Widely considered one of the leading US international arbitration practices, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is widely recognized for handling ultra-high-value international arbitrations, with extensive experience in investor–state and public international law disputes, including matters engaging treaty protections, sanctions and state regulatory conduct. The team is particularly noted for its advocacy in energy, natural resources and financial services arbitrations, leveraging a fully integrated New York, Europe and Asia practice to run multi-jurisdictional proceedings. The group is jointly headed out of the New York office by Catherine Amirfar and Mark W. Friedman. Seasoned arbitrator, Amirfar leverages deep experience across treaty-based disputes, complex international commercial arbitrations, and related international litigation. Friedman is a leading international arbitration practitioner with extensive experience across investment treaty and complex international commercial arbitrations, notably handling disputes involving mining, natural resources and extractive industries. Ina Popova is sought out by clients in the energy, mining and tech, media and telecoms sectors. Dietmar Prager is highly active across ICC, ICSID, LCIA, AAA and ICDR proceedings. Natalie Reid is a key port of call for multinational corporations, international and non-governmental organizations through proceedings in US courts and international fora. Laura Sinisterra is a key player in international investment and commercial arbitration. Julianne Marley is another key member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Debevoise is a top-notch international arbitration firm. One of the very best worldwide.'
‘Mark Friedman is an outstanding lawyer with brilliant oral capabilities. Dietmar Prager's knowledge of the matters is really impressive. Both are amongst the most talented lawyers in the international arbitration arena.’
Key clients
- Hess Corporation
- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V.
- Gramercy Funds Management LLC
- Republic of Iraq
- Republic of Azerbaijan
- Franco-Nevada
- Keralty S.A.S.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Work highlights
Represented Hess in its landmark victory against ExxonMobil and CNOOC,.
Represented the World Health Organization (“WHO”), a specialized agency of the United Nations, in advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (the “ICJ” or the “Court”) addressing the obligations of States in respect of climate change.
Represented Gramercy Funds Management LLC and an affiliate (collectively, “Gramercy”) in a complete win on jurisdiction and the merits in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the government of Peru under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (“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.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Julianne Marley
Practice head
Catherine Amirfar; Mark W. Friedman
Other key lawyers
Ina Popova; Dietmar Prager; Natalie Reid; Laura Sinisterra; Julianne Marley