With a reputation for high-stakes EPC, industrial engineering and insurance-related arbitrations, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is also well-equipped to handle a broad array of investor-state arbitration and complex commercial disputes, notably in construction, infrastructure and energy, regularly acting for states, investors and market-leading oil and gas clients. Houston-based Richard Deutsch regularly acts as lead counsel and arbitrator under ICC, SIAC, ICSID and UNCITRAL. In Washington DC Michael Jaffe draws on longstanding experience in both international arbitration forums and domestic court proceedings. New York’s Robert Sills is noted for acting in landmark arbitrarily cases and complex joint venture and private equity disputes. Other key members of the team are Washington DC-based Stephan Becker and New York’s June Yeum.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s international arbitration practice stands out for combining deep procedural expertise with strong industry knowledge, particularly in energy, infrastructure, construction, technology, and financial services. The team is known for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes with a strategic, business-oriented approach rather than treating arbitration as a purely procedural exercise.'
- 'Compared to other firms, Pillsbury distinguishes itself through efficiency, cost predictability, and a pragmatic deployment of resources without overstaffing matters. The practice has embraced innovation through advanced e-discovery and document management tools, flexible fee structures where appropriate, diverse and multilingual teams, and strong cross-office collaboration. Overall, it offers a balanced combination of technical excellence and commercial awareness.'
- 'The individuals I have worked with stand out for their combination of technical excellence, strategic judgment, and commercial awareness. They demonstrate a deep understanding of arbitral procedure while remaining focused on achieving practical outcomes aligned with the client’s business objectives. '
- 'Steve Becker is one of the best attorneys we have ever worked with. He always gives the extra mile and brings the required thoughtful spark when is needed in legal strategies. Steve is a formidable arbitration specialist with long-standing expertise in investor-state arbitration. We’re really impressed about Gary Shaw, recently promoted to counsel. He’s becoming a raising star in International Arbitration.'
Key clients
- Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corporation
- United Mexican States – Secretaria de Economia
- Huzhou Chuangtai Rongyuan Investment Management Partnership, et al
- AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Work highlights
Representing the Government of Mexico in more than a dozen investor–state arbitrations under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules arising under NAFTA, USMCA, and CPTPP.
Representing Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corporation and Process Consultants Inc. in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Colombia under the U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
Obtained U.S. court confirmation and enforcement of a USD $500 million CIETAC arbitral award against Hui Qin—the largest Chinese arbitration award ever confirmed in the United States.
Practice head
Richard Deutsch; Michael Jaffe; Robert Sills
Other key lawyers
Stephan Becker; June Yeum