With strong experience advising clients in the Middle East, the contentious construction team at White & Case LLP is well-versed in handling international arbitration and litigation in the construction sector. Its areas of expertise span construction disputes concerning data centres, as well as the aviation, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Ellis Baker leads the team, and is known to act for a range of international clients. David Robertson has strong expertise in handling disputes concerning engineering, energy and infrastructure projects. Other key members of the team include Rebecca Major, who has experience in the London Court of International Arbitration, and the International Chamber of Commerce, and Emily Elliott, who specialises in disputes concerning energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The individuals (Mr. David Robertson, Mr. Jakub Wolkowicz, and Mr. Jakub Żelazny) I have worked with at White & Case distinguish themselves through their outstanding legal expertise, commercial judgment, and dedication to client service. What I value most is their ability to provide clear and practical advice on highly complex construction disputes. They take the time to understand the client's business objectives and tailor their recommendations accordingly, rather than providing purely academic legal analysis. This commercial mindset makes them trusted advisors rather than simply external counsel. I have also been particularly impressed by their responsiveness and availability. Questions are addressed promptly, often under demanding time constraints, and the quality of the advice remains consistently high. The team is proactive, well-prepared, and attentive to detail, which gives clients confidence when dealing with significant and high-stakes matters. In addition, the lawyers demonstrate excellent communication skills. Complex legal and technical issues are explained clearly and concisely, enabling effective decision-making by both legal and commercial stakeholders. Their professionalism, collaborative attitude, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the client truly set them apart from many competitors. Overall, the individuals I have worked with have consistently impressed me with their expertise, client-friendly approach, responsiveness, and strong commitment to delivering practical solutions. They are among the most reliable and effective external counsel with whom I have worked.
- The White & Case team stands out for its exceptional combination of deep technical expertise, commercial understanding, and client-focused service. The team demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of complex construction and infrastructure disputes, particularly in cross-border and high-value matters where legal analysis must be balanced with practical business considerations. One of the firm's key strengths is its ability to provide clear, actionable advice on complicated legal and factual issues. The lawyers are highly knowledgeable and capable of quickly identifying the core issues in a dispute while maintaining a strategic perspective on the client's commercial objectives. Their advice is consistently practical, well-reasoned, and tailored to the client's needs. The team also distinguishes itself through its responsiveness and collaborative approach. They work seamlessly across jurisdictions and practice areas, providing coordinated support that is invaluable on large-scale international projects. Compared to other firms, White & Case combines the resources and technical capabilities of a global practice with a level of partner involvement and client attention that is often difficult to find elsewhere. Another notable strength is the team's commitment to efficient communication and knowledge sharing. They are proactive in keeping clients informed, responsive to urgent requests, and effective at explaining complex legal issues in a clear and accessible manner.
- Adept at aligning advice and representation with strategic and commercial objectives. Excellent strategic acumen. Know the business sectors and industries in which they advise clients. Highly responsive and effective communicators.
Key clients
- WeBuild
Work highlights
Representing Grupo Unidos por el Canal S.A. (Panama) and its shareholders WeBuild (formerly Salini Impregilo S.p.A). (Italy), Sacyr S.A. (Spain), and Jan De Nul N.V. (Belgium) in a dispute with the Panama Canal Authority relating to the US$5.5 billion Panama Canal expansion project.
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.
Practice head
Ellis Baker
Other key lawyers
David Robertson; Rebecca Major; Emily Elliott