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England - London • Dispute resolution
3

Commodities disputes

Zaiwalla & Co

More information
Zaiwalla & Co joins the ranking this year having continued its long-standing involvement in GAFTA arbitrations on behalf of clients from South Asia and the Middle East. Indian conglomerate ITC, which is a $9bn company and India’s second largest manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods, instructs the firm for all of its GAFTA arbitrations. Managing partner Leigh Crestohl focuses on international commercial arbitration and investment disputes, with the ‘very pragmatic’ Varun Zaiwalla and ’very knowledgeable, hardworking and committed’ associate Daniel Powell taking the lead on commodities matters. The practice ‘absolutely punches above its weight’ according to its multitude of clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The most important attribute that stands out is collaborative approach with an open mind by all members of the team.’

  • ‘Deep knowledge of case law and arbitration work.’

  • ‘The team absolutely punches above its weight- it regularly achieves success against larger firms not just in commodities arbitrations, but in appeals (including all the way up to the Supreme Court).’

  • ‘Leigh Crestohl is hugely experienced in this area. Varun Zaiwalla is steadily making a name for himself. Daniel Powell is very hardworking and able to take charge of a lot of work himself, and get it right first time.’

  • ‘Daniel Powell is a very knowledgeable, hardworking and committed associate.’

  • ‘Zaiwalla is absolutely relentless in pursuing its clients' goals. It allocates resources and deploys creative arguments to achieve the best results.’

  • ‘Varun Zaiwalla is excellent- very pragmatic and strong on the law.’

  • ‘Managing Partner Leigh Crestohl is a measured and calm lawyer, but I have no experience of any of the associates still at the firm on commodities cases.’

Key clients

  • Sharp Corp (India)
  • Arise IIP Distribution FZ LLC

Work highlights

Acted successfully for Indian trader Sharp Corp in a Supreme Court case against Viterra BV in a case relating to the correct assessment of damages.
Acting for ITC, one of India’s largest fast-moving goods manufacturer in a section 69 appeal of a GAFTA award in the High Court.
Acting for UAE Commodity House, Arise in 8 separate GAFTA arbitrations in 2024.

Practice head

Leigh Crestolhl

Other key lawyers

Varun Zaiwalla; Daniel Powell