Recent Firm News

• 15 January 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans will be speaking at the 6th EFILA Annual Conference on “The renewed role of States in arbitration proceedings”, which will be held virtually this year.  For the full programme, see here.  To register, please click here.

  15 January 2021 – Laura Rees-Evans will be speaking at the 6^th EFILA Annual Conference on “The renewed role of States in arbitration proceedings”, which will be held virtually this year.  For the full programme, see here.  To register, please click here.

• 14 January 2021 – Global Arbitration Review’s article on “Where does Brexit leave investment protection?” has featured comments from Laura Rees-Evans about investment protection in the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and what the TCA means for EU/UK investors going forward.

  14 January 2021 – Global Arbitration Review’s article on “Where does Brexit leave investment protection?” has featured comments from Laura Rees-Evans about investment protection in the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and what the TCA means for EU/UK investors going forward.

• 21 December 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans has published an article on “The Protection of the Environment in International Investment Agreements – Recent Developments and Prospects for Reform” in the European Investment Law and Arbitration Review (Volume 5: Issue 1 (Dec 2020)). The article can be accessed here.

  21 December 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans has published an article on “The Protection of the Environment in International Investment Agreements – Recent Developments and Prospects for Reform” in the European Investment Law and Arbitration Review (Volume 5: Issue 1 (Dec 2020)).  The article can be accessed here.

• 26 November 2020 – An article written by Laura Rees-Evans and Gordon Nardell QC (Twenty Essex), on “The Agreement terminating intra-EU BITs: are its provisions on ‘New’ and ‘Pending’ Arbitration Proceedings compatible with investors’ fundamental rights?”, has been published in Arbitration International. The article can be accessed here.

  26 November 2020 – An article written by Laura Rees-Evans and Gordon Nardell QC (Twenty Essex), on “The Agreement terminating intra-EU BITs: are its provisions on ‘New’ and ‘Pending’ Arbitration Proceedings compatible with investors’ fundamental rights?”, has been published in Arbitration International.  The article can be accessed here.

• We are delighted to announce that Laura Rees-Evans and Oonagh Sands have each been made counsel at Fietta LLP, with effect from 1 November 2020. Their well-earned promotions represent another significant step in the firm’s growth as it approaches its fifth birthday and consolidate our position as one of the world’s leading public international law firms.

  We are delighted to announce that Laura Rees-Evans and Oonagh Sands have each been made counsel at Fietta LLP, with effect from 1 November 2020.  Their well-earned promotions represent another significant step in the firm’s growth as it approaches its fifth birthday and consolidate our position as one of the world’s leading public international law firms.

• 18 November 2020 – Fietta LLP and Matrix Chambers cordially invite you to their jointly-hosted (virtual) panel discussion, sponsored by the American Society of International Law, on the topic of “Marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – where are we now?”. Professor Zachary Douglas QC of Matrix Chambers will moderate the panel. He will be joined by four distinguished speakers and experts in this field, Professor David Freestone, Professor Cymie R. Payne, Professor J Murray Roberts and Oonagh Sands. The event will take place via Zoom on 18 November 2020 at 2pm GMT / 9am ET. For further details of the event and to register, please see the attached flyer. You can also register for the webinar directly here.

  18 November 2020 – Fietta LLP and Matrix Chambers cordially invite you to their jointly-hosted (virtual) panel discussion, sponsored by the American Society of International Law, on the topic of “Marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – where are we now?”. Professor Zachary Douglas QC of Matrix Chambers will moderate the panel. He will be joined by four distinguished speakers and experts in this field, Professor David Freestone, Professor Cymie R. Payne, Professor J Murray Roberts and Oonagh Sands. The event will take place via Zoom on 18 November 2020 at 2pm GMT / 9am ET. For further details of the event and to register, please see the attached flyer. You can also register for the webinar directly here.

• 10 November 2020 – On Tuesday, 10 November 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the fifth webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar Sir Michael Wood, Mr Rodman Bundy, Dr Emily Crawford and Dr Nilüfer Oral reviewed key developments in public international law of the past year including UN sanctions on Iran, decisions under the Genocide Convention and under UNCLOS, and negotiations on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The panel was moderated by Jackie McArthur and Ryce Lee. At the end of the webinar, Professor Vaughan Lowe QC provided closing remarks on the webinar series. For full details please see the attached flyer.

