King & Spalding LLP is a ‘truly global leader in the international arbitration space’, boasting experience across international commercial and investment arbitration. The team is particularly adept at handling matters in the energy and natural resources space, with a number of leading clients including Chevron and leading renewable energy clients. Based in Houston, team head Wade Coriell is ’persuasive and a top advocate you will always want to have on your team,’ with extensive expertise in energy disputes. Also leading the practice is Atlanta-based Elizabeth Silbert, acting on a number of leading projects focusing on energy, infrastructure, and pharma industries. Based in Washington DC, Aloysius Llamzon is ‘impressively knowledgeable, responsive and reliable’, representing private and sovereign clients in a number of commercial and inter-State disputes. In the New York office, Edward Kehoe and Samaa Haridi are key names, while in Houston, Doak Bishop has vast experience in oil and gas, energy, and construction work. In Miami, Harry Burnett has a focus on international commercial and investment treaty disputes, specialising in arbitrations in Latin American and Portuguese speaking countries. The practice has continued to grow, with the arrival to the New York office of Sarmad Khojasteh from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP in April 2024 and Christopher Duffy from Vinson & Elkins LLP in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very strategic mindset to assist with complex disputes.’
‘The team's international arbitration practice is superior. Not only because their exceptional skills and experience, but also rich resources of finding experts inside and outside the firm. ’
‘Aloysius Llamzon is truly a public international law expert. He is impressively knowledgeable, responsive and reliable. Wade Coriell is exceptional. He is persuasive and a top advocate you will always want to have on your team.’
‘King & Spalding’s international arbitration practice is simply outstanding. From the breadth of their experience in the field to the sophistication of their lawyers all levels of seniority, the firm stands out from the competition. The team’s ability to work on multiple language and the individual lawyers’ qualifications in many jurisdictions makes the King & Spalding a truly global leader in the international arbitration space.'
'In the energy sector, there is no kind of dispute they have not successfully worked on. In addition, the speak the business language and are able to devise commercially viable strategies for all situations and to communicate clearly with senior business stakeholders. The diversity of their ranks and their impressive responsiveness and flexibility in terms of fee arrangements are also remarkable.’
‘Partners Harry Burnett, Samaa Haridi, Craig Miles, Erica Franzetti, and Fernando Rodriguez-Cortina are definitely industry leaders and stand out for their relentless dedication to client service, creativity, professionalism and positive attitude. Associate Marcio Vasconcellos is a rising star. ’
‘The consistency of its delivery of quality is what stands out.'
‘Wade Coriell is soft spoken but very persuasive.'
Key clients
- Refinería de Cartagena S.A. (“Reficar”)
- Sociedad Aeroportuaria Kuntur Wasi S.A. and Corporación América S.A.
- Lima Expresa and VINCI
- WeBuild S.p.A.
- Sanitek S.a.r.l., Sari Haddad and Elias Doumet
- Westmoreland Coal Company
- Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.
- Chevron
- Multiple renewable energy clients
Work highlights
- Secured a landmark $1.9 billion award for Reficar in an ICC arbitration against the contractor relating to delays and cost overruns involving a refinery in Colombia - the largest construction project in Latin America.
- Secured a $91 million arbitration award against Perú on behalf of clients Sociedad Aeroportuaria Kuntur Wasi S.A. and Corporación América for both contractual and treaty breaches (Argentina-Peru BIT) arising from Peru’s improper cancellation of the new Chinchero International Airport Project in the Cusco Region of Peru.
- Represent numerous clients in 22 investment arbitrations brought under the Energy Charter Treaty against Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Romania. Our clients made substantial investments in renewable energy facilities (photovoltaic, hydro-electric and wind) which were harmed by alterations to the legal framework incentivizing electricity generation from renewable energy sources.
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.
Edward Kehoe
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Elizabeth Silbert
Harry Burnett
Samaa Haridi
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Aloysius Llamzon
Practice head
Wade Coriell; Elizabeth Silbert
Other key lawyers
Aloysius Llamzon; Edward Kehoe; Samaa Haridi; Doak Bishop; Sarmad Khojasteh; Christopher Duffy