Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is particularly distinguished for its representation of sovereign states, state-owned entities and sovereign wealth funds in investor–state arbitrations, including disputes involving taxation, sanctions and criminal-law–adjacent measures. The group showcases skills across all major arbitral rules and key industry sectors, from oil and gas and mining to finance, telecoms, infrastructure and healthcare. Leading the team in New York is George Kahale III who retains a prominent position in high-profile international arbitrations, highlighted by his role in the ExxonnMobil v. Venezuela in which the firm secured the largest annulment in ICSID history. Washington DC-based Claudia Frutos-Peterson stands out for her investor-state and commercial arbitration experience, often representing a myriad of sovereign states. Justin Jacinto is well-equipped to act in arbitrations for other states, state-owned companies, sovereign wealth funds and private companies. While in New York, Simon Batifort is especially noted for his work in Africa, Middle East and Central Asia-related ISDS matters, and Hermann Ferre focuses on construction arbitrations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The law firm has remained professional in handling major international investment arbitration cases representing the State over several years, achieving continued success, due to the members relentless dedication and devotion. The firm’s trans boundary liaison and multilingual expertise facilitated critical tasks. The firm was not only generous with providing legal guidance, but also by arranging seminars to raise legal awareness. The firm is cooperative and transparently served the best interest of its client. It’s safe to say Curtis is worthy of trust.’
'Justin Jacinto is sharp and naturally gifted. Rare excellent ability to engage in oral pleadings and has remarkable vast legal knowledge to tackle any argument and present a convincing case. Like a legal treasure.'
‘Impressive international arbitration teams dealing in particular with investment treaty arbitration - highly skilled and experienced partners and associates.’
‘Simon Batifort is one of the key players in the field, combining both impressive expertise and experience.'
‘The Curtis's international arbitration team always delivers the best quality defense which come from effective strategy, throughout preparation, in-depth knowledge of the facts and the law and artful advocacy at hearings. They can be trusted for handling complex and challenging cases in ISDS and others. They take a good care of all details and leave no stone unturned in order to develop the best defense. They work extremely well with experts, witnesses and clients, which make it like one team for the best result.'
‘George Kahale and Claudia Frutos-Peterson impress me with their excellent work quality. George's ability to identify wining/losing issues in complex cases and to develop the effective strategy to defeat the opposite sides are second to none. Claudia is an excellent arbitration lawyer with extensive experience in high-stake investment disputes which, to my knowledge, in most cases, resulted in favourable outcomes for their clients. I am very impressed with their abilities to master the facts which are often extensive and complex, understand foreign law and practices and their in-depth knowledge of international investment law and skilful advocacy in international arbitration proceedings. It is truly a great pleasure working with them.’
‘Curtis' International Arbitration practice is a highly-effective group. They do a great job of staffing their cases and ensuring that work is allocated based on the relevant experience of the lawyers working on the case. The practice provides excellent support to the technical and quantum experts and excels at facilitating communication across teams when there is overlap on certain issues. Furthermore, the International Arbitration practice is extremely thorough with hearing preparation. They take a proactive, hands-on approach with the quantum/technical experts by initiating preparation sessions well in advance of the hearing.’
- 'Jonathan Walsh, partner in the New York office, has a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry. He has a strong grasp of the technical and financial issues that are relevant to the case and a keen ability to assimilate those details into the overall case strategy. He is excellent with leading large engagements, developing effective strategies for arbitration hearings, cross-examining witnesses/experts, and understanding the client's needs while managing their expectations.’
Key clients
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of India
- State of Kuwait
- Argentine Republic
- Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela/PDVSA
- Republic of Tunisia
- Republic of Uganda
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Dominican Republic
Work highlights
Advised the Republic of India in its successful defense of a US$828 million UNCITRAL arbitration regarding the cancellation of telecommunications licences.
Advised the Republic of Uganda in fully defeating a US$2.5 billion claim brought against it and Kenya in concerning the termination of a major railway concession.
Advised the Republic of Cyprus in defeating nearly all of the claims in a US$ 350 million mass-claim arbitration relating to the failure of the country’s largest banks.
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.
Simon Batifort
Claudia Frutos-Peterson
Justin Jacinto
Practice head
George Kahale III
Other key lawyers
Claudia Frutos-Peterson; Justin Jacinto; Simon Batifort; Hermann Ferre