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International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

ArentFox Schiff is a leading firm in the area of international arbitration and dispute resolution. Whether representing sovereigns or commercial entities, such as investors and traders, engaged in global commerce, we understand the complexities that arise from cross-border disputes.

Our Approach

The International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution practice at ArentFox Schiff offers a unique perspective that appreciates the international nature of the dispute, the unique interests of the parties, and the intricacies of the international arbitral process. Our team is spearheaded by attorneys with extensive experience in international dispute resolution and strong government and diplomatic backgrounds. This experience gives us the deepest understanding of the key decision points that are critical in navigating complex international matters and managing government regulation. 

We support our clients every step of the way before and after a dispute arises. We advise on drafting dispute resolution clauses, negotiating investment treaties, and developing strategies for entering new markets and procuring foreign contracts. We also counsel on the negotiation and litigation of business and investment disputes over a wide range of international arbitration and dispute resolution venues, including in post-award proceedings.

    Areas of Focus
    Sovereign Representation

    Perspectives on International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

    Our Work

    Our practice offers a team approach to international dispute resolution, both commercial and public. Our lawyers have experience in international commercial arbitration under private contracts, investor-State arbitration under concession agreements and investment treaties, and State-State arbitration. We regularly advise private and sovereign clients on international investment and trade issues, and conduct arbitrations across major industries, including the energy, reinsurance, agriculture, intellectual property, telecommunications, and construction/infrastructure sectors.

    Experience with Major Arbitration Tribunals

    • Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
    • The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and its Additional Facility
    • The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
    • The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
    • Ad Hoc UNCITRAL
    • The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
    • The American Arbitration Association (AAA) and its International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR)
    • The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
    • Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration in Cairo
    • JAMS/Endispute

    Notable Work

    • Currently represent a US telecommunications company in a NAFTA claim against Mexico
    • Currently represent an African country defending an ICSID claim in a claim involving property development
    • Currently represent an African country defending an ICSID claim in a claim involving a waste management contract
    • Currently representing US investors in a claim against a South American country concerning property development
    • Currently representing the Government of Quebec in arbitrations over a bilateral agreement covering trade in softwood lumber
    • Currently serving as chairman of ICDR arbitration panel involving a China-based joint venture
    • Currently represent a Southeast Asian nation in a SIAC arbitration concerning disputes relating to oil and gas concession agreements
    • Currently advise the Government of New Zealand on various issues
    • Represented a Southeast Asian nation in a PCA arbitration concerning disputes relating to oil and gas concession agreements
    • Successfully negotiated an ICSID claim related to natural gas licensing agreements
    • Represented the Government of Timor-Leste in a treaty arbitration against Australia
    • Represented an African nation in maritime boundary dispute
    • Represented the Government of the Republic of Rwanda in an ICSID arbitration concerning an alleged breach of an agreement involving a Rwandan tea factory
    • Won an award of over $100 million from the 3-member ICC Panel in favor of a US limited partnership in a dispute against a Luxembourg company involving a breach of an acquisition agreement/letter of intent
    • Won a multi-million dollar award on behalf of a software and software services provider in an ICC arbitration involving a breach of a software license agreement by a Chinese joint-venture company
    • Represented the largest gold mining company in the world in a dispute governed by UNCITRAL rules with a construction company involving construction delays on a mine site located on the border of Chile and Argentina
    • Represented The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a public corporation wholly owned by the Japanese government in garnishment proceedings, involving the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA)
    • Represented the Government of Kazakhstan in a matter where the plaintiff alleged a breach of contract claim based on Kazakhstan’s alleged failure to pay for services rendered pursuant to a consulting contract
    • Represented the Government of Greece in defense of a claim brought in the United States
    • Advised the Government of Mexico on NAFTA Chapter 11 disputes

    Key Contacts