Department profile
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

International Arbitration: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

Share profile

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: The Elite - USA - Nationwide

Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Quinn Emanuel is an expert dispute resolution firm fielding strong international arbitration capabilities, regularly handling major state-to-state, commercial and investment treaty proceedings on behalf of both sovereigns and corporate clients. The firm calls upon a pool of experts in the USA, Europe and Asia to offer globally integrated services in cross-border disputes. Its varied client list includes both sovereign states and foreign investors.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Quinn Emanuel represented 37 US-based investors to bring claims against Mexico under NAFTA, alleging the cancellation of permits to operate casinos in Mexico.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • This is a super specialist team, assisting us on very difficult cases with surprising success. It's an excellent team.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • Every member knew our case inside and out, actively participated in discussions, and had insightful and intelligent contributions to our strategy. As a client, it helped instill confidence and clarity in our position, which helped immensely in the hearing.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

  • The team provided innovative and proactive high-end legal advice.

    International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Young
    Michael Young

    Michael Young

    Michael Young KC is highly experienced in energy arbitrations, including gas price reviews. He also assists with disputes in relation to management agreements in the hospitality sector.

    • He really knows the space and is a terrific, wonderful writer, a very clear thinker and really thinks of best position for the client. I was very impressed.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • One of his strengths is his barrister background. He has the synergies of being able to advise, but also do the advocacy, which is a key USP of his. There's no denying his knowledge and experience of oil and gas disputes, it has been a core area of his for 30 years. His technical understanding of the substantive work and the courts is extremely good.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • He's a highly gifted writer and orator with an excellent strategic mind and dangerous bite in the courtroom.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA

    • He has the standout quality of winning the right way. He's not a street fighter, he's as elegant as they come. He reassures boards, witnesses, tribunals and children in exactly the same way. He's always positive, but never ever ignores the realities of the situation.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
    View profile
  • David M Orta
    David M Orta

    David M Orta

    David Orta receives praise for his expertise across commercial and investment treaty disputes, in addition to his particular strength in Latin America-related matters.

    • David Orta offers seasoned judgment, deep energy regulatory insight, and steady leadership in complex oil and gas litigation.

      International Arbitration: The Elite respondentUSA
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP (2)

USA - Nationwide

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership