‘An exceptional arbitration practice that has all the ingredients necessary for success’, White & Case LLP’s full-service offering is distinguished by its enviable track record in both commercial and investor-state cases, with sources particularly praising its expertise in the latter sphere. Frequently engaged to represent both investors and states, the team has represented parties in over 100 investor-state disputes worldwide and consistently handles cases under ICSID and UNCITRAL rules. Fielding one of the deepest benches in the market, the national group is split between offices on the East and West Coast with Washington DC standing as the seat of global international arbitration head Abby Cohen Smutny, who is hailed for her ’unsurpassed knowledge and practice in international public law and international investment arbitration’. Cohen Smutny is acting alongside New York-based Ank Santens to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a $500m telecoms-related dispute under the China-Saudi bilateral investment treaty (BIT). Other go-to senior partners include Washington DC-based Carolyn Lamm, who ‘can find a solution in any situation’, and New York’s Paul Friedland, who is renowned globally for his specialist experience in the international arbitration space. The New York group also draws on Damien Nyer, who heads the Americas international arbitration practice. Hansel Pham is a further key contact in Washington DC, while Brody Greenwald is recommended in Los Angeles. Kristen Young departed the practice in February 2024, and Jonathan Hamilton left in March 2024.
L’éditorial du Legal 500
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Témoignages
Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.
‘White & Case has an amazing team of talented and qualified professionals. ’
‘I work with a team coordinated by Carolyn Lamm. She is fantastic and an incredible manager. She coordinates the work on cases perfectly. I am amazed by her attention to detail. She can find a solution in any situation.’
‘White & Case has an exceptional arbitration practice with all the ingredients necessary for success - vast legal knowledge and practical expertise in all fields of international arbitration and, especially, in investor-state arbitration.’
‘The team consists of highly competent, and thoroughly dedicated lawyers capable of tackling even the most difficult legal problems. They also understand well the specifics of working with sovereign clients.’
‘Abby Cohen Smutny is a brilliant counsel. Her unsurpassed knowledge and practice in international public law and international investment arbitration allows her to make the best strategic decisions for a case and execute them perfectly with her superb written and oral advocacy.’
- ‘Petr Polášek is one of the outstanding lawyers of his generation, who stands out for his deep knowledge, excellent professional skills and hard work.’
- ‘First-class lawyers, with global reach and multiple competencies, they are wonderful to work with. In Washington DC, Nicolle Kownacki is very dedicated, knowledgeable and reliable—wonderful to work with.’
Clients clés
- Honduras Próspera and its affiliates
- Gabriel Resources and Gabriel Resources (Jersey)
- MetLife, MetLife Servicios and MetLife Seguros de Retiro
- Zurich Insurance Company, and Zurich South America Invest AB
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Republic of Bulgaria
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea
- WeBuild (formerly Salini Impregilo), Jan De Nul, Grupo Unidos por el Canal
- Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Points forts
- Acted for Telefónica in two investment treaty claims against the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru respectively.
- Successfully represented Rutas de Lima against the Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima in a toll-road dispute involving one of the largest infrastructure projects in Peru.
- Represented Honduras Próspera in its multibillion-dollar ICSID claim against Honduras, arising out of the State’s abolishment of a free zone in disregard of legal stability agreements.
Avocats
Hall of Fame
Avocats au sommet de leur profession, largement reconnus et respectés par l'ensemble du marché pour leur expertise éprouvée et leur intervention récurrente et longue date dans les dossiers les plus complexes et prestigieux.
Les grands avocats du marché
Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.
Responsable de la pratique
Abby Cohen Smutny
Autres avocats clés
Carolyn Lamm; Paul Friedland; Ank Santens; Damien Nyer; Hansel Pham; Brody Greenwald; Silvia Marchili; Petr Polášek; Nicolle Kownacki