Department profile
White & Case LLP

International Arbitration: Counsel

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


White & Case LLP

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Provided by White & Case LLP

To learn more about our practice, please visit: whitecase.com/law

Chambers Review

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International Arbitration: Counsel - USA - Nationwide


What the Team is Known For
White & Case has a dominant investment treaty practice across both the claimant and state sides, with significant strength in arbitrations involving emerging markets. The team offers additional expertise in commercial arbitrations, acting for clients from a wide range of sectors. The firm draws from a formidable pool of arbitration experts to provide outstanding representation in construction, energy and financial services disputes, alongside significant expertise in enforcement litigation. Its impressive global coverage allows for the adept handling of matters across all major hubs worldwide.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • White & Case represented Honduras Próspera, a US investor, in a high stakes ICSID arbitration under CAFTA-DR against the Republic of Honduras.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm brings deep arbitration expertise with an international footprint, offering strong cross-border capability. What distinguishes them is their significant sectoral experience, which allows for seamless collaboration without the need to explain technical terminology or industry-specific processes. They have a wealth of relevant reference points, are highly commercial in their approach, and remain firmly focused on achieving the right outcome for the client - balancing legal strategy with business priorities.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • White & Case lawyers are as good as any firm at developing the case facts and filtering those facts to the critical issues. Their lawyers are tremendous cross-examiners. They organize hearings in a manner that presents the case as favorably as possible for their client. The White & Case lawyers really dig in to understand the business and the regulatory framework in which the business operates.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • White & Case provides a first-class service. The ability of the team to handle complex and sophisticated matters is clear and undisputed. It has been proven by the track record of the firm, which shows that they have handled such cases and archived successful outcomes in them multiple times.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • The people in the department are very knowledgeable in the various realms of international arbitration, whether it is B2B disputes, investment treaty disputes or court proceedings ancillary to them. They are extremely aware of the business aspects of international arbitration and strive to help their clients, as well as the broader in-house community, more effectively resolve arbitral disputes.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • They really have stellar team members in this highly specialized field. International arbitration is a smaller club of practitioners, so having the best of the best really helps push our case forward.

    International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Abby Cohen Smutny
    Band 1Abby Cohen Smutny

    Abby Cohen Smutny

    Abby Cohen Smutny earns plaudits for her representation of states and investors in complex, high profile treaty arbitrations. She serves as global head of the firm's international arbitration practice.

    • Abby Smutny is a brilliant lawyer who combines unmatched experience in international arbitration with precise and effective advocacy.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Ank Santens
    Band 1Ank Santens

    Ank Santens

    Ank Santens is held in high regard for her expertise in investor state arbitrations and is experienced in advising both investors and states. She is increasingly recognized for her work as arbitrator as well as counsel.

    • She's a real expert in the field. She speaks about five or six languages, so she's a pretty intelligent person, and has a lot of experience and standing in the space.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • Ank is very capable and aware of issues that in-house counsel and arbitrators are struggling with, while also aware of the broader field of arbitration.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Carolyn Lamm
    Band 1Carolyn Lamm

    Carolyn Lamm

    Carolyn Lamm is highly experienced in representing corporates as well as sovereign states in sophisticated high value arbitrations. Her expertise includes both investor state and commercial claims.

    • Carolyn is the gold standard in international arbitration. Nobody is more driven than Carolyn.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • She is a force to be reckoned with, and leads very significant investment cases.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 4Damien Nyer
    Band 4Damien Nyer

    Damien Nyer

    New York-based partner Damien Nyer is recognized for his expertise in investment treaty arbitrations, often acting for states across South and East Asia and Europe.
    • He is always available when we need him and he understands the business and strategic issues underlying the litigation.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • Damien is a flexible and quick-thinking team leader with a keen eye for detail and sharp analytical skills. His rigorous application of arbitration rules and precise legal reasoning demonstrate the depth of his experience. When confronted with aggressive questioning or tactics from the opposing side, he remains composed, calm and resolute, delivering measured rebuttals that consistently shift the momentum in our favor. He is an exceptionally reliable advocate.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
    • Damien is strategic and thinks beyond the legal issues to the politics and economics of the cases.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 5Silvia Marchili
    Band 5Silvia Marchili

    Silvia Marchili

    Silvia Marchili regularly handles investor state arbitrations in the energy sector. She is noted for her strong Latin American practice.

    • Silvia brings an intellectual and empathetic dimension to the team. Her measured and neutral manner of expression carries a natural persuasiveness that readily earns trust and acceptance.

      International Arbitration: Counsel respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingJennifer Glasser
    Up and ComingJennifer Glasser

    Jennifer Glasser

    New York-based partner Jennifer Glasser is noted for her growing presence in the international arbitration market, across both commercial and investor state disputes.

Ranked Individuals at White & Case LLP (7)

USA - Nationwide

Members

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White & Case LLP has rankings in the following guides

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