Arnold & Porter

Undoubtedly the "go-to" firm for State-side representations in the wake of an peerless track record of 48 (out of 49) positive outcomes, Arnold & Porter counts some 14 Latin American states among its clients; this perhaps unfairly overshadows its fine credentials as regards representing Latin American corporates in ICC arbitrations. The firm's sizeable arbitral group houses practitioners with government experience, who are members of ICSID's panel of arbitrators and/or have the linguistic and bicultural expertise to allow the team to conduct proceedings in Spanish. 30-year arbitral veteran Paolo Di Rosa founded the firm's international arbitration practice (which he subsequently led for 15 years) and has an exceptional record of success as a counsel; fully bilingual (Spanish/English) he has represented a dozen Latin American states in public international law matters and/or international litigation and arbitration. London partner Patricio Grané Labat is another deeply experienced figure in investor-state arbitration, including cases under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but also handles international commercial arbitration, public international law, and international trade matters. A January 2022 lateral hire, New York partner Mélida Hodgson impresses in both international commercial cases and investor-state arbitrations (particularly on behalf of Venezuela); she has a notable focus on the infrastructure construction, mining, transportation and energy sectors. The experienced and versatile Whitney Debevoise provides further senior level gravitas and Latin America experience in the arbitral sphere. Emerging talent Mallory Silberman has represented the governments of Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Peru and Venezuela, as well as representing investors in investor-State disputes against Argentina. Trilingual (English, French & Spanish) counsel Álvaro Nistal is also highly active in Latin America as part of his broader, global practice.