Further to the May 2024 merger between Allen & Overy LLP and Shearman & Sterling, A&O Shearman is ‘at the top of its game in arbitration-related matters’. The combined London practice, which handles both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, has significant energy disputes expertise, particularly in relation to gas price arbitrations. It also acts in arbitrations concerning banking, finance and complex financial products, as well as disputes over IP, TMT, infrastructure and construction projects, and joint venture, M&A and shareholder issues. Mark Levy KC is a ’very able advocate’, who maintains an extensive gas price arbitration practice. David Herlihy focuses on international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations and Daniel Garton, a September 2023 hire from White & Case LLP, acts in disputes under the ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, SIAC and UNCITRAL rules. James Freeman is ‘a super-bright, excellent strategist’, and Matthew Hodgson and Guled Yusuf both specialise in international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. The practice further includes construction and infrastructure disputes expert Sunil Mawkin and Katrina Limond, who has broad commercial arbitration experience. From the Shearman side, the recent merger also brought over global co-head of international arbitration Alex Bevan, who is particularly focused on the Middle East, and experienced arbitration practitioner Matthew Skinner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quality of work and attention is second to none, as is the proactive approach to problem solving. The arbitration team has a first-class reputation internationally. That reputation is richly deserved. They have a pipeline of talented juniors and excellent partners.’
‘What marks the team out is the uniformly high quality of its team, from trainee to partner. They know the law, the procedure and the technical aspects that form the subject matter of the dispute. They are the real deal.’
‘The team is bright, hard-working and thorough. They make a formidable team that any opponent would wisely treat with the greatest respect. Very deep bench. A team of very smart people. Engaging, detail oriented and responsive.’
‘The team is excellent. At the top of its game in arbitration-related matters. They are highly responsive, technically excellent and very client conscious.’
‘Mark Levy KC - very bright and engaging. A very able advocate. An excellent KC, who provides powerful submissions and effective cross-examination.’
‘James Freeman is fantastic. Very responsive and on top of the detail. Exceptionally strategic thinker.’
‘James Freeman is a super-bright, excellent strategist. Guled Yusuf is terrific on detail and client focused and has an excellent reputation in investment treaty disputes.’
‘Daniel Garton is a highly responsive, experienced and commercially pragmatic practitioner.’
Key clients
- International Finance Corporation
- BG (part of Royal Dutch Shell Group)
- Reliance Industries
- QatarEnergy LNG
- International Swaps & Derivatives Association (ISDA)
- Kempinski Hotels
- Government of Pakistan
- Manchester United
- Commerzbank
- OHL Internacional and Contrack (Cyprus)
Work highlights
Representing BG and Reliance Industries in London-seated arbitrations against the Government of India (UNCITRAL rules), in relation to two Indian-law governed production sharing contracts.
Representing OHL Internacional and Contrack (Cyprus), as respondents, in an ICC arbitration in London, which was initiated by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, concerning the development of a world-class medical facility in the Middle East.
Representing an international joint venture, as claimant, in an ICC arbitration against Qatari Railways Company, the dispute arising from the termination by Qatari Railways Company of a contract for the design and build of two of Doha Metro’s flagship stations.
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.
Guled Yusuf
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
Practice head
James Freeman; Alex Bevan
Other key lawyers
Mark Levy KC; David Herlihy; Daniel Garton; Matthew Hodgson; Guled Yusuf; Sunil Mawkin; Katrina Limond; Alastair Livesey; Karan Talwar; Alex Bevan; Matthew Skinner