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England - London • Dispute resolution
4

Public international law

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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts for state entities, private corporations, non-governmental organisations, and individuals on a broad range of public international law matters, including ICSID arbitrations, human rights issues, and advisory work on sanctions. Penny Madden KC is an experienced international arbitrator with a focus on telecoms, international trade, and energy disputes, while the ‘highly authoritative’ Robert Spano draws on his experience as the former president of the ECHR to advise on PIL, business law, and human rights issues. Madden and Spano jointly head the team. Ceyda Knoebel is highly recommended by clients for her ’in-depth understanding and experience of international arbitration’. Former practice co-head Cyrus Benson left the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Gibson Dunn (London) has an excellent litigation team which includes experts in public international law such as Ceyda Knoebel. It can turn its expertise in international arbitration to investment treaty arbitration and other cases involving public international law or before international courts and tribunals. It also has demonstrated expertise running any ancillary proceedings in the English courts. A great all-round firm with great people to work with.’

  • ‘I have worked with Ceyda Knoebel for many years, primarily in investment treaty arbitration. She is one of the best people I have ever worked with, combining in-depth understanding and experience of international arbitration and public international law, with superlative case management skills. Ceyda makes difficult cases that much easier.’

  • ‘Robert Spano is a highly authoritative figure in public international law, who draws effectively on his wealth of experience as the former President of the European Court of Human Rights.'

  • 'Ceyda Knoebel is excellent and very responsive and efficient.’

Key clients

  • Corral Morocco Holdings AB
  • Yukos Capital
  • The Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia
  • Kimberly-Clark
  • CC/Devas (Mauritius) Ltd.; Telcom Devas Mauritius Limited; Devas Employees Mauritius Private Limited
  • Fulbright Foundation

Practice head

Penny Madden KC; Robert Spano

Other key lawyers

Ceyda Knoebel