  10 November 2020 – On Tuesday, 10 November 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the fifth webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar Sir Michael Wood, Mr Rodman Bundy, Dr Emily Crawford and Dr Nilüfer Oral reviewed key developments in public international law of the past year including UN sanctions on Iran, decisions under the Genocide Convention and under UNCLOS, and negotiations on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The panel was moderated by Jackie McArthur and Ryce Lee. At the end of the webinar, Professor Vaughan Lowe QC provided closing remarks on the webinar series. For full details please see the attached flyer.

• 4 November 2020 – On Wednesday, 4 November 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the fourth webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar George Pothan, Bill Campbell QC, Daphne Hong and Christopher Stephen discussed how States mitigate the risk of international disputes and how they organise their defence of international claims. The panel was moderated by Professor Chester Brown and Ashique Rahman. For full details please see the attached flyer.

  4 November 2020 – On Wednesday, 4 November 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the fourth webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar George Pothan, Bill Campbell QC, Daphne Hong and Christopher Stephen discussed how States mitigate the risk of international disputes and how they organise their defence of international claims. The panel was moderated by Professor Chester Brown and Ashique Rahman. For full details please see the attached flyer.

• 29 October 2020- On Thursday, 29 October 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the third webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar Laura Rees Evans, Dr. Rowan Nicholson and Sam Wordsworth QC discussed the legal significance of the question “Who represents the State?” in public international law. The panel was moderated by David Isidore Tan and Lucas Bastin. For full details please see the attached flyer.

  29 October 2020- On Thursday, 29 October 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the third  webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. In this webinar Laura Rees Evans, Dr. Rowan Nicholson and Sam Wordsworth QC discussed the legal significance of the question “Who represents the State?” in public international law. The panel was moderated by David Isidore Tan and Lucas Bastin. For full details please see the attached flyer.

• Chambers UK 2021 has once again ranked Fietta LLP as one of the UK’s leading public international law and investor-state arbitration practices. Fietta is recognised as ‘a very professional outfit’ with ‘very good international lawyers’. Clients admire our ‘excellent approach’ and ‘attention to the detail’. Stephen Fietta QC continues to be ranked as a leading practitioner in public international law and investment arbitration. Clients describe him as ‘very impressive’ and ‘an excellent advocate’ with ‘serious PIL expertise’. Full article can be viewed here.

• 19 October 2020 – On Monday, 19 October 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the second webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. This year marks 50 years since the VCLT came into force. In this webinar Sir Franklin Berman QC (Essex Court Chambers), Stephen Fietta QC (Fietta LLP), and Professor Nico Schrijver (Leiden University) discussed three enduring problems and uncertainties. The panel was moderated by Sean Aughey and Rachel Tan. For full details please see the attached flyer.

  19 October 2020 – On Monday, 19 October 2020, Fietta LLP co-organised the second webinar in The Public International Law Webinar Series. This year marks 50 years since the VCLT came into force. In this webinar Sir Franklin Berman QC (Essex Court Chambers), Stephen Fietta QC (Fietta LLP), and Professor Nico Schrijver (Leiden University) discussed three enduring problems and uncertainties.  The panel was moderated by Sean Aughey and Rachel Tan. For full details please see the attached flyer.

• 5 October 2020 – Stephen Fietta QC has been recognised within the Public international law category of Best Lawyers’ Fifth Annual Global Business Edition.

  5 October 2020 – Stephen Fietta QC has been recognised within the Public international law category of Best Lawyers’ Fifth Annual Global Business Edition. The publication highlights more than 40,000 lawyers recognized by Best Lawyers for their top legal talent from 28 countries worldwide. This follows his award of PIL UK “Lawyer of the Year 2021” earlier this year. Full article can be viewed here.

• September 2020 – The Legal 500 UK 2021 has again ranked Fietta LLP as a top-tier public international law firm. Sources comment that Fietta has ‘Unparalleled expertise and in-depth knowledge of the area of public international law’. Stephen Fietta QC, Jiries Saadeh, Ashique Rahman, Oonagh Sands, Laura Rees Evans and Fanny Sarnel all receive individual recognition as leading lawyers in our field. See Fietta Legal 500 Profile

• Fietta LLP is delighted to launch the public international law webinar series taking place between 16 October and 10 November 2020. Please see here for further information and registration details.

  Fietta LLP is delighted to launch the public international law webinar series taking place between 16 October and 10 November 2020. Please see here for further information and registration details.

• 25 September 2020 – Dr Ula Cartwright-Finch of Cortex Capital delivered a practical training session to Fietta on the psychological aspects of virtual hearings.

  25 September 2020 – Dr Ula Cartwright-Finch of Cortex Capital delivered a practical training session to Fietta on the psychological aspects of virtual hearings.

