About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Our market-leading team is known for its expertise in managing complex and substantial arbitrations worldwide. We are well versed in related court proceedings, such as jurisdiction challenges, freezing orders and the enforcement of arbitral awards. 
We have represented clients in arbitration proceedings under the rules of all the major institutions and trade associations, such as LCIA, ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, LMAA, GAFTA, UNCITRAL and ICSID.

Our expertise is global, led from our offices in London, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, with support from our other offices.

We have particular experience of international arbitrations relating to emerging markets, especially Africa, India and the CIS.   

We can help you with disputes across a wide range of sectors, including aviation, energy, international trade, commodities, shipping, and financial services.

Our expertise is reflected in the wide variety of clients for whom we act including global airlines, ship owners, energy companies, insurers, traders and entrepreneurs and sovereign governments.

We have in-depth knowledge of arbitral law and procedure – but more importantly we never lose sight of the commercial realities, pressures and priorities that our clients have to face every day.

Our expertise is reflected in the regular arbitral appointments received by our dedicated international arbitration partners.  Three partners have authored books on arbitration topics and our team members regularly speak at international conferences. 





Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration - UK-wide

4
Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood is experienced in handling arbitration arising in the aviation, shipping, commodities, energy and financial services industries. The firm houses international expertise, particularly in emerging markets such as Asia, the CIS and Africa. The team also has a strong practice in court proceedings for the enforcement or challenge of arbitral awards. It is adept at handling ad hoc arbitration and those under the rules of the leading arbitral bodies, including the LCIA and ICC.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Stuart Dutson
3
Stuart Dutson
3
Band 3

Stuart Dutson is praised for his knowledge of international arbitration and is highly adept at handling both commercial and investment treaty disputes. He is noted for his expertise in energy disputes and acts under a range of arbitral rules.

Stuart is extremely responsive and adaptable.

He is very good with clients and has a very clear strategic vision as to how a case should be run.

Stuart builds a mutually beneficial relationship, provides advice that actually applies to me and my business and really really knows what he is doing.

Kamal R Shah
4
Kamal R Shah
Head of International Arbitration
4
Band 4
Kamal Shah is head of the firm's Africa and India groups. He receives strong praise for his expert handling of Africa-related disputes. His client base includes investors, companies and high net worth individuals, and he often acts in arbitration involving the infrastructure and hospitality sectors.

He is highly experienced, strategic and composed under pressure, with a calm, measured approach that inspires confidence in complex proceedings.

I was particularly impressed by Kamal's client focus and commercial approach.

Kamal has excellent legal and communication skills.

Kamal is very detail-oriented and has an excellent relationship with the client.

Jide Adesokan
U
Jide Adesokan
U
Up and Coming

Jide Adesokan is a partner in Stephenson Harwood's international arbitration team. He regularly advises clients on complex cross-border disputes and is noted for his expertise in African disputes.

He is very proactive, intelligent and resourceful and has a sound knowledge of arbitration.

He combines intellectual rigor with practical problem-solving, and his ability to grasp complex factual and legal issues quickly is remarkable.

Jide provides the best of services, displaying his legal competency and dedication to ensuring our interests are preserved.

Jide is experienced, dedicated and charismatic.

Jide is very impressive and is highly regarded in the field.

Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

International Arbitration

Stuart Dutson
3
Stuart Dutson
3
Band 3
Kamal R Shah
4
Kamal R Shah
Head of International Arbitration
4
Band 4
Jide Adesokan
U
Jide Adesokan
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Adetola Adebesin

Charlotte Welsh

Daniel Boon

Ellen Dixon

Henry Simpson

Isabelle Wenger

Kamal R Shah

Kamal R Shah

Head of Department