King & Spalding LLP‘s ’truly exceptional arbitration team in London‘ repeatedly represents large corporations in business-critical disputes. The practice also acts for both claimants and respondents in high-value investment treaty disputes. Its sector specialisms cover energy, media, construction, mining, and oil and gas and the team has notable geographic expertise in relation to Turkey, Asia-Pacific, India and Africa. A ’hands-on partner who wants to ensure he is over every part of the case’, Thomas Sprange KC is consistently sought out by corporations, sovereign states, financial institutions and individuals for high-stakes disputes. International arbitration expert John Savage KC has particular expertise in corporate, investment and projects disputes in the mining, power, and oil and gas industries. Sajid Ahmed specialises in international arbitration and trade matters; and international commercial and investment disputes practitioner Ruth Byrne KC is ‘very smart’. The practice also comprises Sarah Walker, who represents international clients in commercial disputes, and Simon Maynard, who acts in major international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. Giorgio Mandelli focuses on international disputes in the energy, natural resources, financial services and aviation sectors. Ben Emmerson CBE KC recently retired from the partnership but continues to work with the firm as a consultant.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very experienced team of partners who work well with each other and their clients. Stellar reputation for investment treaty arbitration.’
- ‘K&S has a truly exceptional arbitration team in London, which is a real pleasure to work with. They have no apparent flaws and are very reliable, diligent and responsive. They are also very humble and show no arrogance, despite their very successful track record and massive reputation in the City.’
- ‘The team thinks strategically and thoroughly about issues, so the client can make informed decisions. They work efficiently across offices to provide the services needed.’
‘Proven itself to be fearless, creative in their problem-solving, and extremely hard working. A very client-oriented approach, making sure the client's thoughts, views and wishes are always addressed.’
‘Thomas Sprange KC - delightful, smart and good on his feet. A hands-on partner who wants to ensure he is over every part of the case. He gives clients complete confidence.’
‘John Savage KC - hugely experienced, well connected, and runs a good team.’
‘Ruth Byrne KC - bright, easy to work with, and organised. Very smart and attentive to client needs.’
‘Sajid Ahmed is very sensitive to understanding clients’ needs and manages clients’ expectations from the beginning to the end of arbitral proceedings.’
Key clients
- ArcelorMittal
- Cairn Energy Hydrocarbons
- Emirates International Investment Company
- Go Airlines (India)
- Prime Energy Resources Development
- Refinería de Cartagena
- Reliance Industries
- Republic of Turkey
- Rockhopper
- Société des Parcs d'Alger
Work highlights
- Represented Vedanta and Cairn, large oil and gas exploration and production companies in India, in two separate multi-billion dollar arbitrations.
- Represented Société des Parcs d’Alger and Emirates International Investment Company in an ICSID arbitration against Algeria, which concerns the development of a $5bn urban park.
- Represented the Republic of Turkey in an ICSID arbitration, which was commenced by Westwater and involves Turkey’s revocation of seven exploration and operating licences for uranium mining projects.
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.
Thomas Sprange KC
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
Thomas Sprange KC; John Savage KC
Other key lawyers
Sajid Ahmed; Ruth Byrne KC; Sarah Walker; Giorgio Mandelli; Simon Maynard; Ben Emmerson CBE KC