International arbitration boutique Chaffetz Lindsey LLP boasts particular strength in investment treaty arbitration and complex international commercial disputes, including insurance-related and arbitration-related court proceedings. The practice is also noted for its work in enforcement actions and expert advisory mandates, as well as for its growing focus on renewables and energy-related arbitrations. James Hosking is widely recognized for his Latin America-focused ISDS work, alongside a broad cross-border practice spanning Europe, MENA and Asia-Pacific, and for handling disputes at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, telecommunications and technology. Drawing on longstanding arbitration experience, bilingual Yasmine Lahlou excels in Latin America-related disputes, including Brazil-focused matters, and proceedings conducted under the rules of the major arbitral institutions. Adept in arbitration-related litigation is Andreas Frischknecht, who brings market-leading expertise in the enforcement and challenge of arbitral awards before US courts. Caline Mouawad is particularly noted for disputes in the energy, mining, consumer goods and telecommunications sectors, including matters conducted in both English and French. Seasoned arbitration practitioner Aníbal Sabater high-value steers his workload to international commercial and investment treaty arbitration, particularly disputes arising from energy, infrastructure, construction and mining projects, including post-M&A and project-related arbitrations. David Lindsey is a key port of call for complex international commercial and investment treaty arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Chaffetz is a tip-of-the-spear firm for treaty disputes. They have excellent attorneys who know how to win treaty difficult cases. Their team has deep familiarity with the relevant case law, the arbitrators and arbitral institution, and the relevant regulatory environment. They quickly grasp extremely complex legal, regulatory, and damages issues. Also, they are always available for their clients. ’
‘James Hosking, Caline Mouawad, and Anibal Sabater are among the best in this field, which is full of excellent attorneys. They are thorough and very persuasive, and have the respect of Tribunals. Their junior partners are also very sharp, in particular, Matilde Flores and May Khoury.’
‘Chaffetz Lindsey is a formidable boutique firm focused on international arbitration. The lawyers have excellent legal skills and business sense.’
‘James Hosking is an exceptional and practical lawyer. Yasmine Lahlou has a palatial legal mind, business sense, and is wonderful to work with. Gretta Walters is exceptionally bright and organized.’
‘One of the firm’s key strengths lies in the diversity of its partners and their backgrounds. This diversity enables the team to combine deep expertise in U.S. legal practice with strong European and MENA know-how, which is particularly valuable for international clients. The firm fosters a collaborative approach and delivers pragmatic advice, focusing on efficient solutions rather than encouraging costly or unnecessary proceedings.’
‘Yasmine Lalouh is a highly precise and attentive lawyer. She is a pleasure to work with and inspires a great deal of confidence through her careful, client-focused approach.’
Key clients
- The AES Corporation
- APM Terminals Callao S.A
- Clorox Spain S.L.
- Enel S.p.A
- Webuild, S.p.A.
- Foster Wheeler
- Landbridge Holdings
- Reti Televisive Italiane
- SPI Energy
- Stoneway Capital
- Zurich Ins. Co. Ltd.
- Petroci
Work highlights
Obtained the largest ever ICSID award against Argentina. James Hosking has represented AES since it initiated arbitration in 2002 and Chaffetz Lindsey has led the case through a decade-long suspension and then a merits hearing in 2023.
Obtained a significant victory in this arbitration, the second ICSID case pitting APM terminals against Peru, and a rare investment case stemming from a contract as opposed to a treaty. Represented APM Terminals in a US$90 Million ICSID-administered commercial dispute against Peru for breach of the concession agreement for the design, construction, financing, conservation and exploitation of one of the largest ports in South America (the Callao Terminal near Lima).
Represent Petroci in an action pending before the Southern District of Florida to recognize and enforce a foreign ICC arbitration award holding Nigerian company MRS Holdings Ltd. (“MRSH”) liable to pay our client USD11,082,862.50.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Hosking
Other key lawyers
Yasmine Lahlou; Andreas Frischknecht; Caline Mouawad; Aníbal Sabate; David Lindsey; Matilde Flores; May Khoury; Gretta Walters; Agustina Alfaro