Charles Claypoole

Charles Claypoole, a leading arbitration and international trade law practitioner, advises governments and investors on public international law, with a particular focus on investment treaty arbitration and trade sanctions. A seasoned advocate with an impressive track record, he draws on more than two decades of experience representing clients before a range of international courts and tribunals.

Charles advises clients on a full spectrum of public international law, international trade, and dispute resolution issues. He regularly helps clients navigate disputes related to:

- Investment treaty arbitrations under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties including the Energy Charter Treaty

- International commercial arbitration

- Free trade agreements

- State immunity issues

- International humanitarian and human rights law

- International law on territorial and maritime boundaries, including the Law of the Sea

- International trade sanctions and export control laws

An experienced advocate, Charles has successfully represented clients before the International Court of Justice, the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, ICSID, ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL arbitral tribunals.

Charles regularly publishes and speaks about international law, arbitration, as well as trade and finance sanctions. He has lectured on international boundary law at King’s College London since 2003.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Public International Law - UK-wide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Charles Claypoole is considered an authority on the full range of PIL issues. He has a strong track record of representing sovereign states in investment treaty disputes, including claims brought under BITs, with further expertise in sanctions and WTO law.

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Sanctions - UK-wide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Charles Claypoole has a notable sanctions practice that sees him assisting clients with navigating UK, EU and US sanctions.

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International Arbitration - UK-wide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Charles Claypoole undertakes extensive work in investor-state arbitration, playing a leading role in handling BIT and ECT claims. His practice often involves cases with complex and novel issues of foreign law.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

He commands the respect of his clients and peers.

Public International Law respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

He is thorough, understands the sector inside out and is a real extension to my team.

Public International Law respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

I have been extremely impressed with Charles Claypoole’s expertise, professionalism, and strategic thinking.

Public International Law respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

We liaise with him for high-level and strategic projects that involve significant risks under a sanctions compliance perspective.

Sanctions respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Charles is great at providing practical advice and really gets our context.

Sanctions respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

I have been extremely impressed with Charles' expertise, professionalism, and strategic thinking.

International Arbitration respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

He is so thorough, understands the sector inside out and is a real extension of our team.

International Arbitration respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Charles is a strong strategist and can tell what is key in a case.

International Arbitration respondent
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Charles is an experienced leader, big thinker, big picture oriented lawyer. He has very sound instincts on the right points to take on the case.