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Lovells' international arbitration group is a distinct area of specialisation within our dispute resolution practice.  We are recognised as a leading practice for resolving disputes through arbitration, consistently ranked in the top tiers of the legal directories; the 2004-5 edition of the Legal 500 directory describes our service to clients as "outstanding, timely and very efficient" and the Chambers UK directory 2004-5 refers to our "international practice of the highest order".

We have the resources and expertise to handle the most complex arbitrations worldwide, covering a wide range of industry sectors. We have in-depth expertise in representing clients in arbitrations under many different arbitral rules, including the UNCITRAL rules and the rules of major international institutions such as ICSID, the AAA, ICC, LCIA, and CIETAC, as well as national institutions and trade associations and under the arbitral laws of many different countries. Our group has worked on arbitrations involving industry sectors such as construction, engineering, energy, insurance, international trade and investment, and financial services. We regularly deal with parties, tribunals and witnesses from all types of legal and commercial cultures.

We also regularly advise clients on the protections afforded by bilateral and multilateral (e.g. the Energy Charter Treaty) investment treaties.  We are currently acting on a number of bilateral investment treaty claims under the ICSID rules, one of which we believe to be the first to allege breaches of both the Energy Charter Treaty and a bilateral investment treaty.     

Because arbitration is a private and confidential process, knowledge of the arbitral institutions, and experience of those likely to be appointed as arbitrators are crucial factors in a successful arbitration.  We have that knowledge, through representing clients in cases and through our active participation in and membership of the leading international arbitral organisations. Members of the international arbitration practice are also appointed as arbitrators.