Volterra Fietta > London, England > Firm Profile
Volterra Fietta Offices
8 MORTIMER STREET, FITZROY PLACE
LONDON
W1T 3JJ
England
Volterra Fietta > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 1
Exclusively focused on public international law, Volterra Fietta represents states, international organisations, and private parties on ICJ cases, maritime boundary issues, and investment treaty arbitrations, including ICSID claims. The practice is also expert in state immunity cases before the English courts, the laws of war and international humanitarian legislation, along with WTO matters, international trade law, international human rights and state responsibility. ‘One of the best public international lawyers of his generation’, Robert Volterra
represents governments, international organisations and private clients in an array of public international law and international dispute resolution issues; and Peter Flint acts for states and investors in disputes involving investment treaties and host state investment protection legislation. The practice further showcases Gunjan Sharma, whose ‘strategic guidance is clear and comprehensive’; state-to-state disputes expert Ahmed Abdel Hakam, whose investment treaty caseload covers the energy and natural resources sector; and Angela Ha, who is experienced in international human rights, the Law of the Sea, international investment law, sovereign immunities, the laws of war, and land and maritime boundary disputes Florentine Vos, Ben Burnham and Magdalena Kowalczuk Asher are also key team members. Practice head(s):
Robert Volterra; Peter Flint; Gunjan Sharma; Ahmed Abdel Hakam
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Volterra Fietta is a market-leading firm in international arbitration, particularly public international law disputes.’
‘The firm has real strength and depth of experience, and is well-placed for the most complex and demanding public international law disputes.’
‘Robert Volterra is one of the best public international lawyers of his generation and a leading figure in the UK and globally.’
‘Robert Volterra – very easy to work with, and always ready and prepared to help.’
‘Robert Volterra is a leading figure in the market, and he is joined by a strong team, including Ahmed Abdel-Hakam.’
‘Ahmed Abdel-Hakam brings almost two decades of experience at leading law firms to the table, and is hard-working and responsive.’
‘Gunjan Sharma’s profound insights into civil law, public international law, commercial practices, and multicultural legal frameworks are invaluable. His analyses are precise, and his strategic guidance is clear and comprehensive.’
‘Magdalena Kowalczuk Asher is an outstanding associate, who is known for her responsiveness, dependability, and superior legal acumen. Magda’s detailed and prompt communications, along with her exceptional research skills, significantly bolster cases.’
Key clients
United States of America
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Bahrain
Republic of Croatia
KN-Holding
Severgroup
Grenada
Koch Industries
Koch Minerals
Koch Nitrogen International
Barbados
Owens-Illinois
Arab Republic of Egypt
Malaysia
Work highlights
- Representing a global nuclear energy company in a multibillion-dollar investor-state arbitration against a state, following such state’s decision to terminate a massive nuclear energy project in the country.
- Representing Barbados before climate change advisory proceedings in the International Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, these cases concerning international law issues involving environmental obligations of states.
- Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in state immunity proceedings (on appeal to the English Court of Appeal), the case concerning the application of the UK’s obligations under treaties and customary international law.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4
Regarded by clients as ‘a market-leading firm in international arbitration, particularly public international law disputes’, Volterra Fietta‘s team is experienced in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, regularly being instructed by a diverse range of governments and major corporate clients. The practice is chaired by Robert Volterra, ‘a leading figure in the market', whose considerable practice covers investment treaty arbitrations, commercial arbitrations, and advice concerning investment structuring and feasibility of claims under a range of treaties. Peter Flint regularly advises both governments and commercial parties in cross-border disputes concerning a host of sectors, engineering, energy, and financial services among them. Other key figures include Gunjan Sharma, noted for his capabilities in a wide array of high-value arbitrations, and Ahmed Abdel Hakam, who stands out for his expertise in State-to-State disputes in various arbitral institutions. Angela Ha, whose recent activity notably includes mining sector investor-State claims, is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Robert Volterra
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Volterra Fietta is a market-leading firm in international arbitration, particularly public international law disputes.’
‘The firm has real strength and depth of experience, and is best placed for the most complex and demanding PIL disputes. The team at VF exemplifies a seamless working dynamic, characterised by exceptional coordination and organisation.’
‘Each member leverages their strengths to create effective synergies, ensuring that assignments are allocated efficiently and lead lawyers maintain comprehensive oversight of every case aspect.’
‘Their meticulous attention to detail allows them to understand cases thoroughly and advocate proactively for clients’ interests.’
‘Robert Volterra is one of the leading public international lawyers in the UK and globally. His reputation precedes him and there is no dispute that is too complex for him.’
