White & Case LLP‘s international arbitration practice has restructured following the departure of long-time practice head Jonathan Hamilton, under a three-pronged leadership group of Abby Cohen Smutny, based in Washington DC, Charles Nairac based in Paris, and Damien Nyer. The team continues to handle complex and significant Latin American disputes across a variety of economic sectors, including aviation, construction, and real estate. Leveraging its broad international network, the firm has conducted a strong volume of work before ICSID, with a notable case against Mexico in the mining sector. Rafael Llano Oddone heads up the Mexican branch of the team and specialises in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors, regularly serving as lead counsel in both investor and commercial disputes. Silvia Marchili, based in Miami, leads a large portion of the team’s investment arbitrations, such as several cases against Honduras relating to ports and renewable energy projects. The multilingual Ank Santens has acted as lead counsel on various significant ICSID arbitrations, while Estefanía San Juan, based in Miami, brings over a decade of experience in this field. Francisco Jijón is an important team member in Washington DC, and Marièle Coulet-Diaz, based in Mexico City, has recently been promoted to partner. All lawyers operate from New York, unless stated otherwise.
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Testimonials
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- 'What we value most about working with White & Case is their strategic approach and their ability to manage high-pressure situations. Their effective negotiation skills with various stakeholders, both public and private, along with their deep knowledge of the international legal framework, have allowed us to move forward confidently with our projects.'
- 'We have worked with several partners—among the main ones are Francisco Jijón and Estefanía San Juan—whose ability to negotiate in challenging environments and comprehensive understanding of the sector have been key to the success of our projects.'
- 'Silvia Marchili and Estefanía San Juan bring impressive, one-of-a-kind knowledge of Latin American countries and cultural differences, making it easy for clients to explain issues and helping find solutions tailored to specific scenarios.'
- 'The extent of experience the team has and their vision across tribunals and matters is very important in helping us to assess strategy. They are extremely hard-working and technically excellent.'
- 'Ank Santens - exceptional adviser, highly intelligent but pragmatic and years of experience show in advising on strategy as well as legal technical issues.'
- 'The team understands the business and has supported the company in business decisions that have an impact on arbitration. They know how to reconcile interests.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Abby Cohen Smutny; Charles Nairac; Damien Nyer
Other key lawyers
Rafael Llano Oddone; Silvia Marchili; Ank Santens; Estefanía San Juan; Francisco Jijón; Marièle Coulet-Diaz