LAWYER PROFILE
José I Astigarraga

José I Astigarraga

Global 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Reed Smith LLP

Global

Practice Areas

Described as “a brilliant strategist who always has absolute command of the subject matter and is always prepared,” José Astigarraga is both an experienced arbitrator and an advocate who represents clients in international business disputes.

José is one of only six lawyers worldwide ranked by Chambers in the top band of international arbitration practitioners for Latin America and one of only nine lawyers ranked in the top band of international arbitration practitioners in the United States.

Cited for his “extraordinary critical thinking skills, strategic planning, extensive international relationships and depth of experience”, which “put him on a level all by himself,” he served on the ICC’s Arbitration Commission for years, co-chaired its Task Force on the Accuracy of Witness Memory, and served as vice president of the LCIA for much of his 10 years on the Court.

He led the IBA’s worldwide Task Force on the Guidelines for Arbitrator Conflicts of Interest. He was appointed by the U.S. Government to advise the NAFTA Commission on the promotion of international arbitration, and served as expert for the U.S. Department of State before the Organization of American States.

Sources: Chambers Latin America 2020; Chambers USA 2020; Chambers Latin America 2017, 2014; Chambers USA 2011.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Arbitration (International) - Latin America - International Counsel

Eminent Practitioner
Eminent Practitioners

Individual Editorial

Eminent practitioner José Astigarraga holds a position of immense respect in the Latin American arbitration market. He uses his exceptional knowledge of arbitration matters to assist an array of prestigious corporate clients with highly sophisticated commercial and investor-state arbitration cases throughout the region.

International Arbitration: Counsel - USA

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
José Astigarraga is the global head of the practice. He is held in high regard for his expertise in complex and high value commercial disputes, fielding particular strength in Latin America matters.

Arbitration (International) - Global Market Leaders

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

José Astigarraga offers a wide-ranging international arbitration practice that often sees him handling big-ticket commercial arbitrations in the USA and Latin America. He is well recognised for his proficiency in the energy sector as well as on infrastructure and construction projects, and major corporations, sovereign states, and investors are among his clientele.

International Arbitration - USA

Foreign Expert
Foreign expert in Latin America-wide

Individual Editorial
José Astigarraga is the global head of the practice. He is held in high regard for his expertise in complex and high value commercial disputes, fielding particular strength in Latin America matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • José Astigarraga is a great lawyer who presents effective strategies in arbitration proceedings.

    Arbitration (International)Chambers Global Guide
  • José is very well respected and fluent in Spanish.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide
  • Jose is a fierce advocate and extremely well-rounded.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Reed Smith LLP (84)

Asia-Pacific Region

Belgium

Brazil

China

France

Germany

Global Market Leaders

Greece

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