‘Robert Volterra is a leading figure in the market for many years and he is joined by a strong team, including new partner Ahmed Abdel Hakam.’
‘Ahmed Abdel Hakam is an experienced public international lawyer and brings almost two decades of expertise with him. He is a very skilled arbitration practitioner and comfortable in all public international law forums.’
‘Gunjan Sharma’s profound insight into civil law, public international law, commercial practices, and multicultural legal frameworks is invaluable. His analyses are precise, and his strategic guidance is clear and comprehensive. A world-class lawyer.’
Key clients
KN-Holding LLC
Severgroup LLC
Grenada
Koch Industries, Inc.
Koch Minerals Sàrl
Koch Nitrogen International Sàrl
Barbados
Owens-Illinois Inc.
Arab Republic Egypt
Republic of Croatia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Republic of Kenya
Malaysia
Work highlights
- Representing a global nuclear energy company in an investor-State arbitration, valued at over USD 3bn, against a State following the State’s decision to terminate a nuclear energy project in the country.
- Advised Malaysia in a matter concerning sovereign territory and fraudulent arbitration (the ‘Sulu arbitration’) of a value in excess of USD 15bn.
- Representing KN-Holding and Severgroup LLC in an ad hoc arbitration against the French Republic.
Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 5
Volterra Fietta is a prominent force in investor-state arbitrations and is a major authority on public international law cases. It frequently represents investors and Latin American states in big-ticket disputes, notably obtaining high-value ICSID awards for a number of international investors. It continues to act for clients in large-scale investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, along with enforcement of awards proceedings. Founding partner and 'outstanding international lawyer' Robert Volterra is a leading name in investor-state arbitrations and public international law, including Latin America cases. Gunjan Sharma and Peter Flint are also key members of the team. All are based in London. Practice head(s):
Robert Volterra; Gunjan Sharma; Peter Flint; Ahmed Abdel Hakam
Testimonials
‘They are one of the few boutique practices in international law, and in my view the best. I have known Robert Volterra, the founding partner, for many years. He combines considerable intelligence, wide experience and a very sound practical approach. His partners and associates are also extremely able. I have frequently recommended this firm in the past to governments and to those in dispute with governments, and would have no hesitation in doing so again in the future.’
‘Excellent firm.’
‘Robert Volterra is the key contact and an outstanding international lawyer.’
‘The person with whom we worked the most was Robert Volterra. He has great knowledge and experience in international investment arbitration, and combines very well the legal and practical aspects, thus being an excellent team leader.’
Key clients
KN-Holding
Severgroup
Grenada
Koch Industries
Koch Minerals
Koch Nitrogen International
Barbados
Owens-Illinois Inc.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Republic of Kenya
Volterra Fietta > Firm Profile
Volterra Fietta is an elite global law firm. The firm is the only law firm in the world that is specialised solely in public international law.
The firm is routinely hired by the world’s States, largest multinational companies and international organisations to advise them on their most important legal matters.
Volterra Fietta has the largest team of dedicated public international law lawyers in the world. The firm’s lawyers are world leaders in their field. Each Volterra Fietta lawyer has at least one degree in public international law. They all have significant practical experience that clients find invaluable. The firm’s senior lawyers are globally recognised as thought-leaders and the firm practices, teaches and writes at the highest level.
Based on its unequalled track record of success, leading global legal directories routinely rank Volterra Fietta in the top tier of this legal field.
The firm has one of the world’s largest and most active investor-State arbitration practices. The firm’s lawyers have successfully brought cases for investors for tens of billions of dollars – and in equal measure have successfully defended States from claims for billions of dollars as well. The firm has defended its State clients from over US$11 billion in claims. The firm’s track record obtaining of billions of dollars in compensation for investors is similarly impressive.
The firm also has one of the world’s most active practices in State-to-State disputes. It is regularly counsel to States before the International Court of Justice. It also serves as counsel in cases before other international courts and tribunals, such as those constituted under the aegis of the PCA and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The firm also represents States and private entities on the application of public international law by the domestic courts of the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. This includes cases involving the law of sovereign or State immunity.
Other prominent areas of the firm’s practice include: bilateral and multilateral investment treaties; land and maritime territorial and boundary disputes; the law of treaties and treaty interpretation; property rights and expropriation; the Energy Charter Treaty; oil concessions; air and water rights; treaty negotiations and accession; State responsibility; choice of law, jurisdiction and enforcement proceedings; international maritime law; sovereign and diplomatic privilege and immunity; project-specific international agreements between host States; offshore oil and gas (and other resources); straddling resources; trans-boundary pipelines; international human rights law (including its relevance to transnational business enterprises and transnational litigation); State succession issues; international environmental law; sovereign debt; energy, mining and infrastructure projects; international trade law; foreign corrupt practices; the laws of war and economic sanctions.
