Dispute resolution
Withers LLP‘s ’truly global team’ in London is widely lauded for its investment treaty arbitration work. The practice also has notable international commercial arbitration credentials, in relation to the Middle East, Africa and CIS regions. ‘Experienced leadership’ is provided by Hussein Haeri KC; Eleni Polycarpou acts in international arbitration proceedings under different arbitration rules; and Robert Kovacs’ caseload covers international commercial and investor-state arbitrations. The group also includes Camilla Gambarini, whose track record includes ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, CIAC and CAM proceedings. International arbitration specialist Vee Vian Thien joined from Three Crowns LLP in September 2024.
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Mentions
Profile
Work Department
International Arbitration and Public International Law
Position
Hussein is a King’s Counsel in England and Wales and Professor of Practice at SOAS, University of London.
Hussein has extensive experience advising States, State-owned entities and corporations as lead counsel and advocate on public international law matters. He has served as counsel before the International Court of Justice and in international fora such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), as well as in national courts such as in England and Wales and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on matters relating to public international law, international arbitrations and enforcement.
Hussein's public international law practice includes advising on the law of the sea, land and maritime boundary disputes, constitutional and human rights matters, sovereign immunity, energy and natural resources, international humanitarian law, sanctions, international investment law and treaty and legislation drafting. He has served as counsel on arbitrations under various rules including ICSID, UNCITRAL, LCIA, ICC, SCC and SIAC, as well as in ad hoc arbitrations.
Hussein is a Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge. He is a Member of the Management Committee of the SOAS Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Centre (SADRC) and is on the Faculty at the University of Rome, Roma Tre University, Certificate Course in International Commercial and Investment Arbitration. In addition to his practice as counsel, he sits as an arbitrator.
Hussein is based in London, having previously worked in New York and Paris. He speaks French, Arabic and Italian.
Career
Partner
Languages
English, French
Memberships
- ICC Task Force on Trusts and Arbitration
- London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
- LCIA Arab Users' Council
- Arbitrator Panellist at Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A great mix of wily strategists and those who crunch the details.’
‘They are a truly global team with genuine experts spanning most major jurisdictions, in particular the Middle East, Far East and Russia. A firm to back to win a difficult case against the odds.’
‘The team headed by Hussein Haeri is highly experienced, knowledgeable and pleasant. The client's needs are well looked after and the service is first class.’
‘Wither's team is very unique and made up of strong individuals. Most importantly, experienced leadership is provided by Hussein Haeri KC.’
‘Hussein Haeri KC is a precise advocate and excellent negotiator, who interacts well with clients.’
‘Eleni Polycarpou leads an excellent team with great skill and distinction. She has deep experience of arbitration in many different jurisdictions and institutions, and is adept at finding creative solutions to new and difficult problems.’
Key clients
- Qatar National Bank
- Gruppo Officine Piccini
- Government of Georgia
Work highlights
Representing Qatar National Bank in ICSID proceedings against the Republic of Sudan and Central Bank of Sudan, in large-value claims under a Murabaha agreement.
Acting for Gruppo Officine Piccini in ICSID proceedings under the Italy-Cameroon BIT, arising from the Government of Cameroon's expropriation of a construction contract for the Africa Cup’s Yaounde football stadium.
Defending the Government of Georgia in transportation sector-related ICSID proceedings, initiated by Mirian Dekanoidze and TG Trade under the USA-Georgia BIT.