DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

International Arbitration

3 ranked lawyers

Band 1

UK-wide

UK 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

Chambers Research is conducted by 200 Research Analysts, across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually we collect hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Learn more about our methodology.

What the team is known for

Renowned international arbitration practice with significant experience representing clients in the energy, telecommunications, media and natural resources sectors, as well as handling matters for financial service clients. Handles arbitral proceedings under a range of institutional rules, such as those of the LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL. Also adept at representing sovereign states and investors in investment treaty cases arising out of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Demonstrates significant expertise in the Energy Charter Treaty and BITs.

Strengths

Sources consider the team to be "super responsive, always available when we require and clear in their laying out of the options and potential strategies."

Others report: "They have excellent advocacy both at partner and senior associate level."

Commentators also note: "This is a top-notch law firm."

Work highlights

Represented the former CEO of US Airways and board member of IndiGo Airlines in a dispute brought by shareholders under the rules of LCIA India, successfully blocking a petition for Section 1782 relief and discovery. The matter was valued at USD400 million.

Advised NextEra Energy Spain Holdings on judicial proceedings to enforce an ICSID award against Spain. The matter involves arguments concerning the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

Notable practitioners

Daniel Gal QC is particularly noted for his work in the telecoms sector, handling high-value arbitrations under LCIA rules. He also has notable experience handling BIT disputes.
"He is very commercial, offers clear, concise advice and has strong negotiation skills." "He is a very strong individual and he works well with clients." "Daniel Gal is superb."

David Kavanagh QC has broad international capabilities, acting for clients across jurisdictions such as China and India in complex commercial disputes often governed by LCIA and ICC rules. He is particularly experienced in issues arising from the interplay of foreign legislation.
"He is a well-respected advocate and really effective." "He is absolutely brilliant. He's extremely intelligent and very focused." "Extremely impressive."

Kate Davies QC acts in significant disputes in the oil and gas, telecoms and engineering sectors. She is highly adept at proceedings held under LCIA, ICC and ICSID rules, and often deals with complex questions of foreign law.
"She's extremely effective as an advocate and popular with clients." "She's an impressive advocate."

Department Information

This content is provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates.

Overview

Skadden’s European litigation and arbitration practice is based in our London office and works closely with Skadden’s attorneys around the world. We are known for our ability to win some of the most complex cases on behalf of our clients, in court proceedings and arbitration.

Our lawyers undertake multijurisdictional litigation and international arbitrations, including commercial and investment treaty arbitrations under the auspices of leading arbitral institutions. We conduct cases under the ICSID, ICC, LCIA, HKIAC and UNCITRAL rules, among others. Our practice is to use small, dedicated teams of lawyers for each case to provide a streamlined and cost-efficient service.

Unlike many London firms, we do not need to hire external barristers to act as advocates in international arbitration, as we have the relevant experience within our arbitration practice.