David Reed has represented multinational corporations, sovereign states, and government-owned entities in international commercial, construction, and investment arbitrations for more than 30 years. David represents parties in international arbitrations in the construction, engineering, infrastructure, power, oil and gas, telecoms, information technology, life sciences, M&A, banking, and shipping sectors under the ICC, UNCITRAL, and LCIA Rules among others. He has also represented both sovereign states and foreign investors in several ICSID and UNCITRAL Investor-State arbitrations.
He has been recognized for his work in numerous publications and directories, including Chambers Global, Chambers UK, The Legal 500, and Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators. He is ranked by The Legal 500 (2026) as a ‘Hall of Fame’ practitioner in international arbitration. The Legal 500’s ‘Hall of Fame’ recognizes lawyers who are “widely regarded as being at the very top of the profession” and “have been consistently ranked as leading individuals by The Legal 500 for a number of years.” The Legal 500 (2026) directory says that ‘David Reed is very responsive to clients, leaves no stone unturned, and thinks of every detail and the big picture. He is a relentless advocate.’
Chambers Global (2025) says that “David is very much on top of the detail. He is a creative thinker and very focused on identifying what it is going to take to win the case.” “He is a very talented and brilliant mind”, “He stands out with his leadership qualities, powerful and persuasive oral and written advocacy”. Chambers UK (2026) notes: “David is a savvy strategist and excellent oral advocate, and he keeps the bigger picture in mind.”, “David is a high-class counsel capable of meeting any challenge and providing the best defence of the client.”, “David is extremely responsive to the client's needs and has very strong legal and sector knowledge.” and “He does what it takes to win.”
Experience
- The Roads Department of a sovereign state in Dispute Board proceedings against a Chinese contractor arising out of the construction of a highway involving 12 tunnels and 24 bridges under a FIDIC Pink Book contract.
- U.S. corporation in an LCIA arbitration with a Lithuanian company arising out of the reconstruction of part of a fire-damaged oil refinery.
- Swedish company in an ICC arbitration with a U.S. subsidiary of a French company relating to the construction of a modular pharmaceutical plant under an EPC Contract.
- European company in an ICC arbitration with a Russian company relating to the construction of a Class A commercial real estate development in Moscow under an EPC Contract.
- Peruvian company in an ICC arbitration with another Peruvian company relating to the construction of an ethanol plant under an EPC Contract.
- UK-based consortium in a series of disputes relating to the construction of a LNG receiving terminal
- The General Roads Authority of a sovereign state in an ICC arbitration against a Greek company arising from the construction of a highway under the FIDIC Red Book.
- Middle Eastern power and water producer in relation to change of legislation, force majeure and global claims brought by an EPC contractor in relation to the construction of a power plant and a desalination plant under an EPC Contract.
- Middle Eastern power and water producer in a series of disputes relating to the construction of a desalination plant under an EPC Contract.
- Middle Eastern company in an LCIA arbitration against an Italian company relating to the construction of a salt plant under an EPC Contract.
- Middle Eastern company in an ICC arbitration against a joint venture between U.S. and Saudi companies arising out of the construction of an air separation unit in a Steel plant under an EPC Contract.
- The lenders in a series of disputes relating to the construction of a national sports stadium.
- European-led consortium in an UNCITRAL arbitration against a sovereign state concerning the reconstruction and extension of an international airport under a FIDIC Silver Book contract.
- European consortium in an ICC arbitration against a sovereign state concerning the construction of a power plant in Italy under a FIDIC Yellow Book contract.
- European consortium in an ICC arbitration concerning the construction of a hydro-electric power scheme in the Middle East under a FIDIC Red Book contract.
- A U.S. defense contractor in an LCIA arbitration against an Afghan company arising out of certain construction projects.
- A North African owner in an EPC dispute arising out of the construction of an oil refinery under an EPC contract.
- An Asian constructor in a dispute arising out of the construction of a run-of- the-river hydroelectric scheme in Pakistan.
Perspectives
Recognition
"Recognized Practitioner" International Arbitration — UK-wide (2020)
International Arbitration (2012)
"Recommended Lawyer" Public International Law (2015-2025)
"Leading Individual" International Arbitration (2021-2023)
"Recommended Lawyer" International Arbitration (2015-2020)
Credentials
Education
- D.E.S.S., Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, 1993
- LL.B., King's College London, 1991
- D.E.A., Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, 1992
- Maîtrise, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, 1991
Admissions
- New York
- Registered Foreign Lawyer (SRA), England & Wales
Activities
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Member, International Arbitration Institute
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Member, Swiss Arbitration Association
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Member, London Court of International Arbitration
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Assistant Professor, University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (1994-1999)
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Assistant Professor, Centre Universitaire d'Etudes des Communautés Européennes (1995-1997)