• 15 September 2020 – LexisNexis® published the firm’s most recent Brexit Insight (Spotlight on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill) as part of its “Public Law analysis” service. The article is available as published by LexisNexis® here.

  15 September 2020 – LexisNexis® published the firm’s most recent Brexit Insight (Spotlight on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill) as part of its “Public Law analysis” service. The article is available as published by LexisNexis® here.

• 26 August 2020 –  Oonagh Sands participated in a panel titled “The Artemis Accords and the Future of Space Governance”, hosted by the Space Court Foundation, a non-profit educational organisation in the United States. The panel featured speakers from the U.S. Department of State, NASA, Chatham House and Secure World Foundation.

  26 August 2020 –  Oonagh Sands participated in a panel titled “The Artemis Accords and the Future of Space Governance”, hosted by the Space Court Foundation, a non-profit educational organisation in the United States. The panel featured speakers from the U.S. Department of State, NASA, Chatham House and Secure World Foundation.

• 1 August 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans has been appointed to LexisNexis’s Q&A panel of experts for its Arbitration and Brexit practice areas.

• 23 June 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans of Fietta LLP and Lucas Bastin of Essex Court Chambers moderated a webinar, co-organised by YPILG and Arnold & Porter, on Public International Law in the UK, post-Brexit. Presented by “new voices” in PIL (Maria Fogdestam-Agius, Jackie McArthur, Bart Wasiak, Joel Dahlquist and Elizabeth Chan), this webinar explored a wide range of perspectives on the topic of PIL in the UK, post-Brexit. A video recording of the webinar will be made available in due course.

  23 June 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans co-moderated a webinar on Public International Law in the UK, post-Brexit. Presented by a collection of “new voices” in PIL, the webinar explored a wide range of perspectives on the topic. A video recording of the webinar is available here, and a write-up of the webinar is available on Kluwer Arbitration Blog.

• 9 June 2020 – Ashique Rahman discussed ‘the future of intra-EU arbitration’ at a webinar organised by the Young Arbitrators Forum of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC YAF)

  9 June 2020 – Ashique Rahman discussed ‘the future of intra-EU arbitration’ at a webinar organised by the Young Arbitrators Forum of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC YAF)

• 9 June 2020 – Stephen Fietta QC has been named “Lawyer of the Year 2021” in the public international law practice category of the ninth edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom. The award is given to a single lawyer in each practice category based upon extensive peer reviews. Stephen is one of 23 Queen’s Counsel to have received the award this year across their respective practice categories.

  9 June 2020 – Stephen Fietta QC has been named “Lawyer of the Year 2021” in the public international law practice category of the ninth edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.  The award is given to a single lawyer in each practice category based upon extensive peer reviews.  Stephen is one of 23 Queen’s Counsel to have received the award this year across their respective practice categories.

• May 2020 – Oonagh Sands was appointed to serve on the Program Committee for the American Society of International Law (ASIL). ASIL is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational membership organisation founded in 1906 and headquartered in Washington DC. The Society’s nearly 4,000 members from more than 100 nations include attorneys, academics, corporate counsel, judges, representatives of governments and non-governmental organisations, international civil servants, students, and others interested in international law.

  May 2020 – Oonagh Sands was appointed to serve on the Program Committee for the American Society of International Law (ASIL). ASIL is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational membership organisation founded in 1906 and headquartered in Washington DC. The Society’s nearly 4,000 members from more than 100 nations include attorneys, academics, corporate counsel, judges, representatives of governments and non-governmental organisations, international civil servants, students, and others interested in international law.

• 28 May 2020 – A Global Arbitration Review report on the EU’s proposals to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty included comments by Stephen Fietta QC about potential changes to the fair and equitable treatment (FET) clause intended to safeguard the “right to regulate”, particularly in the context the climate crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

  28 May 2020 – A Global Arbitration Review report on the EU’s proposals to modernise the Energy Charter Treaty included comments by Stephen Fietta QC about potential changes to the fair and equitable treatment (FET) clause intended to safeguard the “right to regulate”, particularly in the context the climate crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. The article can be viewed here.

• 19 May 2020 – Fietta has again been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices. For further information, see here.

  19 May 2020 – Fietta has again been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices. For further information, see here.

• 13 May 2020 – As a new treaty marks the end of intra-EU BITs, Ashique Rahman and Sam Winter-Barker argue that a forthcoming ruling by the European Court of Justice may also limit the ability of EU member states to enter into contract-based arbitration with private parties.

