‘One of the premier international arbitration practices in the London market’, Latham & Watkins’ London team acts across the range of commercial and investment treaty arbitration, including oil and gas-related disputes over investments, pricing, terminations, post-M&A issues, and the construction of pipelines and LNG vessels. It is also highly experienced in private equity disputes. On the investment arbitration side, the team acts for both investors and respondent states. An expert in oil and gas, energy, construction, shareholder and joint venture disputes, Philip Clifford KC has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of international arbitration law and practice’. Sophie Lamb KC acts throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US in arbitrations, under all the principal arbitration rules. The practice also features Charles Claypoole, who represents corporations and states in high-profile matters and ‘excellent lawyer’ Robert Price. Samuel Pape’s track record includes acting as an advocate in both investment treaty and commercial arbitrations. The next line of experienced practitioners comprises Charles Rae, Stephanie Forrest, Isuru Devendra and Rebecca Angelini. In March 2024, former partner Oliver Browne left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham & Watkins has an excellent practice in London, with a particular strength in infrastructure and energy work. One of the premier international arbitration practices in the London market. This is an exceptional team and consistently praised for its ability to adapt.’
‘Partners and associates are always available, thoughtful, interactive and deliver on-point advice and recommendations.’
‘The whole team is very professional and experienced. When presenting cases to tribunals, they act with great confidence and excellence. It has the necessary experience to handle complex disputes, achieving the desired outcomes for clients.’
‘The team comprises very smart, efficient and dedicated lawyers, who can win any case against any opponent. Great attention to detail and an impressive understanding of the law.’
‘The Latham & Watkins team demonstrates deep expertise in managing complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. Always provides best-in-class specialists.’
‘Philip Clifford KC is rated very highly. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of international arbitration law and practice and is a first-rate lawyer. He manages his team efficiently and effectively.’
‘Robert Price is an excellent lawyer, with the notable ability to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional proceedings.’
‘Robert Price can react and adapt to the biggest or smallest case rapidly and deploy the right level and skills.’
Key clients
- UniCredit Bank
- Strabag
- Republic of Colombia
- The Republic of Ukraine
- Republic of Croatia
- Mason Capital
- Mason Management
Work highlights
- Successfully represented a European energy company in eight related arbitrations with an Asian government-owned gas company, the disputes concerning the supply of LNG under long-term agreements.
- Representing a global private equity house in an M&A-related dispute over significant telecoms assets.
- Successfully represented an Asian renewable energy company in a high-value arbitration, which was brought by three of its former directors (and their affiliates).
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Isuru Devendra
Charles Rae
Practice head
Philip Clifford KC; Sophie Lamb KC
Other key lawyers
Charles Claypoole; Samuel Pape; Robert Price; Charles Rae; Stephanie Forrest; Isuru Devendra; Rebecca Angelini