LAWYER PROFILE
Patrick Pearsall

Patrick Pearsall

Global 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

International Arbitration: Counsel

USA

5 years ranked

Public International Law

Global Market Leaders

4 years ranked

About

Provided by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Global

Practice Areas

Patrick W. Pearsall is a partner in the Washington D.C. office of Gibson Dunn. He is Global Co-Chair of the Geopolitical Strategy and International Law practice and spent nearly a decade as the United States' chief diplomatic lawyer on investment matters. Patrick’s experience cuts across several industries, including energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, maritime, financial services, infrastructure, geographic boundaries, consumer products, emergent technology, and manufacturing.

Career

Patrick is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in the world on international law and advises both sovereigns and private entities. Clients reach out to Patrick at all stages of a potential or active dispute. In addition to his commercial and treaty disputes work, Patrick is often called upon to assist companies, executives, and sovereign states when they are struggling with exposure from a geopolitical crisis. He is a recognized specialist in investment protection and dispute avoidance.

Personal

JD, Columbia University, (with honors), 2005. Bachelor of Arts, Columbia University, magna cum laude, 2002.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Arbitration: Counsel - USA

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial
Patrick Pearsall is particularly noted for his expertise in treaty arbitrations, in which he draws on impressive experience as Chief of Investment Arbitration in the US State Department. He also takes on commercial arbitrations.

Public International Law - Global Market Leaders

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Patrick Pearsall has previous experience serving in the US state department and is known for his in-depth expertise across a range of PIL matters, including on human rights, investment treaty arbitration, war reparations and the law of immunities. Patrick is also an arbitrator and sits on various arbitral panels, including HKIAC, ICSID and KCAB.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • You want Patrick on your side, and you do not want to be against him.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide
  • Patrick is an excellent advocate, one of the brightest lawyers in the younger generation. He combines strong technical knowledge with theoretical sense.

    International Arbitration: CounselChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (152)

Africa-wide

Asia-Pacific Region

Belgium

China

Egypt

Europe-wide

France

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