International arbitration

We are recognised dispute resolution experts and act on high value large-scale international arbitration claims in an extensive range of forums.  Our international law team conduct arbitrations under a range of arbitral rules and advise both states and investors in investment treaty cases

Our team brings the legal skills, tactical know-how and commercial awareness needed to protect our clients’ business and other interests.

We work with our clients to deliver cost effective and innovative solutions. Each case is partner-led and supported by a specialist international team.

Carter-Ruck regularly acts in high value large-scale international arbitration claims in an extensive range of forums, including investor-state, state on state and treaty claims and international commercial arbitration.

We are also experts at conducting litigation in the English High Court and internationally and in pursuing ancillary measures including anti-suit injunctions, mounting challenges to awards, and pursuing enforcement.

We act in a wide range of territories and jurisdictions including those of Europe, the United States, Russia/CIS, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Latin America.

We are able to conduct arbitrations in a wide range of languages.

Our team conducts arbitrations under the rules and procedures of the main arbitral organisations including:

  • International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
  • International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
  • London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
  • United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
  • London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA)
  • London Metal Exchange (LME)
  • Insurance and Reinsurance Arbitration Society (ARIAS)
  • We also act in ad hoc arbitrations

Clients currently or recently represented in international arbitrations include sovereign states, two global media networks, an international bank, UHNW’s and an international airline.

Case studies

Carter-Ruck is representing Al-Jazeera Media Network in a very substantial arbitration claim against the Arab Republic of Egypt before ICSID.

Doha-headquartered Al Jazeera claims Egypt breached its 1999 Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Qatar by interrupting the network’s broadcasting activities and ultimately forcing it to cease operations in Egypt. Al Jazeera’s journalists were harassed and it suffered the loss of its investment in the country.

Al Jazeera is pursuing its claim through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
The broadcaster complains of a series of oppressive measures by Egypt, including arrests, detention of staff, raids on offices and seizure of equipment.

Al Jazeera argues that, in a direct attack on journalistic freedom, Egypt has prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned journalists on false and politically motivated charges – including having one journalist sentenced to death in absentia – and has attempted to pursue Al Jazeera journalists outside Egypt, including by abusing Interpol’s procedures to issue international arrest warrants and Red Notices.

Al Jazeera also contends that Egypt has jammed its signals within Egypt, interfered with its use of banking facilities, revoked its licence on spurious grounds and imposed the compulsory liquidation of Al Jazeera’s Egyptian branch.

From a legal perspective, the case raises issues about the relationship between BIT arbitration and Egypt’s numerous and systematic breaches of international human rights law. Recognising this, in a highly unusual move the Tribunal has directed Egypt to ensure the humane treatment of an Al Jazeera journalist being held in jail without trial. The Tribunal has also observed that human rights violations may be relevant to an investment dispute.

Case studies

Secured victory for a major international bank headquartered in the Middle East in an LCIA arbitration arising from a multi-million dollar loan agreement and credit facility.

Acting for a major Middle Eastern bank in an arbitration arising from a loan agreement and credit facility provided to an investment company and its founder who failed to fulfil their payment obligations. A £25 million award was secured at the International Dispute Resolution Centre, London, together with interest and costs.

Case studies

Successfully resisted a multi-million pound LCIA claim brought against a sovereign state

Case studies

Representing a Middle Eastern sovereign state in a claim against two other states before a specialist tribunal.

Representing a Middle Eastern sovereign state in a claim against two other states for breach of treaty obligations in relation to a specialised agency of the United Nations.