Well known for high-profile and politically-sensitive commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes, Freshfields' UK-based team routinely works alongside colleagues in key arbitration centres worldwide, namely: Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, and Washington DC. An ‘excellent advocate’, Sylvia Noury KC specialises in investor-state and commercial arbitrations, particularly in relation to Africa, India and Latin America; Will Thomas KC acts in Africa and the Middle East-related energy, TMT and projects disputes; and the track record of London practice head Oliver Marsden includes LCIA, ICC, SCC, HKIAC, UNCITRAL and ICSID arbitrations. The practice further showcases Samantha Lord Hill, an expert in energy and infrastructure sector disputes; Felix Schaaf, who acts in international commercial and investor-state conflicts; and Annie Pan, who is experienced in emerging market-related mandates. In April 2025, Joshua Kelly, who is ’nimble in his approach and delivery of solutions’, was promoted to partner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sylvia Noury is outstanding. An excellent advocate, who is a steely but courteous adversary.’
- ‘Will Thomas KC is a rock-solid advocate. Everything clients would want from an arbitration partner. Provides real leadership and offers superb judgement and strategic direction, but also not afraid to roll his sleeves up and get into the detail.
Key clients
- Tullow Oil
- Tullow Ghana
Work highlights
Secured a complete win for Tullow in the first of three ICC arbitrations against Ghana, concerning the Ghana Revenue Authority’s assessment that Tullow was liable for branch profits tax.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Will Thomas KC
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joshua Kelly
Oliver Marsden
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
Practice head
Oliver Marsden
Other key lawyers
Sylvia Noury KC; Will Thomas KC; Samantha Lord Hill; Felix Schaaf; Annie Pan; Joshua Kelly