Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP ‘stands out for its unparalleled excellence in international arbitration’, with expertise spanning global asset recovery, complex offshore disputes, and intricate cross border insolvency work. The team has a dedicated 1782 practice, and has experience handling both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations in a number of languages. Displaying its cross-border capabilities, the firm recently represented Focus Energia in a complex ICC arbitration linked to a leading solar energy project. Splitting his time between Washington DC and Miami, David Orta is ’unmatched in the courtroom’, and is skilled at handling Latin American matters, as well as matters spanning the energy, oil and gas, transportation, and infrastructure sectors. In New York, Mark McNeill chairs the international arbitration practice, with energy and infrastructure expert Michael Young KC playing a key role. All operating out of Washington DC, Daniel Salinas-Serrano handles complex international arbitrations for commercial clients, investors, and sovereign governments, while Dawn Yamane Hewett and Lucas Loviscek are both experts in headline grabbing arbitrations. Based in Houston and Washington DC, Julianne Jaquith is adept at handling investor state arbitrations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Quinn Emanuel stands out for its unparalleled excellence in international arbitration. In our experience, no other firm matches their ability to thoroughly investigate, apply, and defend the law.
- David Orta, who leads the international arbitration practice for the Americas, is unmatched in the courtroom. Few attorneys are as articulate and compelling as the Quinn Emanuel team. Their arguments are meticulous, well-supported, and leave little to no room for opposing counsel to undermine them.'
- 'Trial preparation with Quinn Emanuel is rigorous—because they anticipate every line of attack—but it makes cross-examination at the hearing straightforward and, at times, even enjoyable.
- 'Quinn Emanuel’s team is among the most diverse I’ve worked with, spanning racial, ethnic, national, and gender backgrounds, as well as varied experience and skill sets. Everyone, regardless of seniority, contributes meaningfully to the process.'
- 'Quinn Emanuel’s combination of depth, clarity, and strategic precision is unmatched in our experience.’
‘I cannot speak highly enough about David Orta. He is formidable in a hearing or trial. He crafts arguments so masterfully that you can’t help but hang on his every word. During cross-examinations, David is both professional and firm, systematically dismantling the opposition. He doesn’t just stick to a prepared script—he actively listens, adapts, and pivots with precision.'
- 'I have the utmost respect for David Orta and his team—there is truly no one else like him.'
- 'Daniel Salinas complements David Orta seamlessly in the courtroom. Their differing styles play off each other to great effect.'
- 'Julianne Jaquith managed our case with exceptional skill and professionalism. Julianne handled all aspects of our case flawlessly, and during the portions of the hearing where she presented or cross-examined, it was clear why Quinn Emanuel named her an up-and-coming attorney and recently promoted her to partner.’
Key clients
- United Group B.V. (Dutch), Adria Serbia Holdco B.V. (Dutch), Serbia Broadband–srpske kablovske mreže d.o.o. Beograd (Serbian)
- Rasia
- The Estate of Julio Miguel Orlandini-Agreda; Compañía Minera Orlandini Ltda.
- Crescent Petroleum Company International, Ltd. and Crescent Gas Corporation, Ltd
- DP World
- Focus Energia
- Shandong Landbridge Group
- Brazilian renewableenergy subsidiaries of Brookfield Asset Management(collectively referred to as “Elera”)
Work highlights
- Represented a group of creditors of TP Ferro Concesionaria S.A., and the insolvency administrator of the company, in relation to the termination of a concession agreement related to the construction and operation of a high speed international railway between France and Spain.
- Represented 37 U.S. investors in an international investment arbitration against Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
- Represented Focus Energia in an ICC arbitration arising from a contract dispute over the supply of photovoltaic modules critical for the construction of a solar energy project conducted by Focus in Brazil.
Lawyers
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.
Dawn Yamane Hewett
Practice head
David Orta; Mark McNeill
Other key lawyers
Michael Young KC; Daniel Salinas-Serrano; Dawn Yamane Hewett; Lucas Loviscek; Julianne Jaquith