  13 May 2020 – As a new treaty marks the end of intra-EU BITs, Ashique Rahman and Sam Winter-Barker argue that a forthcoming ruling by the European Court of Justice may also limit the ability of EU member states to enter into contract-based arbitration with private parties. The article can be viewed here.

• 29 April 2020 – The Financial Times reported on the Firm’s victory in the Bahgat v Egypt case and the Dutch bailiff’s seizure of the former residence of the Egyptian ambassador in The Hague. Stephen Fietta QC is quoted in the article, which can be viewed here

  29 April 2020 – The Financial Times reported on the Firm’s December 2019 victory in the Bahgat v Egypt case and the Dutch bailiff’s recent seizure of the former residence of the Egyptian ambassador in The Hague following Egypt’s non-payment of the award.  Stephen Fietta QC is quoted in the article, which can be viewed here.

• 24 and 27 April 2020 – The Global Arbitration Review (GAR) reported on the Firm’s victory for a Finnish investor, Mr Mohamed Bahgat, in his investment arbitration against Egypt in respect of the expropriation of the Aswan Iron & Steel Project.  Fietta LLP secured an award in excess of $115 million (including costs) for Mr Bahgat in the case.  GAR subsequently reported on the Dutch bailiff’s seizure of the former residence of the Egyptian ambassador in The Hague as a first step in Mr Bahgat’s enforcement of the award.  Stephen Fietta QC, who was  lead counsel in the arbitration and is coordinating Mr Bahgat’s enforcement campaign, is quoted in both articles, which can be viewed here and here

  24 and 27 April 2020 – The Global Arbitration Review (GAR) reported on the Firm’s victory for a Finnish investor, Mr Mohamed Bahgat, in his investment arbitration against Egypt in respect of the expropriation of the Aswan Iron & Steel Project.  In December 2019, Fietta LLP secured an award in excess of $115 million (including costs) for Mr Bahgat in the case.  GAR subsequently reported on the Dutch bailiff’s seizure this week of the former residence of the Egyptian ambassador in The Hague as a first step in Mr Bahgat’s enforcement of the award.  Stephen Fietta QC, who was  lead counsel in the arbitration and is coordinating Mr Bahgat’s efforts to secure payment of the award, is quoted in both articles, which can be viewed here and here. 

• 23 April 2020 – Sam Winter-Barker examines the recent award in Staur Eindom AS, Ebo Invest AS and Rox Holding AS v Republic of Latvia, an ICSID arbitration brought under the Norway-Latvia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The article was first published by Lexis®PSL on Friday, 17 April 2020 and can be viewed here

  23 April 2020 – Sam Winter-Barker examines the recent award in Staur Eindom AS, Ebo Invest AS and Rox Holding AS v Republic of Latvia, an ICSID arbitration brought under the Norway-Latvia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The article was first published by Lexis®PSL on Friday, 17 April 2020 and can be viewed here.

• 12 April 2020 – Oonagh Sands spoke at a webinar entitled “ Commercial Space – Understanding the Rules Behind NewSpace”, which was organised by the Center for Air and Space Law of the University of Mississippi School of Law and the Space Court Foundation.

  12 April 2020 – Oonagh Sands spoke at a webinar entitled “ Commercial Space – Understanding the Rules Behind NewSpace”, which was organised by the Center for Air and Space Law of the University of Mississippi School of Law and the Space Court Foundation.

• 17 March 2020 – Jiries Saadeh delivered a webinar to LLM students at Queen Mary University Of London on challenges to arbitrators under ICSID.

  17 March 2020 – Jiries Saadeh delivered a webinar to LLM students at Queen Mary University Of London on challenges to arbitrators under ICSID.

• 27 February 2020 – the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) reported on the Swedish Supreme Court’s request for a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the PL Holdings v Poland case, in which Fietta LLP secured two final awards for its client in 2017 worth more than $200 million. Stephen Fietta QC, who was a lead counsel in the arbitration and will continue to represent PL Holdings before the CJEU, is quoted in the article, which can be viewed here.

  27 February 2020 – The Global Arbitration Review (GAR) reported on the Swedish Supreme Court’s request for a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the PL Holdings v Poland case, in which Fietta LLP secured two final awards for its client in 2017 worth more than $200 million. Stephen Fietta QC, who was  lead counsel in the arbitration and will continue to represent PL Holdings before the CJEU, is quoted in the article, which can be viewed here.

