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Representative Matters

  • Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretim A.S. v. Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Counsel to the claimant in ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • Daimler Financial Services AG v. Argentine Republic: Counsel to the claimant in annulment phase of ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • LSF-KEB Holdings SCA et al. v. Republic of Korea: Counsel to Korea in ongoing ICSID arbitration involving multi-billion dollar claim.

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Recognition
  • Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for Public International Law Global-wide (Di Rosa "joins the rankings this year following widespread recognition of his international contributions in this field.")

  • Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration Latin America-wide ("He wins plaudits among peers for his 'extremely thoughtful and creative' approach to arbitration matters. Clients are equally impressed, with one noting: 'He's one of the few truly bicultural lawyers around.'")

  • Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration USA ("Practice leader Paolo Di Rosa is praised for his wealth of experience, particularly in investor-state arbitration. His highly respected practice can draw on both his time working in the US Department of State and his expertise in Latin America-related disputes. Highlights from the past year include leading representation of EDF in separate USD1.4 billion and USD260 million arbitrations against Argentina.")

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Education
  • JD, cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1991
  • Editor-in-Chief, Harvard Human Rights Law Journal, Harvard Law School, 1990-1991
  • BA, magna cum laude, Harvard University, 1987

Admissions
  • District of Columbia

Publications, Presentations, and Multimedia
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Professional and Community Activities
  • Member, London Court of International Arbitration

  • Member, International Arbitration Institute (IAI), Paris, France

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Washington, DC
tel: +1 202.942.5060
fax: +1 202.942.5999
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Practice Focus

International Arbitration

Paolo Di Rosa is a partner and head of Arnold & Porter LLP's international arbitration practice, which is ranked among the world's leading practices. Mr. Di Rosa has extensive experience in international arbitration, and in legal matters relating to Latin America (acquired both in the private sector and the US federal government), along with a fully bilingual and bicultural background.

Mr. Di Rosa's practice centers on international arbitration and litigation matters, including disputes between investors and states under investment treaties, in particular disputes before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). He represents private sector companies as well as States in international arbitrations and litigation matters.

Mr. Di Rosa has been recognized as a leading practitioner of international arbitration in the most recent editions of publications such as Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Chambers Latin America, The Legal 500 U.S., The Legal 500 Latin America, Best Lawyers in America, The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration, and Euromoney's Guide to the World's Leading Experts, among others.  

He has served as an arbitrator in different types of international arbitration, and is a frequent speaker and panelist at international conferences.

Mr. Di Rosa also provides legal services to private sector and sovereign clients on proceedings and transactions involving governmental entities; enforcement of arbitral awards; and public international law matters, including sovereign immunity and extradition. 

Mr. Di Rosa has substantial government experience as a result of his service as a senior-level lawyer at the US Department of State during the Clinton Administration. He was a member of the Senior Executive Service of the US Government, with the rank of Assistant Legal Adviser at the State Department legal office. As head of the Office of the Legal Adviser for Western Hemisphere Affairs, he had supervisory or direct responsibility for legal matters pertaining to US relations with all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Canada. During his tenure at the US State Department, Mr. Di Rosa was awarded a Superior Honor Award as well as a Meritorious Honor Award.

Languages

  • English and Spanish (native fluency in both).
  • Portuguese, French, and Italian (reading ability).

International Arbitration Representative Matters

  • Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretim A.S. v. Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Counsel to the claimant in ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • Daimler Financial Services AG v. Argentine Republic: Counsel to the claimant in annulment phase of ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • LSF-KEB Holdings SCA et al. v. Republic of Korea: Counsel to Korea in ongoing ICSID arbitration involving multi-billion dollar claim.
  • Supervisión y Control S.A. v. Republic of Costa Rica: Counsel to Costa Rica in ongoing ICSID arbitration involving claim of US$ 345 million.
  • U.S. Steel Global Holdings I B.V. v. Republic of Slovakia: Counsel to Slovakia in ongoing investment arbitration under UNCITRAL rules.
  • Sea Search Armada v. Republic of Colombia: Successfully defended Republic of Colombia in ongoing US federal court litigation involving claim of US$17 billion; claims fully dismissed at district court level; currently in appellate phase.
  • Victor Pey Casado and Fundación Presidente Allende v. Republic of Chile (ICSID arbitration): Successfully defended Republic of Chile in ICSID arbitration involving claim for US$797 million under Spain-Chile bilateral investment treaty; initial award of damages for claimant subsequently annulled.
  • EDF International, SAUR International, and León Participaciones Argentinas, S.A. v. Argentine Republic: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration against Argentina; client awarded over US$202 million including interest; currently in annulment phase. 
  • Club Hotel Loutraki and Casinos Austria v. Republic of Serbia: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration under Greece-Serbia and Austria-Serbia bilateral investment treaties; case settled on terms favorable to client.
  • Compañía General de Electricidad (CGE) v. Argentine Republic: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration involving claim for US$125 million under Chile-Argentina bilateral investment treaty; case settled on terms favorable to client.
  • Sociedad Anónima Eduardo Vieira v. Republic of Chile(ICSID arbitration): Successfully represented Republic of Chile in ICSID arbitration involving claims for US$25 million under Spain-Chile bilateral investment treaty; claims fully dismissed.
  • I&I Beheer v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela(ICSID arbitration): Successfully defended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in ICSID arbitration involving claims for  US$300 million under Netherlands-Venezuela bilateral investment treaty; claims fully dismissed.

