A ‘go-to disputes law firm’, Signature Litigation LLP is experienced in an array of international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. The team also covers investment cases. Ioannis Alexopoulos’ sector expertise encompasses financial services, energy, and oil and gas, along with shipping, international trade, telecoms, IT and infrastructure. International arbitration specialist Philipp Kurek is a September 2023 hire from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Neil Newing is ‘a smart and sophisticated lawyer’, and Tsegaye Laurendeau is an Africa expert. The practice further includes Bernhard Maier, who focuses on the natural resources and energy sector, and international commercial and investor-state arbitration practitioner Pietro Grassi.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Always available to resolve tight deadlines and all time restrictions that are associated with litigation. Quality and services that are consistent and impeccable.’
‘An outstanding disputes, litigation and arbitration practice and a go-to disputes law firm in London. The team is hugely experienced and practical when it comes to analysing and developing strategies, and second to none in implementing thoughtful and highly-effective disputes strategies.’
‘Ioannis Alexopoulos is a brilliant strategist, with the ability to manage and navigate multi-jurisdictional teams of lawyers for the benefit of the client and overall case management plan.’
‘Philipp Kurek is an outstanding professional and standout operator.’
‘Philipp Kurek manages both cases and clients with real expertise - someone who is always on top of all aspects of his matters. An exceptional lawyer, who is dedicated, hard-working and knowledgeable.’
‘Neil Newing and Pietro Grassi are two standout individuals. They are exceptionally talented lawyers who work really well together as a team.’
‘Neil Newing is a smart and sophisticated lawyer, and Bernhard Maier’s input is precise, to the point and very valuable.’
‘Tsegaye Laurendeau is an experienced litigator. One of the most talented and dedicated litigation and arbitration partners in the firm. Tsegaye's ability to analyse the key drivers in a disputes situation quickly and devise and implement an effective strategy are major assets. Truly outstanding.’
Key clients
- Solway Investment Group
- Solway Industries Swiss
- Solway Mining
- Discovery Global
- GRF Paragon (Malaysia)
Work highlights
Representing Solway Investment Group, Solway Industries Swiss and Solway Mining in an UNCITRAL arbitration against Liberia, based on the Switzerland-Liberia BIT and the 2010 Liberian Investment Act.
Acting for Discovery in an ICSID claim against the Slovak Republic (under the US-Slovak BIT), which alleges that it was prevented from conducting oil and gas exploration drilling operations.
Representing GRF Paragon (Malaysia), Maximilian Johnson and Simon Murray, in relation to denial of justice claims against Mongolia (under the Malaysia-Mongolia and UK-Mongolia BITs), and arising out of a large investment in the Mongolian mining sector.
Lawyers
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
Ioannis Alexopoulos
Other key lawyers
Philipp Kurek; Neil Newing; Tsegaye Laurendeau; Bernhard Maier; Pietro Grassi