Leveraging the bench strength of its international network of offices White & Case LLP has cultivated a leading arbitration practice in the US, excelling in the enforcement and annulment of arbitral awards and judgments, and complex parallel proceedings before national courts worldwide. The team is particularly noted for disputes arising from investor-state arbitration, energy and natural resources, construction and infrastructure, financial services and technology, with deep experience handling sovereign and state-related litigation across Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Global co-head Abby Cohen Smutny is based in Washington, DC and retains a renowned arbitration reputation globally, with a track record in significant investor-state arbitration victories across a myriad of industries, from financial services, mining and oil & gas to power, pharmaceuticals, construction and telecommunications. Also in Washington, DC and leading the Americas arbitration team is Carolyn Lamm, showcasing expertise in investor–state arbitration, with noted experience in ICSID and Additional Facility proceedings. In New York, Damien Nyer steers the firm’s Americas arbitration regional practice, expertly undertaking proceedings across ICC, ICSID, ICDR, AAA, SIAC and LCI, as well as in ad hoc proceedings. Also in New York, global c0-head of international arbitration Ank Santens is recognized for her involvement in high-value commercial, investment and construction disputes, drawing on experience in arbitrations in all major hubs. Washington, DC-based Hansel Pham and Miami’s Silvia Marchili are other key arbitration practitioners within the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The WC Dispute resolution team assists us in several matters in the US and abroad. They are attentive, proactive, dedicated, experienced and very technical. We trust them in every decision we make in our most relevant cases, even in jurisdictions other than in the US - for strategic purposes.’
- 'Jennifer Glasser is thorough, detail-oriented, has sharp critical thinking skills, and provides legal services of the highest quality. With her on our cases, we are confident that absolutely everything will be carefully analysed, and no important point will be overlooked.’
‘The depth and breadth of the team of White & Case LLP is enormous. It consists of capable and talented lawyers with extensive expertise and experience in international arbitration. The practice stands out with its ability to deal quickly and effectively with highly complex cases covering a huge documentary record and multiple legal issues.’
‘I would recommend Abby Cohen Smutny and Petr Polášek. Ms. Smutny is a brilliant lawyer with excellent strategic thinking and persuasive advocacy skills. She is an extraordinarily intelligent, deeply knowledgeable in all aspects of public international law and international investment arbitration, and very insightful in her litigation approach. Mr. Polasek is an excellent lawyer with extensive knowledge and experience in international arbitration. His dedication to the best service, responsiveness and professionalism make him a great asset for the client's legal team.’
‘Excellent counselling and strategy with regard to arbitrator selection and communications; strong reputation and relationships within international arbitration community; good understanding and counselling with regard to pros/cons of various procedural options.’
‘Silvia Marchili has an outstanding reputation within, and knowledge of, the international arbitration community. Her network proved invaluable with regard to panel selection, and she successfully steered us through various procedural options to create maximum leverage.'
Key clients
- Honduras Próspera, Inc. and its affiliates
- Afriland First Group, S.A. and Afriland First Bank S.A.
- Continental Gold Inc.
- Republic of Bulgaria
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- WeBuild (formerly Salini Impregilo S.p.A), Jan De Nul N.V., Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A.
- NC Telecom AS, NC Telecom II AS, WOM Mobile S.A., and WOM S.A.
- Telefónica SA
- Bacanora Lithium Limited, Sonora Lithium Ltd., and Ganfeng International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
- Ioan Micula, S.C. European Food S.A., S.C. Starmill S.R.L., and S.C. Multipack S.R.L
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Republic of North Macedonia
Work highlights
Represents Honduras Próspera, Inc., a U.S. investor, and its affiliates in a high-stakes ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Honduras.
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.
Practice head
Abby Cohen Smutny; Damien Nyer
Other key lawyers
Carolyn Lamm; Ank Santens; Hansel Pham; Silvia Marchili; Jennifer Glasser; Petr Polášek; Kirsten Odynski