In addition to Withers LLP‘s credentials in state-state and treaty disputes, the practice consistently litigates international law issues in the courts of England and Wales, in relation to sovereign immunity. The ’fantastic team’ is also experienced in human rights disputes and sanctions. The only Solicitor-Advocate to take silk in 2024, ‘outstanding’ practice head Hussein Haeri KC advises on the gamut of public international law matters, including sovereign immunity issues arising out of the enforcement of judgments and awards against states, as well as The Law of the Sea, human rights, and international sanctions; and former Attorney General of England and Wales, Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, represents states in international disputes. The ’technically skilled and commercial’ practice additionally showcases Robert Kovacs, a specialist in public international law, international arbitration, and business and human rights; Camilla Gambarini, who represents individuals, companies, states and state-owned entities in international arbitrations involving the energy, aviation, metal, waste management and media sectors; former Member of the UN International Law Commission Aniruddha Rajput; and dual-qualified (Turkey and England and Wales) Ruzin Dagli, whose workload covers the application of treaties, and disputes concerning human rights, sovereign immunity, and international trade and investments.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team has a very unique international approach to its work, and its knowledge of legal contexts is incredible and very useful.’
‘Clients are very pleased with the commitment and professional skills of those involved in their work.’
‘The team is technically skilled and commercial. They take a commercial approach that is much appreciated.’
‘The firm's commitment to pro bono, especially in the international sphere, really places it a cut above others.’
‘Withers has a fantastic team that specialises in both public international law and international arbitration.’
‘Led by the outstanding Hussein Haeri KC, they offer one of the best practices in this area in London.’
‘Hussein Haeri KC is an excellent lawyer and a rare combination of intellectual prowess and commercial nous. Very impressive, as clients do not often get one with the other.’
‘Hussein Haeri KC displays his exceptional intellect and experience to good effect for his clients throughout the preparation and hearing of a case.’
Key clients
- Government of Equatorial Guinea
- Qatar National Bank
- Gruppo Piccini
- Oxfam America
- Avaaz
- Gesenu
- Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co
- The Government of the Virgin Islands
- Clooney Foundation for Justice
- Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine
Work highlights
- Representing the Government of Equatorial Guinea in The M/T Heroic Idun (No. 2) case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
- Acting for Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co in the global enforcement of an approximately $70m investment treaty award against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Represented the Government of the (British) Virgin Islands in a Commission of Inquiry, which was tasked with establishing whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty in relation to officials (whether statutory, elected or public) may have taken place in recent years.
Lawyers
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.
Robert Kovacs
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
Hussein Haeri KC
Other key lawyers
Sir Geoffrey Cox KC; Robert Kovacs; Camilla Gambarini; Aniruddha Rajput; Ruzin Dagli