Representative Matters

  • Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretim A.S. v. Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Counsel to the claimant in ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • Daimler Financial Services AG v. Argentine Republic: Counsel to the claimant in annulment phase of ongoing ICSID arbitration.
  • LSF-KEB Holdings SCA et al. v. Republic of Korea: Counsel to Korea in ongoing ICSID arbitration involving multi-billion dollar claim.
  • Supervisión y Control S.A. v. Republic of Costa Rica: Counsel to Costa Rica in ongoing ICSID arbitration involving claim of US$ 345 million.
  • U.S. Steel Global Holdings I B.V. v. Republic of Slovakia: Counsel to Slovakia in ongoing investment arbitration under UNCITRAL rules.
  • Sea Search Armada v. Republic of Colombia: Successfully defended Republic of Colombia in ongoing US federal court litigation involving claim of US$17 billion; claims fully dismissed at district court level; currently in appellate phase.
  • Victor Pey Casado and Fundación Presidente Allende v. Republic of Chile (ICSID arbitration): Successfully defended Republic of Chile in ICSID arbitration involving claim for US$797 million under Spain-Chile bilateral investment treaty; initial award of damages for claimant subsequently annulled.
  • EDF International, SAUR International, and León Participaciones Argentinas, S.A. v. Argentine Republic: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration against Argentina; client awarded over US$202 million including interest; currently in annulment phase. 
  • Club Hotel Loutraki and Casinos Austria v. Republic of Serbia: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration under Greece-Serbia and Austria-Serbia bilateral investment treaties; case settled on terms favorable to client.
  • Compañía General de Electricidad (CGE) v. Argentine Republic: Successfully represented Claimants in ICSID arbitration involving claim for US$125 million under Chile-Argentina bilateral investment treaty; case settled on terms favorable to client.
  • Sociedad Anónima Eduardo Vieira v. Republic of Chile(ICSID arbitration): Successfully represented Republic of Chile in ICSID arbitration involving claims for US$25 million under Spain-Chile bilateral investment treaty; claims fully dismissed.
  • I&I Beheer v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela(ICSID arbitration): Successfully defended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in ICSID arbitration involving claims for  US$300 million under Netherlands-Venezuela bilateral investment treaty; claims fully dismissed.

Rankings

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for Public International Law Global-wide (Di Rosa "joins the rankings this year following widespread recognition of his international contributions in this field.")

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration Latin America-wide ("He wins plaudits among peers for his 'extremely thoughtful and creative' approach to arbitration matters. Clients are equally impressed, with one noting: 'He's one of the few truly bicultural lawyers around.'")

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration USA ("Practice leader Paolo Di Rosa is praised for his wealth of experience, particularly in investor-state arbitration. His highly respected practice can draw on both his time working in the US Department of State and his expertise in Latin America-related disputes. Highlights from the past year include leading representation of EDF in separate USD1.4 billion and USD260 million arbitrations against Argentina.")

Chambers Latin America: Latin America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2013): Ranked as a "Leading Individual" for International Arbitration ("Paolo Di Rosa leads this practice. He wins plaudits among peers for his "extremely thoughtful and creative" approach to arbitration matters. Clients are equally impressed, with one noting: "He's one of the few truly bicultural lawyers around.")

The Best Lawyers in America (2013): Listed for International Arbitration

The Legal 500 US (2012): Ranked as a “leading lawyer” among international arbitration practitioners in the US 

The Legal 500 Latin America (2012): Profiled for International Arbitration ("A 'team leader with a remarkable capacity to identify the salient issues …'")

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2012):  Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration (“Practice leader Paolo Di Rosa is praised for his wealth of experience, particularly in investor-state arbitration. His highly respected practice can draw on both his time working in the Department of State and on his expertise in Latin America-related disputes”)

PLC Which lawyer? (2012): Identified as a “leading practitioner” in International Arbitration

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2012): Ranked as a "leading lawyer"for International Arbitration Latin America-wide (“He is particularly singled out for his skill in handling sophisticated ICSID matters”)

Latin Lawyer 250 (2012): Profiled for international arbitration ("[A] leading figure in the field …”)

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration (2012)

Washingtonian (2011-2012): Listed among Washington D.C.'s "Best Lawyers" and "Best Legal Minds"

Chambers Latin America: Latin America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2012) Ranked as a "leading individual" worldwide in Latin America-related arbitration ("Practice group head Paolo Di Rosa is considered a seasoned hand in Latin American affairs. Clients appreciate his 'shrewd analysis, profound abilities of persuasion and incredible capacity to react to surprises in tribunals.") 

