3 Verulam Buildings handles a myriad of substantial commercial and investment treaty arbitrations that span all major sectors and are seated in arbitration centres across the globe, including the LCIA, HKIAC and the DIAC, to name a few. Members of the set have a particularly strong track record in complex and highly contentious investment treaty disputes, acting on behalf of both investors and states. Fielding extensive experience in multinational litigation and arbitration. Christopher Harris KC leads Dominic Kennelly and Catherine Drummond for the claimants in Border Timbers and another v Zimbabwe in relation to the registration and enforcement of an ICSID award against the southern African state following the country’s seizure of timber-producing land as part of its government’s campaign of land transfers. Georges Chalfoun, Mark Wassouf, Can Yeginsu and Cameron Miles are also highly experienced in investment treaty disputes and the related enforcement proceedings. Timothy Killen joined the team in October 2025.
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- Profile
Profile
Position
Can combines a strong practice in international arbitration and commercial litigation (including civil fraud) with professional liability work and a busy commercial judicial review specialism, while also fostering a wider human rights and public international law practice, equivalent in depth and breadth to his commercial work. He is frequently instructed in disputes to the English Court’s jurisdiction. Recent/current work includes: Junior Counsel in Bazhanov and Morrins International v Fosman & Ors, a USD 18m claim brought in the Commercial Court by a former Russian deputy Minister of State in relation to interests in sunflower seed oil productions plants; Counsel for two foreign investors in a USD 125m investor-state arbitration against a CIS State; Junior Counsel in Marathon Asset Management v Seddon & Ors (multi-million Commercial Court unlawful means conspiracy and Wrotham Park damages claim, a Lawyer Magazine Top 20 case for 2016); sole Counsel in $80 million LCIA arbitration involving the operation of an oil terminal connected to the CPC pipeline; counsel for a leading German Bank in a US $75 million A1P1 (property rights) claim before the European Court of Human Rights; First Junior Counsel in £195 million A1P1 claim in Breyer Group Plc & Others v Department of Energy and Climate Change. In 2013, Can was named as one of ten “Stars at the Bar” by Legal Week Magazine.
Career
M.A. (Oxon); LL.M. Harvard Law School; Procter Fellow, Princeton University; Called 2007; Visiting Professor of Investment Law and Arbitration, Koç University Law School.
Languages
Turkish (native), French (basic).
Memberships
BICCL, LCIA, IBA, ALBA, COMBAR, ICC UK, ICCA, PNBA.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Clerks room is great– always had a good experience with 3VB clerks. Harry Freeman is particularly excellent. Very accommodating and has a very good grasp of what clients need.'
- 'The clerks’ room at 3 Verulam Buildings provides a reliable and efficient service, with clear communication throughout. Harry Freeman, in particular, is helpful and he handles queries promptly.'
- 'Stuart Pullum is very accommodating.'
- 'The junior clerks have been quick and responsive. They were able to get solid information from the court ahead of time, and have an inside line to all things listing, judges and courts.'
- '3VB has an impressive depth of bench in this area with most members being highly proficient and visible in this area.'
- '3VB is an excellent set. Good selection of Counsel at all levels, with first rate reputations. Set has a genuine focus on equity, with Counsel from diverse backgrounds which brings depth to the practice.'
- 'The set as a whole is outstanding in international arbitration. It is home to some of the most accomplished practitioners in the field and offers genuine strength across all levels of seniority. The clerks are proactive, commercially aware, and consistently helpful, making the overall experience of working with the set both smooth and efficient.'
- 'The set is outstanding in every respect, remarkable strength in depth, consistently high-calibre counsel, and a well-earned reputation for excellence in complex commercial and international disputes. Their availability, responsiveness, and commitment to training and development further reinforce their position as a leading chambers.'