David Arias

Ranked in 3 Practice Areas

Band 1

Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators

Spain

18 Years Ranked

Band 2

Dispute Resolution

Spain

18 Years Ranked

Band 3

International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators

Europe-wide

10 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

Global 2025

Latin America 2025

About

Provided by David Arias

Europe

Practice Areas

Dispute resolution

Career

David Arias is a partner at Arias SLP with more than 30 years of experience in dispute resolution. He has acted as counsel and as arbitrator in more than 180 cases in venues across Europe, America, Asia and Africa, and he regularly participates in proceedings administered by the main arbitral institutions (ICC, PCA, ICSID, LCIA, ICDR, SCC and CAS, among others). He also has extensive experience as counsel in complex commercial litigation.

Professional Memberships

David Arias was Chair of the IBA Arbitration Committee between 2016 and 2017. Previously, he also chaired its Subcommittee on Conflicts of Interest, which published the 2014 IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration. Additionally, he helped draft the 2010 IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration. From 2013 to 2017, he was President of the Spanish and Ibero-American Arbitration Club, of which he is currently Honorary President. He was admitted to the Madrid Bar in 1991.

Personal

David Arias is a Professor of Procedural Law and Arbitration. He obtained his BA in Law, with Honours, and his PhD, also with Honours, from Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Languages Spoken

He speaks Spanish, English and French. He also reads and understands Italian and Portuguese.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Europe

Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators - Spain

Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Arias holds an outstanding track record in both acting as arbitrator and serving as counsel in arbitrations involving multiple jurisdictions including in the USA, Latin America and Europe.

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Dispute Resolution - Spain

Band 2

Individual Editorial

David Arias holds an outstanding track record in both acting as arbitrator and serving as counsel in arbitrations involving multiple jurisdictions including in the USA, Latin America and Europe.

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International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Europe-wide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

David Arias of Arias SLP remains sought after for his strength as an arbitrator, handling cases under LCIA, ICC and SCC rules across Europe. He is particularly in demand for disputes in relation to Latin American-based projects.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"David Arias is one of the best, both as counsel and arbitrator."

Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators respondent
Europe

"As an arbitrator, David has a lot of experience, with a significant sense of authority that allows cases to be carried out with great order and discipline."

Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators respondent
Europe

"David Arias is one of the best, both as counsel and arbitrator."

International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators respondent
Europe

"As an arbitrator, David has a lot of experience with a significant sense of authority that allows cases to be carried out with great order and discipline."