Led by Mark Howarth, the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP brings extensive experience handling commercial, insurance, and construction arbitrations, with clients praising its ‘dedicated approach’ and ’deep industry knowledge’. Howarth is co-head of the international arbitration group and leads the specialist energy sector disputes team, working across the EMEA region and regularly handling energy pricing disputes under long-term contracts. Jonathan Leach advises on the full range of investor-state and commercial arbitrations, as well as on public international law matters, while Wilson Antoon is regularly instructed on work in the mining, telecoms, and tech sectors, particularly across Asia and Central and Eastern Europe. Other key members of the team include Katia Finkel, who assists clients with high-value disputes in the energy sector, including ICC and ICSID arbitrations, and Kate Johnston, who has handled cases across a wide variety of jurisdictions.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- They are able to provide deep expertise while remaining pragmatic and solutions-oriented.
- The team has deep knowledge in international arbitration across multiple systems, and it is clear when dealing with them that they are arbitration specialists and not just litigators.
- The Eversheds Sutherland team has spent decades acting in the largest global arbitration disputes. They understand what makes exceptional written and oral arbitration advocacy as they have deep experience as advocates in this context.
- Mark Howarth is a first-rate operator who has good advocacy skills that he deploys effectively, but crucially knows how best to coordinate with the use of the Bar. His client management skills are outstanding. Alex Cook is an excellent right-hand man for Mark, providing impressive support on the substantive case as well as with client management. Eleanne Hussey is a very valuable combination of support on the substantive case and also provides unflappable logistical support for the challenges of getting a substantial team from multiple jurisdictions established and appropriately supported in overseas jurisdictions for international arbitration hearings.
- A very strong team of highly experienced international arbitration practitioners. Perfectly at ease running very high-value, complex, multi-jurisdictional, cross-border arbitrations. Effective use of the Yorkshire outpost to provide lower-cost support across all areas of the process.
- Dedicated approach with an all-around understanding of clients' needs.
- A very good blend of an experienced team with deep industry knowledge and younger professionals with a dynamic fit for modern times.
Key clients
- National Iranian Oil Company
- Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV
- Grupo Unidos por el Canal
- Malaysia’s Minister of Finance & 1MDB
Work highlights
Representing the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in two related arbitrations under a long-term gas sales agreement with the UAE, with a combined value of over USD 100 billion.
Acted for Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV (KPO) in a high-value gas price review arbitration under a long-term sales contract with KazRosGas LLP.
Acting as co-counsel for the contractor responsible for constructing the third set of locks for the Panama Canal, a USD 5 billion project.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.
Practice head
Mark Howarth
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Leach; Wilson Antoon; Katia Finkel; Kate Johnston; Eleanne Hussey