A ‘well-known powerhouse in disputes’, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP’s London international arbitration group covers the pharmaceuticals, finance, telecoms, energy, construction equipment, agribusiness, retail, and leisure sectors. Commercial and investor-state arbitration specialist Rajinder Bassi is ‘great at leading the team’. Richard Boynton represents multinational corporations, international banks and credit and private equity funds in arbitrations throughout the world. Jon Newman’s disputes practice encompasses breach of contract claims, along with cases involving political risk and sanctions. Commercial arbitration expert Noah Stewart-Ornstein is ‘an absolute star’, who acts before all major arbitral institutions. Philipp Kurek departed the firm in September 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strong team - able to run cases effectively and efficiently.’
‘A pre-eminent team. Very strong technically and commercially. The team works very hard and is very responsive.’
‘Kirkland is a well-known powerhouse in disputes and its international arbitration practice is growing under Rajinder Bassi. They have global reach, a deep bench of talent internally from which to draw, and a meticulous approach to case work.’
‘Rajinder Bassi, Richard Boynton, Jon Newman, and Noah Stewart-Ornstein are standouts within the practice. They are regularly appointed by blue-chip clients on the most high profile of disputes.’
‘Rajinder Bassi is great at leading the team and keeping all the parts moving.’
‘Noah Stewart-Ornstein - enthusiastic and able to craft creative solutions.’
‘Noah Stewart-Ornstein is an absolute star. He is a partner with immense experience, litigation know-how, and a shrewd tactician.’
‘Richard Boynton is a very powerful advocate who has a very good manner with tribunals.’
Key clients
- Dow Chemical
- General Motors
- Samsung Electronics Company
- Ping An Insurance Company of China
- EN+ Group
- Agility Group
Work highlights
- Representing one of the world’s largest equipment manufacturers in a series of arbitrations and litigations, arising out of a dispute with a former distributor, with a collective value of $500m.
- Representing one of the world’s largest independent dermatology companies in a variety of disputes, relating to the distribution and licensing of a key product, with a collective value of over $500m.
- Representing a major US publicly listed conglomerate in a number of disputes, arising from its withdrawal from its operations in Russia, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rajinder Bassi
Other key lawyers
Richard Boynton; Jon Newman; Noah Stewart-Ornstein