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

International Arbitration: Counsel

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


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

Rankings

About

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

Our lawyers have appeared before every major international arbitral institution, including the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, International Chamber of Commerce, London Court of International Arbitration, International Centre for Dispute Resolution/American Arbitration Association, Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Singapore International Arbitration Centre, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Arbitration Foundation of South Africa and China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, as well as ad hoc arbitrations under UNCITRAL and other rules.

We are experienced in managing international disputes involving more than one jurisdiction or dispute resolution forum and have litigated high-profile international cases before the trial and appellate courts of the U.S. and England. We have represented individuals and companies in industries as varied as power and energy, metals and mining, oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, auditing and securities. We also frequently advise clients in disputes against sovereigns for expropriation and unfair treatment under international agreements such as free trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties, multilateral trade agreements and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: Counsel - USA - Nationwide


What the Team is Known For

Skadden houses skilled arbitration advocates at all levels of seniority, experienced in appearing in an impressive range of institutional and ad hoc disputes. The team is frequently engaged in both investor state and commercial disputes on behalf of major international corporations, alongside complementary strengths in enforcement litigation. Particular areas of strength include telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, financial services and energy arbitral matters. The firm offers experience in disputes across the globe, with recent activity in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Skadden represented ExxonMobil’s Guyana affiliate in an ICC arbitration against Hess Corporation concerning the Stabroek Block, a major offshore oil prospect in Guyana, in a dispute arising from Chevron and Hess’ $60 billion merger.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The quality of the briefs and cross examinations was excellent. The level of preparation and attention to detail was the best I have seen. They understood the contractual issues and the relevant case law better than anyone.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • The experience and professionalism that they brought throughout the process including pre-hearing briefs, the arbitration itself and post-hearing briefs was truly first class.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • I wish all lawyers were like them. They think outside the box. Our files were super touchy, super complex, but they got straight through explaining them to our leadership. They can position themselves for risk, they will tell us what to do and what not to do, versus just giving us options.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • They're pragmatic and fearless, the team tackles complex or high‑risk matters head‑on while keeping clients’ commercial objectives front and center. They craft arbitration plans that anticipate adversaries’ moves and align with clients’ broader commercial goals and they provide exceptional drafting and advocacy.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Skadden lawyers are very accurate and precise, that's really outstanding. They have a high level of working together with us, taking the time to discuss what we are going to do and the options, and they think things through and rethink it. They're they're very thorough and meticulous.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Julie Bédard
    Band 1Julie Bédard

    Julie Bédard

    Julie Bédard centers her highly acclaimed practice on complex commercial arbitrations and has notable experience with disputes concerning Latin America.
    • Julie impressed me from the start. She is very smart, very diligent and she quickly adapts the strategy and listens to clients' needs.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • Julie is phenomenal. She's just on another level.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • Julie performs exceptionally. She commands the case strategically, quickly pinpointing pivotal issues and formulating practical, winning litigation or arbitration plans.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Timothy G Nelson
    Band 2Timothy G Nelson

    Timothy G Nelson

    Timothy Nelson's practice includes appearing in both investment treaty and commercial arbitrations.
    • Tim has good understanding of our business commercially and is very sophisticated.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Jennifer Permesly
    Band 3Jennifer Permesly

    Jennifer Permesly

    Jennifer Permesly is particularly adept at handling Latin American-related disputes and has experience with both commercial and investor state arbitrations.

    • Working with Jennifer was a pleasure. She was knowledgeable, responsive and felt like a partner to us throughout the arbitration.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • She was able to synthesise data and information and cut to the heart of a matter very quickly. She was a fantastic quarterback for our team.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5John L Gardiner
    Band 5John L Gardiner

    John L Gardiner

    John Gardiner has a wealth of expertise spanning complex commercial and investment treaty arbitrations brought under a range of rules.
  • Band 6Gregory Litt
    Band 6Gregory Litt

    Gregory Litt

    Gregory Litt has built an impressive international disputes practice, gaining significant experience in some of the largest and most complex arbitrations. His sector expertise spans post-closing M&A, commercial disputes, traditional energy and life sciences.

    • Gregory was amazing at simplifying complex issues for the panel and in delivering oral arguments.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • His ability to quickly understand the facts, challenge assumptions and craft winning strategies was a key factor in our success.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates (5)

USA - Nationwide

Members

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

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates has rankings in the following guides

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