International Arbitration and Public International Law practices maintain strong performance in Legal 500 UK

Legal 500 notes that the “long-established London-based arbitration team is constantly sought out for commercial, as well as investor-state matters” and “the group particularly stand out for its premier energy disputes practice, including gas price arbitrations”.  Clients note our “strong team that is very co-operative and always available” and say that we “see the big picture without losing focus on the small details”, while being “able to offer innovative solutions aimed at containing costs”.

For PIL, Legal 500 remarked on our “uniquely varied practice cover[ing] the full range of public international law (PIL) matters for states and international organisations, including financial institutions” and noted that “[i]n addition to representing clients in litigation and investment treaty arbitration cases, the team is highly rated for its expertise in international business-related human rights law, sanctions regimes, sovereign immunity and state succession issues, along with trade and WTO matters”.  Clients again commented on our “excellent teamwork” and say we are the “best corporate law firm in London on business and human rights”.

Individually ranked lawyers in our market-leading team

Mark Levy QC

Mark Levy QC is recognised in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” for both International Arbitration and Public International Law.  Client comments refer to him as “an excellent advocate and very client friendly”, “tough but nice” and “a great strategic thinker…[who is] one step ahead of his opponents”.  Mark is head of A&O’s International Arbitration Group and has over 20 years of experience.  He acts as lead counsel in international commercial arbitrations, gas pricing disputes and investment treaty claims.  

Kate Davies McGill

Kate Davies McGill has once again been recognised with individual rankings in both the International Arbitration and Public International Law guides for 2022, which note her “extensive expertise in both international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations”.  Kate has experience of both institutional and ad hoc arbitrations in common and civil law jurisdictions and has expertise in disputes across a range of different industries – including the energy, telecommunications, automotive, technology, construction and pharmaceutical sectors.

Suzanne Spears

Suzanne Spears has been ranked as a “Leading Individual” in this year’s Public International Law guide.  She is described as “the best corporate lawyer on business and human rights” and “exceptionally talented and engaging”.  Suzanne’s international disputes practice focuses on investment treaty arbitration, international commercial arbitration, State-to-State disputes and transnational tort litigation. Suzanne is Co-Head of the firm’s Global Business and Human Rights practice and serves as a trusted advisor to clients facing BHR-related regulatory and litigation risks. She also advises clients on a wide range of non-contentious matters under public international law. 

James Freeman

James Freeman maintains his ranking as a “Next Generation Partner” for International Arbitration.  One client notes that he is “engaging and always very calm and measured, as well as being fun to work with – responsive and on top of all the detail of cases” and another refers to him as “a key lawyer” who is “at the top of [their] list” offering “carefully crafted” advice that is “receiver-friendly for non-legal, non-native English people”.  James is particularly well known for his expertise in arbitrations arising in the energy and finance sectors, but also has experience in sectors such as insurance, aerospace, telecoms, commodities and steel. 

Naomi Briercliffe

Naomi Briercliffe is ranked again as a “Rising Star” in both International Arbitration and Public International Law in 2022.  Clients refer to her as “very smart and hardworking” and comment on her “outstanding service”.  Naomi has extensive experience of representing corporations and States on the resolution of complex disputes arising under investment treaties and contracts.  She has a focus on the energy sector, private equity and EMEA cases. 

Guled Yusuf

Guled Yusuf is ranked again as a “Rising Star” for Public International Law.  He is recognised by clients as “a future leader in the field, standing out for his expertise in international law and international arbitration” and “an outstanding lawyer and a pleasure to work with”.  Guled is dual-qualified in New York and England and practices both investment treaty and commercial arbitration.  He has particular expertise in disputes arising in Africa.  

Sunil Mawkin

Sunil Mawkin has maintained his ranking as a “Rising Star” for International Arbitration this year.  He is a construction and commercial arbitration specialist with particular experience of disputes arising in the APAC region.