International Arbitration and Public International Law practices again perform strongly in Legal 500 UK

Legal 500 again refers to the quality of the practice, noting that the “the team is very strong on arbitration procedure, as well as the law and facts” which makes the firm “a match for all comers.” Clients refer to A&O as having “strength and depth that most competitors can only dream of”, with the ability to leverage expertise from our global network regarded as a major differentiator.

For PIL, Legal 500 remarks on the breadth of our practice, both contentious and transactional, with “bench strength and scope of experience is pretty jaw-dropping”, giving A&O the ability to “go toe-to-toe with just about any firm.” 

Individually ranked lawyers in our market-leading team

Mark Levy KC

Mark Levy KC is recognised in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” for both International Arbitration and Public International Law, gaining plaudits from clients as “a stylish and relaxed leader”. 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 (where he is “highly rated for his extensive gas price arbitration expertise”) and investment treaty claims. 

David Herlihy

David, a highly experienced arbitration lawyer who joined A&O as a partner in April, is recognised as a “Leading Individual” for Public International Law. David’s practice has a focus on international commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration and public international law. He has an outstanding track record of achieving successes for States and major corporates in both investment treaty and international commercial arbitrations. David has particular expertise in disputes relating to renewable energy, telecoms and the technology sector. He has also handled multiple high-stakes disputes involving competition laws around the globe and cutting-edge issues of international taxation.

James Freeman

James Freeman maintains his ranking as a “Next Generation Partner” for International Arbitration, who is described as “versatile, smart and pragmatic.” 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.

Guled Yusuf

Guled Yusuf, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, is ranked as a “Next Generation Partner” for PIL. 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.  Guled has developed an exceptional profile in the market as evidenced by his appointments to key positions at the world’s leading arbitral institutions such as the ICSID Panel of Conciliators, the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the ICC Africa Commission.

Naomi Briercliffe

Naomi Briercliffe is ranked again as a “Rising Star” in both International Arbitration and Public International Law.  Clients refer to her as “very smart and knowledgeable.” 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 and EMEA cases.

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.