Imad Kahn > Winston & Strawn LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

During 2023, Winston & Strawn LLP ’s international arbitration practice handled a broad array of commercial and investment disputes, with notable activity in the financial services, TMT and energy and natural resources spheres. The team also continues to strengthen its Latin America disputes offering, where it is currently acting on cases involving Panama and Venezuela, among other jurisdictions. Chicago-based Ricardo Ugarte is a seasoned litigator and arbitration counsel with robust experience under key arbitral rules, including UNCITRAL, ICC and ICSID. Also noted are Miami-based Gustavo Membiela, who has an emphasis on Latin American disputes, and Houston’s Imad Khan, who was recently promoted to partner.

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s expanded presence in New York, Miami and Houston has given it a more sizeable platform for international arbitration engagements, with teams in Washington DC, Chicago and London are also active in Latin America disputes. The firm has a major focus on the energy sector (which has been reinforced by the growing team in Houston), with mining and maritime also areas of key strength. It also has a fine record in investor-state and commercial arbitrations involving multiple Latin American states. Chicago partner and former chair of the firm’s international arbitration practice, Ricardo Ugarte is an established name noted for his ability to move seamlessly between (investor-state and commercial) arbitration and litigation; although he has a global focus, he has an impressive background in Latin America cases. Marcelo Blackburn is a pivotal figure in the Latin America team, handling a mix of investigations and arbitratal matters, and with a strong emphasis on Mexico. Miami’s Gustavo Membiela is another experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a substantial focus on Latin America international arbitration. Houston’s Imad Khan was promoted to partner in January 2024.