Much of the firm’s work remains highly confidential. However, recent engagements include:
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- Serving as global legal counsel and legal spokesperson to Malaysia in its defence against a fraudulently obtained US$15bn arbitration award (the so-called Sulu arbitration fraud);
- Filing a multibillion-dollar investor-State arbitration in a dispute involving a nuclear energy company;
- Representing Barbados as paid counsel in the climate change advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice;
- Successfully presenting the winning arguments to the International Court of Justice in a maritime delimitation dispute on behalf of the Republic of Kenya;
- Representing the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo in two other proceedings before the International Court of Justice;
- Representing mining investors in an expropriation claim against the French Republic, which has been publicly reported to include claims of over EUR9bn;
- Acting as counsel to the Kingdom of Bahrain in a sovereign immunities claim in the English High Court; and
- Defending the Arab Republic of Egypt in a politically sensitive claim for US$150m brought by Al Jazeera Media Network.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
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| Managing Partner | Robert Volterra | [email protected] | +44 207 380 3898 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Mr Ahmed Abdel Hakam | Partner at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Mr Ben Burnham | Associate at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Mr Peter Flint | Partner at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Ms Angela Ha | Counsel at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Mrs Magdalena Kowalczuk Asher | Associate at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Mr Gunjan Sharma | Partner at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
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Mr Robert Volterra | Partner at Volterra Fietta | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 4 Number of other UK fee-earners : 20Languages
English Spanish French German Russian Dutch Cantonese Chinese ArabicClient Testimonials
CLIENT: David J. Bertoch
COMPANY/FIRM: Executive Counsel (retired), ExxonMobil
TESTIMONIAL: Gunjan Sharma excels in the depth of his knowledge and ability to provide superior legal advice fit for the specific business context. I have found no one better to advise on investment protection for complex international business transactions with an eye for achieving the paramount business objectives in the transactions. Highly recommend his services.
CLIENT: Muin Malik
COMPANY/FIRM: External Advisor, Cabinet of the President of Kenya
TESTIMONIAL: The VF team was brought in to replace our prior team of law professors in the Somalia v Kenya case at the ICJ. Their approach was impressive, to say the least. Within days, VF’s experience as professional international law litigators had enabled them to identify facts and legal arguments that our previous team had entirely missed. Robert Volterra explained this to us, including a number of relevant ministers, in clear and succinct ways and we rapidly agreed to the proposed comprehensive course of action.
CLIENT: Chambers of the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya
COMPANY/FIRM: Republic of Kenya
TESTIMONIAL: After Volterra Fietta replaced our prior legal team, they completely changed our case theory and used unprecedented procedural tactics to enable Kenya to resubmit a revised set of pleadings and evidence, on which the ICJ ultimately based its judgment. At all times, the VF team kept us informed and responded to queries in a timely manner. The VF team are in a league of their own in the area of public international law.
CLIENT: Office of the Solicitor General of the Republic of Kenya
COMPANY/FIRM: Republic of Kenya
TESTIMONIAL: Robert Volterra is the most comprehensive and versatile lawyer I have had the pleasure to work with. His knowledge of Public International Law is second to no one. He also has the rare ability to comprehend the wider geopolitical and diplomatic issues in disputes involving sovereign states. This understanding led to us being advised on different aspects, both legal and diplomatic, which was highly appreciated. Without doubt, Mr. Volterra is an exceptional lawyer who is at the top of his profession.
CLIENT: André Kalenga-ka-Ngoyi
COMPANY/FIRM: Deputy Director of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Justice of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
TESTIMONIAL: Luckily, we realised before it was too late that our legal team required highly experienced professional international law litigators. We replaced our previous legal team with Volterra Fietta and others. Finally, using the Volterra Fietta team, we analysed forensically the hundreds of thousands of pieces of evidence and prepared practical arguments that effectively refuted our adversary’s attempts to confuse the International Court of Justice. We won an unprecedented compensation from the International Court of Justice – almost half a billion dollars – due to the professional case-management skills of Robert Volterra and his team.
CLIENT: Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo
COMPANY/FIRM: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic
TESTIMONIAL: We repeatedly turn to Volterra Fietta for SWAT-team support on urgent inter-State issues. They have a deep bench that lets them respond immediately when new matters arise. Partners respond personally to our messages without delay and we receive fast, effective and reliable support in emergency situations without sacrificing quality.
CLIENT: Pierre Ebbe
COMPANY/FIRM: Head of Human Rights and International Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo
TESTIMONIAL: Volterra Fietta: when you cannot afford to lose.
