Mr Doug Watson > Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher > London, England > Lawyer Profile

With ‘deep international arbitration experience across the board‘, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is best known for large-scale, complex disputes. The London practice is jointly headed by ‘superb advocate‘ Cyrus Benson, who regularly appears before commercial and investment treaty tribunals in telecoms, mining, infrastructure, and oil and gas claims; and ‘superb arbitration practitioner‘ Penny Madden KC, an expert in shareholder, telecoms, energy, international trade, and insurance disputes. The next line of experienced practitioners comprises former UK Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer KC, who focuses on commercial litigation, international arbitration and investigations; Osma Hudda, who maintains a broad disputes practice; and Doug Watson, who conducts arbitrations under a range of rules and arbitral institutions. In late 2022, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, Robert Spano, was recruited, while Piers Plumptre, who ‘takes a very commercial and practical approach‘, was made partner. Former partner Jeffrey Sullivan KC joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in July 2023.

The litigation practice at ‘top tier firm’ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles the full gamut of commercial litigation, including complex-cross border disputes. Group litigation is a particular strength of the team, with Osma Hudda and Doug Watson both key names in this area, along with team head Philip Rocher. Rocher, along with Allan Neil and Susy Bullock all have extensive experience in offshore disputes. The in-house trial advocacy ability of the team is a key differentiator, led by Lord Charles Falconer KC, ‘absolutely one of the best litigators and counsel in London.’