LAWYER PROFILE
Christian Leathley

Christian Leathley

Global 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Practice Areas

- Litigation and dispute resolution

- International arbitration

- Public international law

- Investment arbitration and treaty protection

- Business and human rights

Career

Christian is a partner based in our London and New York office. Christian is the Co-Head of the Latin America Group, Co-Head of the Public International Law Group, as well as the US Head of International Arbitration. Christian has over 25 years' experience focusing on international commercial and investment arbitration and dedicates much of his practice to our clients' interests in Central and South America. He represents corporations and sovereign states across all major industry sectors, and in particular energy (oil & gas, power), mining, engineering, technology, construction, sports and telecommunications. Christian is recognised as an accomplished advocate and regularly appears before international arbitral tribunals, such as the ICC, LCIA, ICSID, AAA (ICDR) and UNCITRAL. Christian has particular knowledge of the practice of public international law, having successfully represented the Kingdom of Spain, Republic of Costa Rica and other sovereign states, as well as gaining experience at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Washington, DC. He sits as Co-Chair of the firm’s Public International Law Group, with a focus on ESG – having advised multiple clients across the energy and mining sector in Latin America. Christian is fluent in English and Spanish, and is qualified in both England & Wales, and New York.

For additional information on Christian’s professional background, please visit: https://www.hsfkramer.com/our-people/c/christian-leathley

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Arbitration: Counsel - USA

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
Christian Leathley is experienced in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, with notable experience in Latin America-related matters.

Arbitration (International) - Latin America - International Counsel

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Department head Christian Leathley boasts longstanding experience in the Latin America market. He handles the full gamut of international arbitration mandates.

Arbitration (International) - Global Market Leaders

Band 5
Band 5

Individual Editorial

Christian Leathley currently co-heads the firm's Latin America and public international law groups. He is also the US head of international arbitration and is well recognised for his robust capabilities to lead commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. He often represents clients in Central and South America given his expertise across the US and Latin American markets.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I think highly of Christian. He presents well and is a smart guy.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide
  • Christian Leathley's advocacy skills are first rate.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide
  • Christian is extremely smart.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide
  • Christian Leathley is very responsive, approachable and provides outstanding legal advice.

    Arbitration (International)Chambers Global Guide
  • Christian is a go-to resource for international arbitration, he has significant experience all over the world. He also has great insight and is trusted to work on high profile and complex matters.

    Arbitration (International)Chambers Global Guide
  • Christian is a very experienced advocate and practitioner. He works incredibly hard and is good at winning cases.

    Arbitration (International)Chambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (253)

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Australia

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