
Highlighting its status as a top-tier international arbitration practice, the team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is well-versed in leading, complex cases. The practice is equally skilled at handling commercial and investor-state arbitration work, and is particularly skilled at handling matters for clients in Latin America. Displaying its capabilities, members of the New York-based team recently represented Freeport-McMoran in an ICSID arbitration against Peru, with claims exceeding $1 billion. Co-practice head Catherine Amirfar has vast experience acting on high-profile international commercial and treaty arbitrations, and led the team in successfully defending the Government of the Republic of Iraq against high-value ICSID claims. Also leading the practice is Mark Friedman, who sits as co-chair of the firm’s mining and natural resources group, and whose experience spans a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions. Dietmar Prager has knowledge of ICC, ICSID, LCIA, and ICDR proceedings, representing clients on disputes linked to complex infrastructure projects, investment treaties, and mining projects. Natalie Reid represents multinational corporations and non-government organisations in US courts and international fora, while multilingual Ina Popova is particularly experienced in the energy, technology, and media sectors. Laura Sinisterra and William Taft are noted.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Republic of Azerbaijan
- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V.
- Gramercy Funds Management LLC
- The Republic of Iraq
Work highlights
Represented Freeport-McMoRan and Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde in an ICSID arbitration against Peru under the US-Peru TPA, involving claims in excess of $1bn.
Successfully represented Gramercy Funds Management, and an affiliate, in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the Government of Peru under the US-Peru TPA, arising out of Peru’s efforts to evade payment of agrarian bonds issued in exchange for property expropriated by the government in the 1970s.
Successfully defended the Government of the Republic of Iraq against ICSID claims in two separate arbitral proceedings, totaling over $1bn.
Lawyers
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Catherine Amirfar; Mark Friedman
Other key lawyers
Ina Popova; Dietmar Prager; Natalie Reid; Laura Sinisterra; William Taft