Public International Law

Abby Cohen Smutny is a leading and prominent practitioner in the international arbitration field. As the Global Head of White & Case's international arbitration practice, Smutny enjoys a remarkable reputation for her work, leading significantly high-value commercial and investor-state arbitrations. Abby has represented a plethora of high-profile clients in complex arbitrations across the financial services, pharmaceuticals, construction, oil & gas and banking sectors.

Based in Washington, DC, Carolyn Lamm is highly regarded and recognised for from solid experience handling big-ticket arbitral proceedings. She regularly represents sovereign states and multinational corporations in technical complex arbitrations such as energy, construction projects and infrastructure.

As the Head of White & Case's Public International Law Group, Andrea Menaker enjoys an excellent reputation in the PIL and international arbitration market. Bringing forth her previous experience as the Chief of the NAFTA Arbitration Division for the US State Department, she maintains an impressive arbitration practice, specialising in investor-state arbitration. Andrea is highly experienced in representing sovereign states in arbitrations across the oil and gas sector.

Leading White & Case's Paris arbitration group, Michael Polkinghorne is qualified in France and Australia and focuses his practice on commercial arbitrations. He is particularly noted for his work advising some of the world's largest energy corporations in cutting-edge arbitration proceedings. Michael is also recognised for leading high-value disputes across the project finance, oil & gas, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors.

New York-based Paul Friedland maintains a stellar reputation in the arbitration space for his mastery of complex commercial and BIT arbitrations. In addition to possessing significant experience representing sovereign states and international corporations, Friedland also serves as an arbitrator in international arbitral institutions and ad hoc tribunals. Beyond his casework, Friedland significantly contributes to the development of arbitration law, serving on various arbitral boards and committees.