Arnaud Nuyts

Work Highlights

Lead counsel for the Republic of Kazakhstan in a high-profile, multi-jurisdictional dispute concerning the enforcement of a USD 530 million arbitral award under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), initiated by the Stati Parties.

Representing the Republic of Poland before the Belgian courts in proceedings concerning the suspension and annulment (setting aside) of an arbitral award rendered under the US–Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Representing the Kingdom of Belgium in an ICSID investment arbitration brought by Chinese investor Ping An, involving issues of state responsibility under international investment law.

Counsel to DP World in an ICSID claim regarding the alleged expropriation of concession rights in the Port of Antwerp, involving complex questions of international investment protection.

Advising a major international construction group in an ICC arbitration involving a USD 200+ million dispute related to the development of a refinery project in Kuwait.

Representing a leading UAE-based distribution and retail conglomerate in an arbitration against a Swedish manufacturer, with claims exceeding USD 116.7 million.

Counsel to a consortium of international construction companies in enforcement proceedings before the Belgian courts concerning an ICC award against the State of Libya and other Libyan entities, in connection with frozen sovereign assets.

Representing a large construction company in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to a major infrastructure project in Algeria, involving delay and cost overrun claims.

Acting for construction companies in an LCIA arbitration against four international banks regarding a dispute over financing and guarantees for a major infrastructure project in Abu Dhabi.

Sole Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration involving an insurance dispute governed by Swiss law.

Appointed as Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration concerning a significant construction project in Europe, involving parties from both civil and common law jurisdictions.

Practice Areas

Arnaud Nuyts is a Partner at Liedekerke and leads the firm’s International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Practice. With professional experience in Belgium, England, and the United States, Arnaud focuses on complex, multi-jurisdictional arbitration and litigation matters.

He has developed a strong reputation in cross-border arbitration, particularly in the construction, energy (including oil and gas), and commercial disputes sectors, such as shareholder and distribution conflicts. He regularly acts in high-stakes arbitrations involving parties from the Middle East and Africa, and has handled cases under the leading institutional rules, including those of the ICC, LCIA, ICSID, SIAC, and others.

Arnaud also advises clients on state-related disputes, including investment arbitration cases brought under the ICSID Convention. He is frequently involved in the post-arbitration phase, assisting with the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, as well as annulment proceedings (setting aside awards) in various jurisdictions.

In addition to his arbitration practice, Arnaud is active in international litigation, where he advises on matters involving jurisdictional challenges, choice of law, and the enforcement of foreign judgments. He has particular expertise in helping clients from civil law systems navigate litigation in common law jurisdictions—notably the US and the UK—and vice versa, supporting common law clients involved in litigation before the Belgian courts.

Arnaud has represented clients before the High Court and the Court of Appeal in London, where he has been instructed by English solicitors to argue complex questions of international jurisdiction and human rights law. He also advises on cross-border judicial cooperation, including taking of evidence in Belgium for use in US and UK proceedings.

In the academic sphere, Arnaud is a Professor at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), where he holds the Chair in Private International Law and teaches International Arbitration and Litigation. He is a prolific author, having published approximately 50 articles in Belgian and international legal journals. His expertise has been recognized by the European Commission, which entrusted him with coordinating a comprehensive study on national rules of international jurisdiction across the 27 EU Member States. He has also appeared as an expert before the European Parliament during discussions on the reform of the Brussels I Regulation (Judgments Regulation).

Arnaud holds a Law degree and a Juris Doctor from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), as well as an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge. He has also studied at Columbia University, New York, and Harvard University. He joined Liedekerke in 2003.

Professional Memberships

Member of the Brussels Bar

American Bar Association, Section of International Law

Publications

International Litigation in Intellectual Property and Information Technology, Kluwer Law International, 2008.

«The Enforcement of Jurisdiction Agreements Further to Gasser and the Community Principle of Abuse of Rights», in Forum Shopping in the European Judicial Area, Hart Pub., 2007.

«Le règlement communautaire sur l'obtention des preuves: un instrument exclusif?», Revue critique de droit international privé, 2007.

Droit international des affaires, met V. Marquette en R. Larcier, Larcier, 4e druk, 2011.

The Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens (Bruylant-LGDJ, 2003, Voorwoord Arthur T. von Mehren, professor aan harvard university.

Languages Spoken

French

English