Serving as a hub for managing international disputes across Europe, Latin-America, Asia, and the Middle East and US, Winston & Strawn LLP’s ‘international arbitration team is a market-leading, heavyweight group’. Recent disputes involved the mining, private equity, sports, energy, manufacturing, maritime, and banking and financial services sectors. Michael Stepek has longstanding international commercial and investment treaty arbitration experience; Matthew Bate routinely acts under all the major institutional rules; Ben Bruton's ’analysis of issues is always spot on’; and Daniel Meagher acts in both commercial and investor-state disputes. International disputes expert Suzanne Labi was promoted to partner in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Winston international arbitration team is a market-leading, heavyweight group. They are highly knowledgeable in all things arbitration related.’
‘They truly understand the value of investing in clients. It is a buzzword for many firms, but this firm actually achieves it - they understand that time spent learning and understanding business nuances pays dividends. It's not a financial discount, but instead a partnership.’
‘It's a large firm with a small/boutique firm feel. This allows for a genuine feeling of partnership and the building of sustainable relationships - clients don't just feel like a billing target.’
‘Flexible on billing, very strong commercial negotiators, and good strategists.’
‘Willing to go the extra mile that is needed to ensure successful outcomes.’
‘Ben Bruton is a star. His client management skills are second to none, and he shows an unwavering commitment to clients.’
Key clients
- Dominion Minerals Corp
- Orla Mining
- Emerging Capital Partners
Work highlights
Representing Orla Mining in its claims against the Republic of Panama, in connection with the Cerro Quema Project.
Represented Dominion Minerals Corp in its claims under the US and Republic of Panama treaty, concerning the treatment and protection of investments, arising from Dominion’s investment in a copper and gold concession in Western Panama.
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.
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.
Suzanne Labi
Practice head
Michael Stepek
Other key lawyers
Matthew Bate; Ben Bruton; Daniel Meagher; Suzanne Labi