CLIENT: Anonymous
COMPANY/FIRM: General Counsel, A Major Global Mining Company
TESTIMONIAL: I would like to express my personal appreciation for the support and assistance of, and professionalism displayed at all times by, [Robert Volterra], Peter [Flint] and the Volterra Fietta team.
CLIENT: Godfred Yeboah Dame
COMPANY/FIRM: Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Republic of Ghana
TESTIMONIAL: I am impressed by the VF team’s industry and adroit reasoning. Ghana appreciates your services.
CLIENT: Dr Sasa
COMPANY/FIRM: Minister of the National Unity Government (democratically-elected civilian government) of Myanmar
TESTIMONIAL: Robert Volterra is one of the world’s most respected public international law specialists. Volterra Fietta supports Myanmar’s efforts using the largest team of public international law experts in any firm in the world.
CLIENT: Kristina Hartman
COMPANY/FIRM: Head of the Legal Division, INA Industrija Nafte
TESTIMONIAL: Robert Volterra is the most devastating cross-examiner and effective advocate that we have ever worked with or against. We are repeat users of Volterra Fietta. Robert, Graham and the VF team know the oil business inside and out. They provide strategic advice that takes holistic account of our wider business interests.
CLIENT: Polina Galperina
COMPANY/FIRM: Head of International Projects Department, Nord Gold
TESTIMONIAL: Robert Volterra and Gunjan Sharma are consummate professionals. They uphold the strongest ethical values. They are also highly experienced arbitration lawyers, whose knowledge of the field and relationships provide invaluable value to clients.
CLIENT: Chris Bogart
COMPANY/FIRM: Chief Executive Officer, Burford Capital
TESTIMONIAL: The Volterra Fietta team has the best combination of public international law expertise and international litigation skills in the world. They are the top in their field globally.
CLIENT: His Excellency Ambassador Maan al Hafez
COMPANY/FIRM: Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
TESTIMONIAL: No other public international law practice in the world comes close to matching the depth and expertise of Volterra Fietta.
CLIENT: Tim Schwarz
COMPANY/FIRM: General Counsel, ZHRH Corporation
TESTIMONIAL: Having spent 22 years at two Magic Circle firms, I have a very high standard of performance from the law firms that I instruct. ZHRH Corporation required complex and mission-critical advice on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Robert Volterra and Volterra Fietta were nothing less than fantastic: we honestly do not believe that there is another public international law lawyer in the UK (and possibly the world) who can match Mr Volterra for intellectual brilliance, knowledge, creativity and responsiveness. Despite a heavy workload, Mr Volterra was also always prepared to go the extra mile. For example, by volunteering to assist us in explaining the complexities and importance of Bilateral Investment Treaties during presentations to potential investors and joint venture partners. We could not recommend him more highly.
CLIENT: Dr Saud al Ammari
COMPANY/FIRM: External Legal Counsel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain
TESTIMONIAL: I have worked over the years with many law firms. Volterra Fietta is among the few top tier law firms anywhere. It consistently delivers cogent advice and robust and timely solutions. It is truly a unique public international law firm that handles the most complex legal challenges. VF is the go-to firm for litigation in the English courts involving States, without peer, and for other international litigations. The VF team are highly available, dedicated and passionate counsel. They make sure their clients get the best experience and insight, in an efficient and client-friendly manner. Robert Volterra is definitely among the best global public international law counsel in the world. He is a brilliant trusted adviser and also easy to work with.
CLIENT: Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: We have worked with Volterra Fietta, and in particular Robert Volterra, for over 20 years. His advice, his availability and the strategic and ethical manner in which he acts has always inured to our benefit. Barbados considers Volterra Fietta a critical part of our team in all initiatives it undertakes internationally – before we act and not just for litigation.
Diversity
Volterra Fietta is a global firm, with staff and clients from around the world. Diversity has thus always been a core value at the firm. It is a source of strength for the firm and its clients.
Our lawyers come from every inhabited continent and bring a significant understanding of virtually every legal, business and socio-cultural background.
The firm has a mandatory diversity policy and requires regular diversity training for all of its staff and partners. The firm is committed to ensuring that everyone at the firm is treated fairly and with dignity and respect, in accordance with the principles of equality and diversity. The firm observes all legal requirements relating to unlawful discrimination, victimisation and harassment, including non-discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sex, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or disability.
The firm’s senior lawyers, and its recruitment and human resources committees, are fully committed to diversity as part its recruitment, retention and promotion of staff. Volterra Fietta’s commitment to diversity led the firm to receive Gamechangers Progress Champions Awards in 2023.
- Dispute resolution > Public international law
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration