Ian Laird

Practice Areas

Ian A. Laird is co-chair of the firm's International Dispute Resolution Group. He is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and co-director of the International Investment Law Center (International Law Institute or ILI). He represents a range of clients and acts as an arbitrator in international arbitration proceedings, primarily involving disputes between corporations and foreign sovereign governments. For over 20 years, Ian has counseled parties in investment arbitrations under the provisions of NAFTA, CAFTA-DR, the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), and other international investment agreements, typically applying the arbitration rules of ICSID, UNCITRAL, and major international commercial arbitration centers. In 2018, Ian was named to the National Law Journal’s "ADR Champions" list. Who’s Who Legal (WWL) recommended Ian in its "Arbitration 2021" guide, recognizing the world’s best international arbitrators and arbitration practitioners.

With extensive experience representing Fortune 500 clients, Ian advises corporations on geopolitical concerns when their investments face challenges overseas. He has worked extensively with clients involving issues in the energy and natural resources sector – such as power generation, oil and gas, and mining.