• February 2020 – Oonagh Sands served on the Review Committee of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) for the 2020 “Four Societies Conference”, which was responsible for evaluating academic abstracts submitted by junior scholars on the theme of “Beyond National Jurisdiction”. The conference is held every two years and is a joint endeavour by four national societies of international law (ASIL, the Australia and New Zealand Society, the Canadian Council, and the Japanese Society).

  February 2020 – Oonagh Sands served on the Review Committee of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) for the 2020 “Four Societies Conference”, which was responsible for evaluating academic abstracts submitted by junior scholars on the theme of “Beyond National Jurisdiction”.  The conference is held every two years and is a joint endeavour by four national societies of international law (ASIL, the Australia and New Zealand Society, the Canadian Council, and the Japanese Society).

• Chambers Global 2020 rank Fietta LLP among the top global practices for both International Arbitration and Public International Law. Stephen Fietta is also ranked among the world’s leading practitioners in both categories. See Chambers review: Fietta Chambers Profile

  Chambers Global 2020 rank Fietta LLP among the top global practices for both International Arbitration and Public International Law. Stephen Fietta is also ranked among the world’s leading practitioners in both categories. See Chambers review: Fietta Chambers Profile

• 25 February 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at BIICL’s event on UK Investment Protection Policy Post-Brexit, hosted by Steptoe & Johnson LLP. For more information and to register, please see BIICL’s events page here.

  25 February 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at BIICL’s event on UK Investment Protection Policy Post-Brexit, hosted by Steptoe & Johnson LLP.  For more information, please see BIICL’s events page here.

• 23 January 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at All Souls College, University of Oxford, on “Brexit and international agreements: the Withdrawal Agreement and beyond”, as part of the Law Faculty’s PIL Discussion Group Series. Further details of the event and Oxford’s PIL Discussion Group are available here.

  23 January 2020 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at All Souls College, University of Oxford, on “Brexit and international agreements: the Withdrawal Agreement and beyond”, as part of the Law Faculty’s PIL Discussion Group Series. Further details of the event and Oxford’s PIL Discussion Group are available here.

• 8 January 2020 – Ashique Rahman and Miglena Angelova published an article in GAR on “Corruption and standards of proof in investment arbitration”. The article is available here.

  8 January 2020 – Ashique Rahman and Miglena Angelova published an article in GAR on “Corruption and standards of proof in investment arbitration”.   The article is available here.

• December 2019 – Who’s Who Legal 2020 has again recognised Stephen Fietta as among the world’s leading international arbitration practitioners, identifying him as a “Thought Leader” and a “Recommended Global Leader”. Ashique Rahman has been recognised again as a “Future Leader” in the field.

  December 2019 – Who’s Who Legal 2020  has again recognised  Stephen Fietta QC as among the world’s leading international arbitration practitioners, identifying him as a “Thought Leader” and a “Recommended Global Leader”.  Ashique Rahman has been recognised again as a “Future Leader” in the field.

• December 2019 – Stephen Fietta QC has contributed a chapter on arbitral jurisdiction under the ICSID Convention in the new textbook ‘The ICSID Convention, Regulations and Rules – A practical Commentary‘, published by Edward Elgar. The textbook can be purchased here

  December 2019 – Stephen Fietta QC has contributed a chapter on arbitral jurisdiction under the ICSID Convention in the new textbook ‘The ICSID Convention, Regulations and Rules – A practical Commentary‘, published by Edward Elgar. The textbook can be purchased here.

• 3 December 2019 – Stephen Fietta QC and Laura Rees-Evans attended the European Commission’s 2nd Stakeholder Workshop on intra-EU investment. The event allowed the Commission and Member States to update the investor community on recent developments and provided investors with an opportunity to provide critical feedback on the future of ISDS in Europe ahead of the anticipated termination of most intra-EU BITs.

  3 December 2019 – Stephen Fietta QC and Laura Rees-Evans attended the European Commission’s 2^nd Stakeholder Workshop on intra-EU investment.  The event allowed the Commission and Member States to update the investor community on recent developments and provided investors with an opportunity to provide critical feedback on the future of ISDS in Europe ahead of the anticipated termination of most intra-EU BITs.

• Stephen Fietta, alongside Aniruddha Rajput of the International Law Commission, has delivered a Lexis Nexis webinar titled, ‘The World Bank: ICSID – settlement of investment disputes (2019)’. The webinar addresses the ICSID Convention and Arbitration Rules, recent developments in intra-EU investor-State dispute settlement and areas of potential reform. For further details about the webinar and how to access it, please click here.

