The ‘great’ team at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP specialises in investor-state arbitrations across a range of arbitral rules, frequently acting under ICSID, ICC and UNCITRAL rules. The firm has particular experience acting for sovereign states and state-owned enterprises in enforcement proceedings. The team is led by the ’brilliant’ Irene Petrelli, who advises on treaty interpretation, and Edoardo Zucchelli, who has additional expertise in commercial litigation. Jacopo Cordiano is well versed in enforcement proceedings. Milo Molfa left in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Great firm and team.’
- ‘Edoardo Zucchelli and Irene Petrelli are brilliant lawyers who are very pragmatic and know the case inside out.’
- ‘Irene Petrelli stands out for her solid competence in international public law and investment arbitration. She is focused, available, fully committed and able to distil the core of complex issues into concepts that are easy to grasp.’
- 'The team is professional, approachable and always quick to respond. Clients feel confident that they are receiving top-quality legal support and results.’
- ‘The individuals I work with stand out for their professionalism, dedication and deep understanding of the legal and strategic aspects of each case.'
- 'It comprises a team of arbitration specialists who communicate effectively with the client. The practice is strong on strategy and continually innovates to ensure the client’s interests remain protected.’
- ‘Edoardo Zucchelli truly stands out for his industry knowledge, analytical legal skills and, above all, his calm even in stressful situations.'
- ‘Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP stands out for its seamless cross-border collaboration, exceptional responsiveness, and deep strategic insight in complex dispute resolution matters.'
Key clients
- Republic of Uganda
- Socialist Republic of Vietnam
- Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
- State of Libya
- Libyan Investment Authority
- Republic of India
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Republic of Cyprus
- United Republic of Tanzania
- United Arab Emirates
- Republic of South Sudan
- People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Work highlights
Representing the Republic of Uganda in two multibillion-dollar UNCITRAL arbitrations brought by a consortium of East African companies concerning a railway concession, securing a comprehensive win in favour of the state in one of the two arbitrations.
Representing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in two multibillion-dollar Paris-seated UNCITRAL/PCA arbitrations filed by an individual claimant and related companies under the Vietnam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Representing the State of Libya in a number of proceedings before Italian Courts involving the challenge of alleged credits and the immunity of sovereign States’ assets from enforcement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Edoardo Zucchelli
Practice head
Irene Petrelli; Edoardo Zucchelli
Other key lawyers
Jacopo Cordiano