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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Mark Wassouf has a broad commercial and public international law practice.
He is frequently instructed as counsel on investment treaty and commercial arbitrations in a number of sectors, including banking, agriculture, oil and gas and telecommunications, as well as on arbitration-related applications in the English courts.
Mark also has significant experience acting as counsel in cases and matters involving complex questions of public international law and has advised governments, NGOs and individuals on sovereign treaty obligations.
Career
Mark qualified as a solicitor with Freshfield Bruckhaus Deringer in 2011, where he was a member of the arbitration and international team. He left Freshfields in mid-2013 to transfer to the bar and now practices as a barrister at 3 Verulam Buildings in London.
Languages
Fluent Arabic and has a working knowledge of French
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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.'