  Stephen Fietta QC, alongside Aniruddha Rajput of the International Law Commission, has delivered a Lexis Nexis webinar titled, ‘The World Bank: ICSID – settlement of investment disputes (2019)’. The webinar addresses the ICSID Convention and Arbitration Rules, recent developments in intra-EU investor-State dispute settlement and areas of potential reform. For further details about the webinar and how to access it, please click here.

• 5 November 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at Young ITA’s conference on “Investment Arbitration and the Environment – Emerging Themes”, hosted by Latham & Watkins in London.  For further information, see here.

  5 November 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at Young ITA’s conference on “Investment Arbitration and the Environment – Emerging Themes”, hosted by Latham & Watkins in London.  For further information, see here.

• 4 November 2019 – Oonagh Sands will be speaking on “Paths in International Law” at an event organised by European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) at the University of Westminster.

  4 November 2019 – Oonagh Sands spoke on “Paths in International Law” at an event organised by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) at the University of Westminster.

• October 2019 – Chambers UK 2020 has ranked Fietta LLP as one of the UK’s leading public international law and investor-state arbitration practices. Clients describe us as an ‘exceptional firm’ and value our ‘conscientiousness, effectiveness, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile’. Stephen Fietta QC continues to be ranked as a leading practitioner in public international law and investment arbitration. Clients describe him as an ‘intellectual powerhouse’ ‘hugely knowledgeable and very tactically astute’ and admire his ‘constant stream of top-class instructions’.

  October 2019 – Chambers UK 2020 has ranked Fietta LLP as one of the UK’s leading public international law and investor-state arbitration practices. Clients describe us as an ‘exceptional firm’ and value our ‘conscientiousness, effectiveness, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile’. Stephen Fietta QC continues to be ranked as a leading practitioner in public international law and investment arbitration. Clients describe him as an ‘intellectual powerhouse’ ‘hugely knowledgeable and very tactically astute’ and admire his ‘constant stream of top-class instructions’.

• September 2019 – The Legal 500 UK 2020 has ranked Fietta LLP as a top-tier firm in its public international law category. Sources comment that ‘Fietta is now undoubtedly the leading boutique in London in international arbitration and public international law’, with ‘talent from top to bottom’ and that ‘no other boutique in London comes close’. Stephen Fietta QC is ranked among the leading public international law practitioners with clients identifying him as ‘one of the best experts on public international law’, ‘very smart’ with ‘an outstanding reputation’. Jiries Saadeh is described as ‘among the best three of his generation’, ‘definitely a name to note’ and ‘simply fantastic’. Counsel Ashique Rahman is described as ‘excellent’ and named as ‘rising star’ alongside Oonagh Sands. Laura Rees-Evans also receives individual recommendation.

  September 2019 – The Legal 500 UK 2020 has ranked Fietta LLP as a top-tier firm in its public international law category. Sources comment that ‘Fietta is now undoubtedly the leading boutique in London in international arbitration and public international law’, with ‘talent from top to bottom’ and that ‘no other boutique in London comes close’. Stephen Fietta QC is ranked among the leading public international law practitioners with clients identifying him as ‘one of the best experts on public international law’, ‘very smart’ with ‘an outstanding reputation’.  Jiries Saadeh is described as ‘among the best three of his generation’, ‘definitely a name to note’ and ‘simply fantastic’. Counsel Ashique Rahman is described as ‘excellent’ and named as a ‘rising star’ alongside Oonagh Sands. Laura Rees-Evans also receives individual recommendation.

• 3-4 October 2019 – The London Conference on International Law will take place at the Barbican Centre in London. Fietta LLP is one of the sponsors of the event. For further information, see here.

  3-4 October 2019 – The London Conference on International Law took place at the Barbican Centre in London. Fietta LLP was one of the sponsors of the event. For further information, see here.

• 15 August 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans gave an interview to LexisPSL on the current status of the UK’s preparations for Brexit as regards the international agreements in which it participates by virtue of its membership of the EU, and the implications for UK legal practitioners. The article is available here and here.

  15 August 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans gave an interview to LexisPSL on the current status of the UK’s preparations for Brexit as regards the international agreements in which it participates by virtue of its membership of the EU, and the implications for UK legal practitioners.  The article is available here and here.

• 2 July 2019 – Oonagh Sands has been interviewed by LexisPSL in relation to an ICSID annulment committee’s decision on dismissal of claims with prejudice in RSM Production Corporation v. Saint Lucia.

  2 July 2019 – Oonagh Sands has been interviewed by LexisPSL in relation to an ICSID annulment committee’s decision on dismissal of claims with prejudice in RSM Production Corporation v. Saint Lucia.

