Arnold & Porter LLP has one of the largest and most experienced international arbitration groups worldwide. We represent clients in arbitration proceedings and before different arbitral fora throughout the world. We also assist clients with informal and institutional dispute settlement proceedings, and advise them on drafting arbitral clauses in the context of contract negotiations.
Arnold & Porter attorneys regularly serve as advocates, advisors, and arbitrators in disputes between sovereign governments and private investors, including disputes arising out of concession agreements and other state contracts or under the terms of bilateral investment treaties and other international agreements. They also participate actively in commercial arbitrations derived from international transactions. These arbitrations involve a range of industries and economic sectors. Arnold & Porter has substantial experience in arbitrating disputes involving the energy, telecommunications and government concessions areas, among others. In addition, Arnold & Porter assists clients in the enforcement of arbitral awards and in execution proceedings for clients in the United States and abroad.
The firm is internationally renowned for its experience in representing sovereign states and state bodies and institutions, particularly in Latin America. The practice has been repeatedly singled out for praise. Most recently, Chambers USA 2009, a leading independent publisher of law firm rankings, ranked Arnold & Porter as a leading law firm nationally for international arbitration and said, “Arnold & Porter is well reputed for its investor-state work, particularly for matters relating to Latin America.” Similarly, in its 2009 edition, The Legal 500 US recognizes the practice’s "thoroughness, deep knowledge about Latin America, excellent services and timely responses" and the group is described as a “very good, highly committed and very motivated team of lawyers.” The Global Arbitration Review's "GAR 30" 2009 survey states that "Arnold & Porter is a firm where many attorneys have experience in government and multilateral organizations, so it is no surprise that its arbitration work reflects that milieu."
In recent years our lawyers have represented the governments of Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Panamá , and El Salvador, as well as the government of Hungary. We have also represented claimant companies in ICSID arbitrations, such as, most recently, cases involving French and Chilean investors.
In addition, the firm's attorneys have served as Chair or members of Bar Committees on international arbitration; as organizers, moderators or speakers at international arbitration conferences and seminars; as authors of articles and publications on various arbitration subjects; and as members of Task Forces organized to consider reforms in the arbitral rules or procedures of leading institutions. Our attorneys have also taught courses on international arbitration at leading US law schools.