Specialist public international law boutique firm Volterra Fietta counts several sovereign states and state-backed entities amongst its impressive roster of clients, handling the full range of PIL work, including advisory opinion proceedings before the ICJ and other international courts, ICSID treaty arbitrations, as well as international law proceedings before domestic courts. Treaty negotiation, sanctions, and business and human rights issues constitute further pillars of work for the team. Robert Volterra has a strong track record advising sovereign states on climate change, state immunity, and land and maritime boundary issues before the ICJ. Peter Flint takes point on international arbitration matters, acting for governments and global corporations; Gunjan Sharma is a key contact for international environmental law and maritime delimitation work; while Ahmed Abdel Hakam has a focus on international disputes in the energy and natural resources sectors. The four jointly lead the ‘unique’ team and are ably assisted by Angela Ha and Magdalena Kowalczuk Asher.
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Testimonials
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‘Volterra Fietta has a unique team, every lawyer holds at least one degree in public international law, specialized in one field or more, and has excellent knowledge and experience. The lawyers are available and very cooperative, and ready to respond almost anytime. I had an excellent experience with them.'
‘I worked with almost all partners in the Firm, and I appreciate them all. But I worked closely in many cases and for many years with Mr. Robert Volterra, whom I consider one of the best lawyers in PIL in the world. His deep knowledge, great experience, availability, and his warm and friendly style and personality make him close to leaders and important personalities in many countries. Mr. Volterra is capable of giving the advisory on the spot and can write a complete Memo with all that it needs in no time.’
'The quality of advice is exceptional.'
'Robert Volterra's grasp of public international law is second to none. He is very approachable and has the ability to put clients at ease.'
'Deep specialised knowledge; nimble; genuinely international.'
Key clients
- International Coffee Organization
- International Sugar Organization
- Republic of Malawi
- State of Libya
- Minority shareholders in Natulab Laboratório S.A
- Barbados
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Republic of Croatia
- Republic of the Union of Myanmar
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- Koch Minerals Sàrl
- Koch Nitrogen International Sàrl
Work highlights
Representing Barbados in advisory opinion proceedings before International Court of Justice and Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning climate change obligations of States.
Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in Dr Saeed Shehabi and Mr Moosa Mohammed v Kingdom of Bahrain in the English courts, including the UK Supreme Court, the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division and the Court of Appeal, in proceedings concerning key questions about the scope of State immunity in cases where a foreign State is alleged to have conducted remote computer surveillance of persons in the UK from abroad.
Represented the Arab Republic of Egypt in the ICSID investment treaty arbitration Al Jazeera Media Network v Arab Republic of Egypt.
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.
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
Robert Volterra; Peter Flint; Gunjan Sharma; Ahmed Abdel Hakam
Other key lawyers
Angela Ha; Magdalena Kowalczuk Asher