Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is noted for its ‘brilliant legal analysis coupled with total commitment to the case’, with expertise acting for clients from the energy, and oil and gas sectors. The firm recently represented the Republic of Italy in resisting the enforcement of two ECT arbitral awards in US courts, displaying the team’s capability to act on EU law matters. New York-based Christian Leathley co-leads the Latin America group, while acting as the US head of international arbitration. Leathley specialises in high-profile international commercial and investment arbitration. Amal Bouchenaki and Marco De Sousa also lead the team, operating out of the same office. Bouchenaki is dual-qualified in the US and France, and represents a wealth of clients across hospitality, banking, and energy, with expertise in investment treaty arbitration and international commercial arbitration. De Sousa specialises in disputes in the energy and TMT sectors, and is skilled at handling commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. Benjamin Guthrie and Daniela Páez are noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Outstanding partners and associates. Great advocates. The team is second to none.’

  • 'Brilliant legal analysis coupled with total commitment to the case.’

Key clients

  • Saudi Arabian Chevron and Chevron Corporation
  • Andes Petroleum Ecuador Ltd ("Andes")
  • Andes Petroleum Ecuador Ltd.
  • Republic of Italy
  • GMS Ventures and Investment Holdings Co. LLC / Jordan (Exempt); GMS Ventures and Investments Holdings - Jordan (Free Zones) [Partly Confidential]
  • Sigma Constructores, S.A. (“Sigma”)
  • Republic of Tunisia

Work highlights

Acting as counsel for Chevron Corporation to defend the company against an $18 billion sham arbitral award issued against Chevron and Saudi Aramco by a corrupt "arbitration centre" in Cairo, Egypt
Represented Andes in an arbitration in which Andes sought to recover its 40% share of a $1.06 billion arbitral award from Occidental Exploration and Production Company (“OEPC”)
Representing the Republic of Italy in relation to two enforcement actions.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Amal Bouchenaki
Christian Leathley

Practice head

Christian Leathley; Amal Bouchenaki; Marco de Sousa

Other key lawyers

Benjamin Guthrie; Daniela Páez