The team at Baker Botts (UK) LLP is led by Johannes Koepp, who advises clients on both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, and brings particular sectoral experience in energy, telecoms, and joint ventures. Dorine Farah is another key member of the team; Farah is regularly instructed on complex energy and infrastructure cases, and has experience acting under the full range of arbitration rules, including ICSID, ICC, and LCIA. Bringing strength in Latin American disputes, Alejandro Escobar focuses on investor-state arbitrations and matters of public international law. Valeriya Kirsey continues to advise on disputes in energy and telecoms.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
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Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is uniquely qualified and skilled in investor/state arbitrations, with a team led by Mr. Escobar, who previously worked at ICSID.
- Premium energy law firm with expertise in all aspects of the industry.
- Deep expertise in energy and international law (arbitration and disputes).
- I would single out three individuals: (1) Alex Escobar, a global leader in investor-State arbitration, much sought after as both counsel and increasingly as an arbitrator, particularly in Latin America but also globally; his public international law pedigree, including a Cambridge PhD and background in ICSID, provides particular gravitas, (2) Johannes Koepp, particularly well regarded for commercial arbitration regarding natural resources in Central Asia but impactful globally, and (3) for the next generation superstars, Ernesto Féliz De Jesús impresses, particularly in investor-State arbitration.
- I would emphasize the breadth of their expertise, covering both commercial arbitration and particularly natural resource dispute settlement, as well as the more public international law aspects of investor-State arbitration.
- What sets this team apart is their ability to provide well-thought-out advice on complicated matters and respond quickly to solve difficult issues. They approach the matter with confidence and deliver a high-quality legal product to their clients. Their approach to legal fees is flexible and client-oriented, and they work alongside our executive team to solve the problem.
- What makes BB's international arbitration practice unique is its special combination of international talent, with vast experiences of different laws, legal systems, and forums across both civil and common law worlds. This is principally achieved out of its London office under the leadership of Dr. Johannes Koepp and Ms. Dorine Farah.
- Andrew Behrman is incredibly talented and committed to providing his clients with the best possible service, while upholding his integrity and respecting the arbitral process. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a partner-level arbitration practitioner.
- The legal team designated by the firm has been exemplary, comprising distinguished professionals with exceptional credentials and extensive expertise. Throughout all involved proceedings, each member of the team has consistently exhibited a high degree of proficiency and professionalism, with particular distinction in matters adjudicated before a Dispute Board and within the framework of international arbitration.
- The services rendered by Baker Botts have been of a highly complex nature, requiring the deployment of a senior legal team with extensive expertise to manage voluminous documentation and navigate intricate technical aspects across mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The firm successfully formulated and executed robust legal strategies to defend the company’s interests in dispute board proceedings and, currently, in a highly sophisticated international arbitration. The designated team has proven to be exemplary, comprising distinguished professionals with exceptional qualifications and seasoned backgrounds. Throughout the various proceedings, every team member has demonstrated superior proficiency and professionalism, particularly within the framework of dispute board adjudications and international arbitration matters.
Key clients
- Republic of Peru
- Republic of Iraq
- PSJC Mobile TeleSystems (MTS)
- Republic of Peru
- Republic of Iraq
- PSJC Mobile TeleSystems (MTS)
Work highlights
Successfully defended the Republic of Iraq in a US$1 billion ICSID arbitration brought by German investor AHG Industry GmbH & Co. KG.
Acted for MTS, one of Europe’s largest mobile telecoms network operators, in a major Swedish-seated ICSID (Additional Facility) arbitration against the State of Turkmenistan.
Acted for the Republic of Peru in defending an arbitration concerning the construction of part of the Pan-American Highway, including claims arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Johannes Koepp
Other key lawyers
Dorine Farah; Alejandro Escobar; Valeriya Kirsey