LAWYER PROFILE

Sylvia Noury KC

UK 2026

Freshfields

Ranked in 2 practice areas

International Arbitration

UK-wide

8 years ranked

Public International Law

UK-wide

4 years ranked

About

Provided by Freshfields

UK

Practice Areas

Sylvia is a partner in the International Arbitration Group and head of the firm’s African Disputes Group. She advises clients on the resolution of international disputes focusing on emerging markets, notably in Africa, India, Latin America and the Middle East, and particularly in the energy, natural resources and telecoms sectors. She has advocated before ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and AAA tribunals in English and Spanish. She also advises on issues of public international law, investment protection and risk mitigation. She sits as an arbitrator and is an accredited CEDR mediator.

Career

Partner since 2011.

Professional Memberships

ICCA Governing Board Member, Chair of ICCA’s Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, former Board Member of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, former ICC UK Arbitration Committee member and member of the UK Appointments Sub-Committee, Advisory Board Member of the ITA. Founder and Co-Chair of Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge. Member of BIICL, IAI, ICC, LCIA.

Publications

Numerous publications and conference speeches.

Personal

Cambridge University: Law (First Class Honours). Clive Parry Scholarship: Public International Law.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

International Arbitration - UK-wide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Sylvia Noury KC is highly visible in investor-state arbitration, with extensive expertise acting for clients across South Africa, Eastern Europe and India in complex BIT disputes. She is also extremely well regarded for her work in the commercial space.

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Public International Law - UK-wide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Sylvia Noury KC is head of the firm's arbitration practice in London. She is highly experienced in international arbitration, with significant expertise in high-value BIT disputes. She has a particular focus on emerging markets, handling substantial work across Africa, India and Latin America for clients in industries such as energy and telecoms.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Sylvia is intellectually top drawer, extremely articulate and a good advocate.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
She knows absolutely everything, is on top of the facts and has great gravitas.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
She is very commercial and thinks outside the box.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Her advocacy and knowledge in commercial arbitration is a real force in the space and in any given case.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Sylvia is thoughtful and innovative.
Public International LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Sylvia has outstanding knowledge combined with full commitment to the case and strong understanding of client’s needs.
Public International LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession