3 Verulam Buildings has a well-established reputation in international arbitration, with notable depth in commercial disputes.

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2022)

International Arbitration

From arbitrators to advocates in arbitration proceedings our barristers are involved in the whole spectrum of international arbitration cases across a wide range of sectors and across the globe. Members frequently appear before distinguished arbitral panels (across a range of arbitral rules) in addition to representing clients in contested arbitration-related court proceedings. In addition, a large (and increasing) number of our barristers and associate members frequently sit as arbitrators.

Much of our work in this field is, by its nature, commercially sensitive and highly confidential. However, by way of illustration, members of 3VB regularly appear in arbitrations governed by the rules of the LCIA, UNCITRAL, ICC and LCIA, in addition to SIAC, DIAC, CAS and HKIAC. The subject matter of these disputes varies widely, including disputes in the fields of energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, transport, drinks, IT, construction, hospitality and banking and finance.

Members of chambers have expertise across the whole range of arbitration-related court applications, including challenges to enforcement, challenges to jurisdiction and antisuit injunctions. Some notable recent examples include:

  • P v D [2019] EWHC 1277 (Comm) (successful application under s.68 Arbitration Act 1996, finding that arbitrators had breached their duty under the Arbitration Act 1996 s.33 to act fairly and impartially).
  • Doglemor Trade Ltd & Ors v Caledor Consulting Ltd & Ors [2020] EWHC 3342 (Comm) (application under s.68 Arbitration Act 1996 to correct an award by an eminent LCIA tribunal).
  • Yayla Agro Gida San Ve Nak AS v Alegrow SA [2020] EWHC 1845 (Comm) (challenge to an award given by the GAFTA Appeal Board under s.69 Arbitration Act 1996).
  • Alexander Brothers v Alstom Transport SA and Alstom Network UK Ltd [2020] EWHC 1584 (Comm) (application to enforce a New York Convention arbitral award under s.101 of the Arbitration Act 1996, with the defendant resisting enforcement on grounds of public policy).
  • BPO v DonPro [2021] EWHC 1951 (Comm) (application under s.68 Arbitration Act 1996 in relation to serious irregularities in proceedings before the Federation of Cocoa Commerce Board of Appeal).

3VB’s pre-eminence in this area is complemented by our associate members, all of whom are highly regarded arbitration practitioners: Professor Stavros Brekoulakis; Professor. Dr. Kaj Hobér; Sophie Nappert; Christopher Lau SC; Gopal Subramanium; D. Brian King; and Professor Dr. Nayla Comair-Obeid.

Reflecting 3VB’s leadership in the field of arbitration, chambers have recently established a ground-breaking annual lecture in collaboration with the School of International Arbitration, Queen Mary University of London. The 3VB/QM Lecture provides a platform for a younger generation of leaders in the field who are already producing some of the most exciting work in the field.

3VB’s eminence in arbitration synergises with its reputation in public international law. See further: Public International Law.

Winner: UK Bar Awards 2023
The Lawyer Awards 2022: Chambers of the Year