LAWYER PROFILE
David Arias

David Arias

Global 2026

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Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Arias SLP

Global

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Latin America - International Counsel

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Arias of Arias SLP is an experienced arbitrator who is active across both commercial and investment disputes, showing particular proficiency in construction mandates.

Arbitrators - Spain

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Arias holds an outstanding track record of both acting as arbitrator and serving as counsel in arbitrations involving multiple jurisdictions including in the USA, Latin America and Europe. Arias is highly sought after for his strength as an arbitrator, handling cases under LCIA, ICC and PCA rules across Europe.

International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Global Market Leaders

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

David Arias is well regarded practitioner who often chairs cases in the USA and across Europe and Asia. He is experienced in matters under ICC, ICDIS and LCIA rules and is fluent in English, Spanish and French.

Arbitration - Spain

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

David Arias holds an outstanding track record of both acting as arbitrator and serving as counsel in arbitrations involving multiple jurisdictions including in the USA, Latin America and Europe. Arias is highly sought after for his strength as an arbitrator, handling cases under LCIA, ICC and PCA rules across Europe.

International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators - Europe-wide

Band 2
Band 2

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 projects.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • David Arias is a knowledgeable and efficient arbitrator.

    International Arbitration: Most In Demand ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
  • David is brilliant. He is very empathetic and able to offer the client the service they need. He is also available and supportive.

    ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
  • He is one of the greatest Spanish arbitrators.

    ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
  • David has the capacity to know how to take control in a situation. He knows how to be a leading lawyer.

    ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
  • David Arias is always extremely prepared. He has great experience, which shows in the way he handles critical situations.

    ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide
  • He is very organised and trustworthy. He always takes care of every detail and his drafting is excellent.

    ArbitratorsChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Arias SLP (7)

Europe-wide

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    David Arias

    International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators

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Global Market Leaders

  • Profile image of David Arias
    David Arias

    International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators

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Latin America - International Counsel

  • Profile image of David Arias
    David Arias

    International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators

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Spain

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