of knowledge coupled with being careful and thoughtful.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • He has got a lot of depth of experience but he is also very good at developing a strategy that really works legally; he is very adept.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • He very instinctively comes up with solutions.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • He is a giant in the field.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK
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  • Tom Sprange
    Tom Sprange

    Tom Sprange

    Tom Sprange KC draws praise for his expert advocacy in high-value commercial arbitrations. He offers impressive global capabilities, acting in arbitrations seated in jurisdictions such as India and Europe, and is deeply familiar with LCIA, ICC and AAA proceedings.

    • What I like about him the most is that he gets involved at all levels: when it comes to trial, he is all over the detail.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Tom is an effective advocate who is very impressive and at the top of his game.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Tom is a sensational lawyer who instills confidence in his clients.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Tom is extremely knowledgeable and has impeccable strategising skills.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK
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  • Ruth Byrne
    Ruth Byrne

    Ruth Byrne

    Ruth Byrne KC is a highly experienced arbitration practitioner known for her prowess in the energy sector. She is well versed in acting for Indian entities in arbitrations under the auspices of the LCIA and the ICC, as well as in ad hoc proceedings.

    • She has a great ability to understand both commercial and operational problems, and the legal implications of reaching conclusions.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Ruth Byrne is very polished, very confident, and not in an arrogant way, very comfortable, positive and good at strategy.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Ruth has a great ability to analyse a problem and work out how to advocate our position.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • She is really impressive, super smart, very user-friendly, nice, collaborative and responsive.

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  • Franz Schwarz
    Franz Schwarz

    Franz Schwarz

    Franz Schwarz has notable credentials in the pharmaceutical and banking sectors, and regularly acts in arbitrations governed by ICSID and ICC rules.

    • Franz was exceptionally sharp throughout the project.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • Franz is an excellent advocate.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • He is very bright and switched on in terms of the arbitration; he inspires great confidence.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK
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  • John Savage
    John Savage

    John Savage

    John Savage KC has established a strong profile in the London market and is increasingly known for his commercial arbitration practice. His caseload includes acting for major energy, manufacturing and investment companies.

    • John is highly regarded and considered.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK

    • John is very experienced and easy to work with.

      International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at King & Spalding LLP (6)

UK-wide

King & Spalding LLP has rankings in the following guides

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