Latham & Watkins stands out for its strength in investment treaty work, handling a high volume of ICSID work as well as ECT matters. Leveraging its international capabilities, the team also advises on issues of state immunity and human rights. Charles Claypoole, hailed by clients as ‘a highly sophisticated lawyer with terrific communication skills’, heads up the team; Claypoole’s practice focuses on international trade law, state immunity issues, and investment treaty arbitration. Sophie Lamb KC is another name on the investment treaty arbitration front, with a strong track record acting for both investors and state clients. Robert Price handles international trade law, export control issues, and sanctions work; Thomas Lane is another key contact here.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely tight cooperation in the teams, hands-on, efficient. High knowledge of legal issues, unique solutions, tailored.’
‘Simply the best law firm when it comes to investment treaty arbitration. The firm has an exceptional capability and experience in the most complex investment treaty work and can handle virtually any dispute.'
‘Charles Claypoole is a highly sophisticated lawyer with terrific communication skills. He has an unparalleled knowledge of the sector and is the go-to partner for the subtlety of his legal advice and his strategic skills.'
- 'Thomas Lane is surely one of the cleverest associates in the City of London. Superb analysis and technical knowledge, coupled with a prodigious work rate. A star of the future in this sector.’
‘An excellent set of lawyers, with exceptional command of law, facts, and strategy.’
‘Charles Claypoole is a great strategist who is always on top of the case. Tom Lane is brilliant and a very comprehensive lawyer, able to juggle big data sets and complex legal issues.’
Work highlights
Advised the Republic of Croatia in an ICSID arbitration under the Israel-Croatia BIT in relation to the development of luxury properties and golf courses near Dubrovnik.
Advising the Republic of Kazakhstan in ICSID resubmission proceedings under the Canada-Kazakhstan BIT, following the partial annulment of the award in the first arbitration.
Representing Ukraine in an arbitration brought by three Cypriot companies under the Energy Charter Treaty.
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.
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.
Thomas Lane
Practice head
Charles Claypoole
Other key lawyers
Sophie Lamb KC; Robert Price; Thomas Lane