• Stephen Fietta will be speaking at the 5th Annual GAR Live Energy Disputes Conference on 2nd July 2019 about the implications of the CJEU’s Achmea judgment and the Firm’s recent success in defending a challenge against an intra-EU BIT award. For further information, see here.

  2 July 2019 – Stephen Fietta spoke at the 5^th Annual GAR Live Energy Disputes Conference about the implications of the CJEU’s Achmea judgment and the Firm’s recent success in defending a challenge against an intra-EU BIT award.  For further information, see here.

• Stephen Fietta is once again peer-selected for inclusion in the eighth Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for his expertise in Public International Law.

  11 June 2019 – Stephen Fietta is once again peer-selected for inclusion in the eighth Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for his expertise in Public International Law.

• 29 May 2019 – BIICL’s latest public international law anthology, “British Contributions to International Law 1915-2015” has been published. Laura Rees-Evans contributed a comment on Bin Cheng’s “General Principles of Law as Applied by International Courts and Tribunals, 1953”.

  29 May 2019 – BIICL’s latest public international law anthology, British Contributions to International Law 1915-2015, has been published.  Laura Rees-Evans contributed a comment on Bin Cheng’s General Principles of Law as Applied by International Courts and Tribunals, 1953.

• 24 April 2019 – Stephen Fietta co-authored an article entitled Why the Swedish court decision in PL Holdings is consistent with Achmea. The article comments on the Swedish Court of Appeal’s recent dismissal of a challenge against an intra-EU BITs award won by Fietta LLP. The article is available here

  24 April 2019 – Stephen Fietta co-authored an article entitled Why the Swedish court decision in PL Holdings is consistent with Achmea.  The article comments on the Swedish Court of Appeal’s recent dismissal of a challenge against an intra-EU BITs award won by Fietta LLP.  The article is available here.

• 5 April 2019 – Fietta LLP has once more been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices. For further information, see here. (Hyperlink to https://globalarbitrationreview.com/benchmarking/gar-100-12th-edition/1180031/fietta)

  5 April 2019 – Fietta LLP has once more been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices.  For further information, see here.

• 1 April 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans returns to Fietta LLP today after a six-month secondment to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.  During that time, Laura has been advising the British Government on a variety of public international law issues arising out of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

  1 April 2019 – Laura Rees-Evans returns to Fietta LLP today after a six-month secondment to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.  During that time, Laura has been advising the British Government on a variety of public international law issues arising out of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

• Chambers Global (2019) has for the first time ranked Fietta LLP among the top global public international law practices. Stephen Fietta is again ranked among the world’s leading public international law practitioners. Chambers Review: https://chambers.com/profile

  Chambers Global (2019) has for the first time ranked Fietta LLP among the top global public international law practices. Stephen Fietta is again ranked among the world’s leading public international law practitioners. Chambers Review: https://chambers.com/profile

• 22 February 2019- Ashique Rahman spoke at the 7th Annual Conference on International Law, hosted by the Sydney Centre for International Law

  22 February 2019 – Ashique Rahman spoke at the 7^th Annual Conference on International Law, hosted by the Sydney Centre for International Law. For further information, see here.

• 10 January 2019 – We are pleased to announce that Stephen Fietta has been appointed as Queen’s Counsel (QC). The appointment was made by The Queen, on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.

  10 January 2019 – We are pleased to announce that Stephen Fietta has been appointed as Queen’s Counsel (QC).  The appointment was made by The Queen, on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.

• December 2018 – Fietta LLP was shortlisted by the Legal 500 in two categories for its 2019 awards:

  December 2018 – Fietta LLP was shortlisted by the Legal 500 in two categories for its 2019 awards: Dispute Resolution: Specialist Firm (as the only shortlisted public international law firm) and Dispute Resolution: Individual (Stephen Fietta, as the only shortlisted public international law specialist).  The Legal 500 Awards recognise “capable, expert practitioners and firms operating at the top of their game”.  The Legal 500 states that selection for its 2019 shortlists was based on 70,000 interviews.

•  Stephen Fietta will speak about Shareholders Rights in Investment Arbitration at the ICAL’s 15th Anniversary Conference at Stockholm University.

  7 November 2018 – Stephen Fietta spoke about Shareholder’s Rights in Investment Arbitration at the ICAL’s 15th Anniversary Conference at Stockholm University.

