Withers LLP is noted for its wide geographic focus, spanning the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia, covering international commercial and investor–state arbitrations arising from energy, mining and metals, infrastructure and renewables disputes. Heading up the team is New York-based Floriane Lavaud who is a reference in the market for treaty and contract interpretation, state-to-state and sovereign-facing proceedings, placing a notable emphasis on the Middle East. Also in New York, Christopher LaVigne works at the intersection of finance, technology and regulation, with a particular focus on digital assets and crypto-related disputes. San Francisco’s Conte Cicala has a strong niche in maritime, shipping, transportation and trade-related disputes. Kimberly Pallen is a key port of call for brokerage firms, funds and multinational corporates in high-stakes commercial and securities arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- Qatar Airways
- Gramercy Funds Management LLC and Gramercy Peru Holdings LLC
- Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.)
- Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd.
- Frazer Solar GmbH
- Heritage Travel and Tourism Ltd.
- Binance Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Representing Qatar National Bank ("QNB") in the enforcement of an arbitral award against the Republic of South Sudan and the Bank of South Sudan in various jurisdictions.
Representing Piccini in ICSID arbitration proceedings under the Italy-Cameroon BIT 1999.
Representing Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. (“Zhongshan”) in the enforcement of an arbitral award against the Federal Republic of Nigeria (“Nigeria”) in various jurisdictions.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Floriane Lavaud
Other key lawyers
Christopher LaVigne; Conte Cicala; Kimberly Pallen