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Fietta LLP and Oxford University Law Faculty have established a new DPhil scholarship in memory of James Upcher, who passed away tragically on 18 May 2017, aged 37.

The James Upcher Memorial Scholarship is intended to facilitate post-graduate study at Oxford by those who, like James, have a passion for public international law and its practical application as a force for good in today’s fast-changing world.

James was long-time friend and colleague, and one of the leading public international lawyers of his generation.  He was also a mentor, humourist and an inspiration to all who worked with him and knew him well.

The first recipient of the Scholarship is Tsvetelina van Benthem of Merton College.  Tsvetelina’s DPhil will analyse the international law status and implications of artificial intelligence in armed conflict.

On Thursday, 1 November 2018, Fietta LLP and Matrix Chambers will host a panel discussion themed “UNCLOS and modern challenges in the Law of the Sea”.  We are honoured that Judge Tomas Heidar of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea will participate, alongside Stephen Fietta, Alison Macdonald QC and Oonagh Sands.  Philippe Sands QC will open the discussion.  The event will be held at Matrix Chambers.  For further information, including how to register, see here.

Stephen Fietta has been selected for inclusion in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame highlights individuals who are at the pinnacle of the profession and recognised by their clients for continued excellence.

Fietta LLP is delighted to welcome two new associates to the firm. Oonagh  Sands joins as a Senior Associate.  Oonagh is qualified in England & Wales, New York and the District of Columbia. Prior to joining us, she was a lawyer at leading public international law practices in Washington DC and London.  Miglena Angelova is French-qualified and joins as an Associate.  Prior to joining us, she worked as an intern in a number of global law firms, at the ECHR (in Strasbourg) and UNESCO (in Moscow).

Stephen Fietta attended a meeting to discuss the South China Sea at the Boao Forum for Asia 2018 in Hainan, China.  The theme of the meeting, which was attended by senior delegates from across China, South-East Asia and beyond, was “21st Century Maritime Silk Road & Economic Cooperation of the Greater South China Sea Region”.

Fietta has again been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices. For further information, see here.

The Chambers Global 2018 Directory has ranked Stephen Fietta among the world’s leading public international law practitioners and Sarah Macrory as one of the world’s “Up and Coming” specialists in business and human rights law.

Who’s Who Legal 2018  has again recognised  Stephen Fietta  as among the world’s leading international arbitration experts, identifying him as a “Thought Leader“.  Ashique Rahman has been recognised as a “Future Leader” in the field.  The recognition follows independent research with clients and peers.

Fietta LLP sponsored and participated in a panel at the annual International Arbitration Summit in London.  The panel discussed the topic “Investor-State Arbitration is Changing: Will it Disappear?”.  For further details of the event, see here.

Chambers UK 2018 has ranked Fietta as one of the UK’s leading firms in public international law and investor-State arbitration.  It has also ranked Stephen Fietta as a ‘Band 1’ practitioner in both areas.  Chambers quotes sources as saying that the firm comprises “an exceptional bunch of individuals” with “an amazing grasp of the details” and is “a real joy to work with”.  For further information, see here.