Home to ‘one of the strongest arbitration teams in London’, Clifford Chance LLP represents major corporations and financial institutions, as well as energy and construction clients, in both bet-the-company commercial arbitrations and politically charged cases. Its expertise also includes significant sports sector cases. A ’true expert in international arbitration’, Marie Berard‘s track record includes acting as counsel in over 50 international commercial arbitration proceedings, her caseload spanning the energy, construction, financial, and oil and gas sectors. Rob Lambert’s experience encompasses arbitration cases under the ICC, LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Alex Panayides heads the firm’s global dispute resolution practice for the construction and oil and gas and sectors, and Jessica Gladstone is ‘an impressive lawyer and advocate’. The second line of experienced practitioners comprises international commercial arbitration specialist Sachin Trikha, Christina Cathey Schuetz, who acts in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, and international law and commercial arbitration practitioner Anna Kirkpatrick. Melissa Hollenders-Brown focuses on the energy, commodities and construction sectors. Sam Brown, who focuses on international commercial arbitration disputes in the energy, construction, engineering and technology sectors, was made partner in May 2024 and in June, Audley Sheppard KC, former international arbitration group co-head joined Twenty Essex.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the strongest arbitration teams in London.’
‘Very experienced and professional practice.’
‘Very flexible, easy to get hold of, and comfortable to work with.’
‘The Clifford Chance international arbitration team has a wealth of experience, which it combines with a high level of diligence and client support.’
‘Quite informal team where it is possible to have good in-depth discussions.’
‘Marie Berard is a true expert in international arbitration - highly accomplished and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Jessica Gladstone is an impressive lawyer and advocate.’
‘Sachin Trikha is proactive and hands-on.’
Key clients
- IPIC
- Aabar
- Goshawk Aviation
- The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria
- Eternity Sky Investments
- CAA
- Wasserman
- ICM
- Stellar
- ARETÉ
Work highlights
- Acting for sovereign investment companies IPIC and Aabar, in relation to claims against a state concerning the performance of contractual obligations under a binding term sheet.
- Acting for Odebrecht Latinvest against the Republic of Peru, in relation to the termination of a concession contract to build and operate a pipeline for the transportation of natural gas in the South of Peru.
- Acted for a global manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft in an ICC arbitration that was brought by a South Asian airline, the matter concerning English law-governed contracts and allegations over conduct in Sri Lanka, transactions in various foreign currencies, and a Brunei-incorporated company.
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.
Marie Berard
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sam Brown
Sachin Trikha
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Christina Cathey Schuetz
Practice head
Marie Berard
Other key lawyers
Rob Lambert; Alex Panayides; Jessica Gladstone; Sachin Trikha; Christina Cathey Schuetz; Anna Kirkpatrick; Melissa Hollenders-Brown; Sam Brown