Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s London arbitration team is consistently appointed to work on complex, high value-mandates; and it has an enviable track record of victories and successful awards. Heading the international arbitration group in London, Craig Tevendale acts as counsel, advocate and arbitrator in ad hoc proceedings and before all the major arbitral institutions; Andrew Cannon ’effortlessly masterminds case strategy’; Christian Leathley focuses much of his practice on clients’ interests in Central and South America; Chris Parker KC acts in international disputes in the energy, life sciences and mining sectors; and Mike McClure KC ‘has incredibly broad international experience’. Other key figures are Hannah Ambrose, whose caseload covers both commercial and investment arbitration; Charlie Morgan, who is ’leading the AI revolution in arbitration’; and Louise Barber, whose experience includes LCIA, SIAC, PCA, ICC, WIPO, UNCITRAL, HKIAC, and ICSID proceedings. Anuradha Agnihotri and Joel Halliday are also experienced practitioners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Extremely commercially astute and capable of deeply understanding the business of the client with ease and speed. Highly responsive and aware of client needs.’

  • ‘Calm, strategic, and practical advice. Some of the best legal minds out there.’

  • ‘This team is highly intelligent and diligent. They are very innovative in problem solving. They have proved their capabilities by winning all cases. Its successes make the team unique.’

  • ‘High-calibre team at all levels. Partners are outstanding advocates and shrewd strategists. The associates are brimming over with talent and ideas. Client service is always top of the agenda and is demonstrated by the repeat work from leading corporates.’

  • ‘Charlie Morgan is very tech savvy and leading the AI revolution in arbitration and more broadly’; and Craig Tevendale is someone clients want on their side when the going gets tough.’

  • ‘Andrew Cannon effortlessly masterminds case strategy.’

Key clients

  • BP
  • Chevron
  • Eni
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Republic of Italy
  • Star Hydro Power
  • Government of Azerbaijan
  • State Oil Company of Azerbaijan

Work highlights

Representing the Republic of Italy, in relation to two enforcement actions involving investment treaty awards under the Energy Charter Treaty.
Representing two major international energy companies, in relation to a complex, high-value and highly-politicised dispute, which concerns a large-value oil and gas project in Africa.
Defended a US supermajor oil company in a multi-faceted defence of a sham arbitration for $18bn.

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.

Next Generation Partners

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

Leading associates

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

Practice head

Craig Tevendale; Andrew Cannon

Other key lawyers

Christian Leathley; Chris Parker KC; Mike McClure KC; Hannah Ambrose; Charlie Morgan; Louise Barber; Anuradha Agnihotri; Joel Halliday