Freshfields

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• The strength in depth of the team, diversity is the best in the business, a collaborative approach, and attention to detail in the case make the case strategy brilliant.
• Specific individuals that are outstanding: Oliver Marsden, Will Thomas, Josh Kelly, Annie Pan, Guy MacInnes-Manby, and Jenna Meth. The strength in depth of the team makes Freshfields stand out.
• The individuals we have worked with stand out for their combination of technical excellence and a highly professional yet approachable manner. They set exceptionally high standards, which are clearly reflected both in the quality of their own work and in the expectations they bring to the wider team. In particular, Jenna Meth and Erik Leikin have been outstanding on this dispute. They combine strong judgment and clear, critical thinking with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. They are very responsive and proactive, often suggesting a quick call to work through issues in real time, which has been invaluable in resolving points efficiently and avoiding unnecessary delays. What differentiates them from competitors is not only the strength of their analysis, but also their openness to discussion and willingness to engage constructively with different perspectives. This creates a genuinely collaborative working dynamic and results in better, more refined outcomes. Overall, their professionalism, accessibility, and high standards set them apart and make them particularly effective to work with.
• The practice stands out for its exceptional responsiveness and sharp critical thinking. The team engages quickly with complex issues, providing clear, well-reasoned advice under tight timelines, while proactively identifying key risks and next steps. A key strength is their analytical rigor and willingness to challenge assumptions, resulting in advice that is both technically robust and commercially pragmatic. They communicate clearly and distill complex matters into actionable insights. Compared to other firms, the team combines strong technical expertise with a genuinely collaborative and transparent approach, working seamlessly with other advisers and sharing views early to support efficient, iterative decision-making. Overall, they deliver a high-quality, client-focused service that differentiates itself through responsiveness, intellectual rigor, and practical delivery.
• Gold standard technical skills and unrivaled experience in investor-state arbitration.
• Sylvia Noury KC has outstanding depth in public international law. Her expertise adds real authority to the team's legal strategy.
• Sylvia Noury KC headed the team in the Freshfields London office. Sylvia is a truly outstanding arbitration practitioner. A totally first-class lawyer. Highly perceptive. Highly articulate and a relentlessly hard worker. And a pleasure to work with. A true force of nature.
• The Freshfields international arbitration team that I have worked with is one of the very best in the business. First-rate lawyers. All issues in the case were considered with indefatigable scrutiny. No stone was left unturned. Excellent analysis of the issues in the case. Excellent tactical judgment. A Rolls Royce operation.
• The International arbitration team is diverse, technically strong, hardworking, and has a marked focus on commercial objectives. It is able to master commercially sensitive local law issues in international arbitrations and provide robust strategic advice to clients. The non-partner level associate support is very strong and attentive to detail. Partner coverage during absences is also strong. Fee arrangements are flexible.
• Work ethic and dedication stand out. Commitment to producing a good commercial outcome for the client. Presentation of advice in an analytical but clear manner. The standout partners are Sylvia Noury and Will Thomas. Both are committed and strategic. At the Senior Associate/of Counsel level is Annie Pan, whose ability to manage complicated details is very strong.

Key clients

• MCFC
• Tullow Oil plc
• Akfel Commodities
• iSystems Global
• Google
• Deutsche Telekom

Work highlights

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Sylvia Noury KC

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Will Thomas KC

Oliver Marsden

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Joshua Kelly

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Annie Pan