‘One of the strongest teams in defending state interests’, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is highly regarded for its track record in investment disputes, where it predominantly acts for sovereign states and state-owned companies. The team also continues to add to its corporate roster and it has recently represented private and state-owned companies in both contract and treaty-based claims. New York-based firm chairman, George Kahale, leads the practice and continues to represent the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the biggest ICSID annulment case in history, stemming from ConocoPhillips’ original $30bn demand for damages. Managing partner of the Washington DC office, Claudia Frutos-Peterson, is also a high-profile arbitration specialist- she is currently acting together with Fernando Tupa, who splits his time between New York and Buenos Aires, and the London office to defend the Argentine Republic in two investment arbitrations relating to pension reforms. The group additionally includes up-and-coming specialist Simon Batifort, who works between New York, Brussels and Paris; Elisa Botero, whose practice is divided between New York and Bogotá; Washington DC-based Borzu Sabahi, who ’excels in analyzing complex legal issues’; and New York-based associate Andrew Larkin.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘One of the strongest teams in defending state interests in complex matters.’
- ‘Defending state interests comes with special and unique challenges both legally and logistically. Curtis’ team knows better than most in the field how to adjust and transform these challenges into opportunities.’
- ‘The team handles international arbitration with excellence. Its experience is evident in the way it conducts matters. The firm’s document management system is also commendable.’
- ‘George Kahale is very decisive and persuasive in his arguments.’
- ‘Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP has a very professional and diligent, as well as cost- and time-efficient, arbitration team.’
- ‘As lawyers say "The devil is in the details" and we were astonished by Borzu Sabahi’s and counsel Marat Umerov's deep knowledge of the case, even of very minor issues, and how they rebut all claimant arguments.’
- ‘The team takes a client-centered approach and took time to visit our office, which was thousands of miles away, to personally answer questions at no added cost.’
- ‘Borzu Sabahi excels in analyzing complex legal issues, breaking them down, and devising effective solutions; pays close attention to every detail; provides empathy and understanding; maintains a client-centered approach and prioritizes client needs.’
Key clients
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Republic of Congo
- United Mexican States
- Republic of Ecuador
- Argentine Republic
- Republic of Colombia
- Republic of Panama
- State of Kuwait
- Republic of Cyprus
- Dominican Republic
Work highlights
- Successfully represented the State of Kuwait in the first ICSID case brought against it, involving an $800m claim.
- Successfully acted for Spain in a high-value investment treaty arbitration.
- Represented the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in an ICSID annulment case stemming from ConocoPhillips $30bn demand for damages.
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.
Claudia Frutos-Peterson
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Simon Batifort
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Andrew Larkin
Practice head
George Kahale
Other key lawyers
Claudia Frutos-Peterson; Fernando Tupa; Simon Batifort; Elisa Botero; Borzu Sabahi; Andrew Larkin; Marat Umerov; Hermann Ferré; Justin Jacinto; Guillermo Ulke; Arianna Sánchez