Euromoney's Guide to the World's Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration (2011): Included as an "Expert in Commercial Arbitration"

The Legal 500 United States (2011) Ranked as a “leading lawyer” among international arbitration practitioners in the U.S. 

Who's Who Legal 70 (2011): “International head of arbitration, Paolo Di Rosa is ‘excellent’, has extensive experience in Latin America and is listed in our commercial arbitration findings …”

Washington, DC Super Lawyers (2011): Listed as a "Super Lawyer" for International Law

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2011): Ranked as a "leading lawyer"for International Arbitration ("Paolo Di Rosa leads the practice and is renowned for his success in arbitrations arising in Latin America.")

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2011): Ranked as a "leading individual" in International Arbitration, Latin America-wide ("Paolo Di Rosa heads the firm's international arbitration team and is a highly regarded expert in Latin American matters. Clients praise his 'excellent knowledge and leadership skills, along with his exceptional client service'.")

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration (2011)

Latin Lawyer 250 (2011): Profiled for international arbitration

Chambers Latin America: Latin America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2011) Ranked as a "leading individual" in International Arbitration, Latin America-wide ("Paolo Di Rosa heads the firm's international arbitration team and is a highly regarded expert in Latin American matters. Clients praise his 'excellent knowledge and leadership skills, along with his exceptional client service'.")

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2010) Ranked as a "leading individual" in International Arbitration ("He attracts considerable praise from clients for his "excellent knowledge, leadership and client services'.")

The Legal 500 US (2010): Ranked as a "Leading Lawyer" for International Arbitration; ("Practice head Paolo Di Rosa has concentrated much of the group's effort on Latin America with considerable success. Its wins in investor-state arbitrations have attracted several Latin American government clients.")

Global Arbitration Review 100 (2010 Edition): Identified as a "Name to Know"

Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business (2010): Ranked for International Arbitration Latin America-wide ("He is widely recognized as a multi-talented practitioner whose main strength lies in BITs and other investment-related disputes.")

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration (2010)

Chambers Latin America (2010): Ranked as a "leading individual" in International Arbitration, Latin America-wide ("As head of Arnold & Porter's international arbitration practice, Paolo Di Rosa is a key figure at the firm. He is widely recognized as a multi-talented practitioner...")

Latin Lawyer 250 (2010): "Paolo Di Rosa is very prominent in the [sovereign arbitration] work"

Chambers Latin America: Latin America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2009): Ranked as a "Leading Individual" in International Arbitration: Latin America-wide.

The Legal 500 US (2009): Ranked as a "leading lawyer" for International Arbitration ("Described as 'fully bilingual with an outstanding analytical mind,' he is, quite simply, 'as good as it gets.' …  '[A] good team player and leader of the group.' … Although Arnold & Porter LLP has traditionally been well-regarded in the field of international arbitration, the practice has come on in leaps and bounds following the arrival Paolo Di Rosa in mid-2007.")

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2009): Ranked for International Arbitration ("Practice head Paolo Di Rosa impresses sources with his excellent reputation for Latin American work and Spanish language skills.")

The International Who's Who of Commercial Arbitration (2009): "Highly recommended arbitration specialist … "'Excellent, brilliant and bright.'"

Chambers Global (2009): The World's Leading Lawyers for Business: Ranked as a "leading lawyer" in International Arbitration, Latin America-wide.

Who's Who Legal 2009, profile of Arnold & Porter LLP, selected "Law Firm of the Year" for the District of Columbia: "[T]he firm's international head of arbitration Paolo Di Rosa, benefits from extensive experience of the Latin American legal marketplace and specialises in bilateral investment treaties as well as international disputes."

Latin Lawyer 250 (2009): Identified as a "recognized arbitration specialist..."

Euromoney Guide to the World's Leading Experts (2009): Listed as an Expert in Commercial Arbitration

Global Arbitration Review "GAR 100 Issue" (2009): Identified as a "name to know these days …"

The Legal 500 US (2008): "[R]egarded by clients as 'bright, open-minded, uncomplicated, and responsive' … ' [C]lients 'rely so strongly on him that they do not hesitate to follow him."

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2008): "[C]lients find that 'Di Rosa's perfect Spanish and knowledge of Latin American matters are invaluable.'"

Professional and Community Activities

Professional Activity

  • Member, London Court of International Arbitration

  • Member, International Arbitration Institute (IAI), Paris, France

  • Member, Advisory Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Law Institute

  • Member, Advisory Board, The Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA)

  • Member, ICC Task Force on Arbitration Involving States and State Entities

  • Member, Investment Committee, Latin American Arbitration Association

  • Member, Permanent Committee, Latin American Arbitration Conference (CLA)

  • Member, American Bar Association

  • Member, American Society of International Law

  • Member, Inter-American Bar Association

  • Member, International Bar Association

  • Member, Inter-Pacific Bar Association

  • Member, International Law Association

  • Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

  • Chilean American Chamber of Commerce

    • President (January 2005–March 2008)
    • Member, Board of Directors (2005-2011)
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