Counting both sovereign states and blue-chip corporations among its impressive roster of clients, A&O Shearman’s public international law team regularly handles treaty accession work, sanctions issues, and issues regarding climate change and the Law of the Sea. Contentious investment treaty work, particularly those under the Energy Charter Treaty, constitutes a key pillar of work for the team; David Herlihy, who splits his time between London and Ireland, is a key contact here. Mark Levy KC heads the team and is regularly instructed on investor-State cases, while Guled Yusuf has a focus on disputes in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors, as well as ITLOS, WTO, and ICJ proceedings. Katrina Limond, a public international law specialist, is another key individual.
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Key clients
- Republic of Djibouti
- Federal Republic of Somalia
- Republic of Korea
- Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC)
- Kingdom of Morocco
- Vodafone Group Plc (VG Plc)
- NextEra Energy Global Holdings BV and NextEra Energy Spain Holdings BV
- 9REN Holding S.À.R.L.
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Work highlights
Acted on behalf of the Republic of Djibouti before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, in advisory proceedings concerning the obligations of States in respect of climate change, as well as advising Djibouti on its strategy for engagement with the International Court of Justice.
Acted for the Kingdom of Morocco in its defence of an investment treaty claim brought by Corral Morocco Holdings AB, under the Sweden-Morocco bilateral investment treaty.
Acted for NextEra Energy Global Holdings B.V. and NextEra Energy Spain Holdings B.V., the holders of an arbitration award of more than EUR 300 million against the Kingdom of Spain, on the enforcement of the award in the UK, United States and other jurisdictions.
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.
David Herlihy
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.
Katrina Limond
Practice head
Mark Levy KC
Other key lawyers
Guled Yusuf; David Herlihy; Katrina Limond