With ‘a truly distinguished international arbitration practice’, CMS acts in major energy, infrastructure, construction, TMT, insurance, and life sciences sector disputes. It also covers conflicts involving climate change, and matters involving the intersection between IP rights and arbitration. The group is co-led by international commercial arbitration specialist Richard Bamforth; and Sarah Vasani, who is ’a lawyer of exceptional calibre’. The department further includes Guy Pendell, an expert in technology, finance and general commercial matters; Phillip Ashley, who acts in energy related-commercial arbitrations; and the ‘excellent’ Adrian Bell. Sarah Grenfell, Emma Schaafsma, Philip Norman, Lindsay Reimschussel, and Sunil Mawkin are also experienced practitioners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS has built a truly-distinguished international arbitration practice, combining legal excellence with deep sectoral knowledge and global reach.’
‘The team is highly skilled in managing complex, high-value disputes across multiple jurisdictions, with particular strength in energy, infrastructure and investment treaty matters.’
‘Their approach is strategic, detail oriented and commercially aware, with a clear focus on achieving effective outcomes for clients. CMS stands out not only for the quality of its advocacy and procedural expertise, but also for its ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on structuring investments, managing risks and enforcing arbitral awards.’
‘It is a pleasure to work with a team of such calibre and international fluency.’
- ‘Richard Bamforth and Guy Pendell are both bright, well informed and hard-working. They are also very agreeable to work with.’
‘True sector expertise and Adrian Bell is excellent.’
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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sunil Mawkin
Lindsay Reimschussel
Practice head
Richard Bamforth; Sarah Vasani
Other key lawyers
Guy Pendell; Phillip Ashley; Adrian Bell; Sarah Grenfell; Emma Schaafsma; Philip Norman; Lindsay Reimschussel; Jessica Foley; Daria Kuznetsova; Sunil Mawkin