Dispute resolution
King & Spalding LLP‘s London international arbitration practice is consistently mandated by major corporations to act in heavyweight disputes. The team’s industry specialisms range from renewable energy and oil and gas, to mining, construction, financial services, aviation and life sciences. It is also increasingly involved in emerging sectors, such as space and cryptocurrency. Thomas Sprange KC is ’among the most capable international arbitration lawyers around’; corporate, investment and project dispute specialist John Savage KC works between the firm’s London and Paris offices; Sajid Ahmed‘s caseload covers international arbitration and trade issues; and Ruth Byrne KC specialises in international commercial and investment disputes. Also highly regarded, Sarah Walker’s wide-ranging practice encompasses arbitration work; and Giorgio Mandelli is ‘great for case management’. Other experienced practitioners are Kabir Bhalla, Shouvik Bhattacharya and Jessica Trevellick. Promoted to partner in January 2025, Simon Maynard focuses on international commercial and investment treaty arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Ruth Byrne KC specialises in international commercial and investment disputes, with a particular focus on energy, life sciences, fraud and enforcement.
Ruth has advised clients on disputes arising in multiple jurisdictions and has appeared as counsel in 100+ arbitrations as well sitting regularly as arbitrator. She also appears frequently in the English High Court, in particular in proceedings in support of arbitration, as well as more generally in international commercial litigation.
Ms. Byrne KC writes and speaks regularly on a variety of international arbitration topics. Ruth is a member of the ICC UK Selection Subcommittee, the Delos ROAP faculty and a former YIAG Co-Chair.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ability to navigate complex legal frameworks across jurisdictions with precision and cultural fluency, supported by a team that combines legal excellence with commercial insight.’
‘K&S consistently stands out for its intellectual rigour, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to client service.’
‘Across the board, the team’s collaborative spirit and dedication to innovation make them exceptional and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Breadth of capabilities, wide experience, and deep bench of lawyers.’
‘The international arbitration team stands out for its sharp strategic thinking, deep advocacy skills, and impressive ability to manage complex, high-stakes disputes efficiently and with poise. The practice is particularly adept at handling cross-border commercial disputes involving politically-sensitive or sanction-heavy matters.’
‘Thomas Sprange KC is among the most capable international arbitration lawyers around. Known to all, he is effective and personable.’
Key clients
- Cairn Energy Hydrocarbons
- Chevron
- Go Airlines (India)
- Prime Energy Resources Development
- Refinería de Cartagena
- Reliance Industries
- Republic of Turkey
- Rockhopper
- Shell International
- Vedanta
Work highlights
Representing Vedanta and Cairn in two separate, mega-value arbitrations.
Representing the Republic of Turkey in multiple ongoing cases of significant national importance.
Representing an Indian airline in a mega-value, bet-the-company SIAC arbitration against an engine manufacturer.