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International Arbitration
Expert International Arbitration and Sanctions Solicitors
International arbitration is a trusted and effective method of resolving complex cross-border disputes outside the national courts. It is frequently used by businesses, state entities, investors and ultra-high net worth individuals seeking a neutral, confidential and enforceable process for resolving international commercial conflicts.
 
Our team advises clients on high-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes across a range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, international trade, banking and finance, real estate, construction, insurance and joint venture arrangements. We have particular experience acting on matters involving Russia, Ukraine, Cyprus, Central Asia and the Middle East, where cross-border disputes are often complicated by sanctions regimes, asset restrictions, political developments and competing legal obligations across multiple jurisdictions.
We advise major private and state-owned corporations, financial institutions, investors and ultra-high net worth individuals on some of the most complex international disputes. Our experience includes shareholder and joint venture disputes, banking and finance claims, fraud and asset tracing matters, international trade disputes, construction disputes and commercial conflicts arising from cross-border investments and transactions.
 
The team regularly represents clients in arbitrations under the rules of leading international institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC) and other recognised arbitral bodies. We provide strategic advice throughout the arbitration process, from pre-dispute analysis and risk assessment through to hearings, enforcement proceedings and negotiated settlements.
Sanctions have become an increasingly significant consideration in international disputes and commercial relationships. We advise clients on the impact of UK, EU and international sanctions regimes on arbitration proceedings, contractual obligations and enforcement strategies. Our expertise includes advising on frozen assets, payment restrictions, sanctions compliance, licensing requirements and the challenges that can arise when disputes involve sanctioned individuals, entities or jurisdictions. We work closely with clients to navigate these issues while protecting their commercial objectives and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
 
Our lawyers combine technical legal expertise with a practical understanding of the commercial realities facing international businesses and investors. We recognise that cross-border disputes often involve complex corporate structures, assets held across multiple jurisdictions and sensitive political or economic considerations. By combining strategic dispute resolution advice with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach, we help clients achieve effective outcomes while minimising disruption to their business interests.
FAQs
  • What disputes can be resolved through international arbitration?

    International arbitration is commonly used to resolve commercial disputes involving parties in different countries. These may include shareholder and joint venture disputes, international trade claims, banking and finance disputes, energy and natural resources matters, construction disputes, fraud and asset tracing claims, and conflicts arising from investments or commercial contracts. Arbitration is particularly useful where parties require a neutral forum for resolving complex cross-border issues.

  • How can sanctions affect arbitration proceedings?

    Sanctions can have a significant impact on arbitration proceedings and related commercial disputes. They may affect payments, funding arrangements, access to legal services, enforcement of awards, asset recovery and dealings with counterparties. Businesses and individuals involved in disputes connected to sanctioned jurisdictions or entities often require specialist advice to ensure compliance while preserving their legal rights and commercial interests.

  • Why choose international arbitration instead of litigation?

    International arbitration is often preferred because it offers flexibility, confidentiality and neutrality. Parties can select arbitrators with relevant industry expertise, choose the governing law and agree procedural rules suited to the dispute. Arbitral awards are also widely enforceable internationally, making arbitration an attractive option for resolving cross-border commercial conflicts.

  • How long does international arbitration take?

    The duration of an arbitration depends on factors such as the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties involved, the volume of evidence and the procedural timetable adopted by the tribunal. While arbitration can often be more efficient than court litigation, every case is unique. Our team can provide guidance on likely timelines and help develop a strategy tailored to your objectives.

  • Do you advise on disputes involving Russia, Cyprus, Central Asia and the Middle East?

    Yes. We have extensive experience advising businesses, state-owned entities, investors and ultra-high net worth individuals on disputes involving Russia, Ukraine, Cyprus, Central Asia and the Middle East. These matters frequently involve complex ownership structures, international investments, sanctions considerations, cross-border asset recovery and enforcement issues spanning multiple jurisdictions. Our knowledge of the legal, commercial and cultural dynamics in these regions enables us to provide practical and effective advice tailored to the specific challenges of each case.
Team

Key contacts

Contact our International Arbitration Team

Hal Branch

Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution

Joseph McCormick

Partner – Dispute Resolution

Eugene Matveichuk

Partner - Dispute Resolution

Tatyana Talyanskaya

Partner - Dispute Resolution

Adam Greaves

Consultant - Dispute Resolution

Subir Kumar Karmakar FCIArb

Partner - Dispute Resolution

Aida Vyšniauskaite

Senior Associate - Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Private Client

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