• 5 November 2018 –  The Legal 500 UK 2018 and Chambers UK 2019 both continue to rank Fietta as one of the UK’s leading public international law and investment arbitration practices

  5 November 2018 –  The Legal 500 UK 2018 and Chambers UK 2019 continue to rank Fietta as one of the UK’s leading public international law and investment arbitration practices, with the firm moving up in the Chambers PIL rankings.  According to clients, the firm is made up of ‘a stellar group of lawyers’, who are ‘very smart folks’, ‘extremely knowledgeable on public international law’ and ‘very good on depth of resources, analysis and responsiveness’.

  Stephen Fietta has again been recognised as a leading public international law individual with sources identifying him as ‘a world-leading PIL practitioner and an unflappable advocate’ who is ‘meticulous, thorough and thoughtful’. Jiries Saadeh has again been recognised as a member of the “Next Generation” in the field.  For further information, see Chambers and Legal 500 .

• 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 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.

  1 November 2018 – Fietta LLP and Matrix Chambers hosted 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 participated, alongside Stephen Fietta, Alison Macdonald QC and Oonagh Sands.  Philippe Sands QC opened the discussion.

• 23 October 2018 – Zsofia Young will moderate a panel discussion on “The ICSID Secretariat’s Proposals for Rule Amendments: Transparency and Special Procedures” presented by Young ITA. For further information, see here.

  23 October 2018 – Zsofia Young moderated a panel discussion on “The ICSID Secretariat’s Proposals for Rule Amendments: Transparency and Special Procedures” presented by Young ITA. For further information, see here.

• Laura Rees-Evans will be lecturing on case management and evidence as part of the Nippon-ITLOS training programme 2018-2019.  The programme is organised by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea with the financial support of the Nippon Foundation.”

  10-11 October 2018 – Laura Rees-Evans lectured on case management and evidence as part of the Nippon-ITLOS training programme 2018-2019.  The programme is organised by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea with the financial support of the Nippon Foundation.

• Oonagh Sands participated in a debate concerning property rights in extracted resources in outer space at the University of Nebraska College of Law’s 11th Annual Washington DC Space Law Conference, themed “Intersections of Commercial and National Security Space”.  The event was held at the National Press Club, Washington DC, and was co-sponsored by the American Society of International Law and the International Law Association (American Branch). 

  21 September 2018 – Oonagh Sands participated in a debate concerning property rights in extracted resources in outer space at the University of Nebraska College of Law’s 11th Annual Washington DC Space Law Conference, themed “Intersections of Commercial and National Security Space”.  The event was held at the National Press Club, Washington DC, and was co-sponsored by the American Society of International Law and the International Law Association (American Branch).

• Stephen Fietta will be speaking about oil and gas operations in disputed maritime areas at the AIPN (Association of International Petroleum Negotiators) Conference in Lisbon

  18 September 2018 – Stephen Fietta spoke about oil and gas operations in disputed maritime areas at the AIPN (Association of International Petroleum Negotiators) Conference in Lisbon.

• 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.

  24 July 2018 – 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.

• Stephen Fietta has been peer-selected for inclusion in the Seventh Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for his expertise in Public International Law

  14 June 2018 – Stephen Fietta has been peer-selected for inclusion in the Seventh Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for his expertise in Public International Law.

• Oonagh Sands will be speaking about the relationship between national and international law at the American Bar Association’s 2018 Forum on Air & Space Law, Washington DC.

  7 June 2018 – Oonagh Sands spoke about the relationship between national and international law at the American Bar Association’s 2018 Forum on Air & Space Law, Washington DC.

• 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”.

  11 April 2018 – 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

  5 April 2018 – 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 once again 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.

  15 February 2018 – The Chambers Global 2018 Directory has again 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.

• – Sarah Macrory was a judge at world’s first and only moot court competition on Business and Human Rights.  For more information, see here.

  11 February 2018 – Sarah Macrory was a judge at world’s first and only moot court competition on Business and Human Rights.  For more information, see here.

• Stephen Fietta will participate on a panel discussing human rights, the environment and arbitration at the 3rd EFILA Annual Conference 

  5 February 2018 – Stephen Fietta participated on a panel discussing human rights, the environment and arbitration at the 3rd EFILA Annual Conference

• 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.

  31 January 2018 – 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.

• Legal Business International Arbitration Summit

  30 November 2017 – Stephen Fietta and Jiries Saadeh spoke at the Legal Business International Arbitration Summit.  For further details of the event, see here.

• Chambers UK 2018

  1 November 2017 – 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.

• New Approaches to the South China Sea Conflicts

  19-20 October 2017 – Stephen Fietta spoke at a conference on “New Approaches to the South China Sea Conflicts” at St Antony’s College, Oxford.  For further details of the event, see here.

• The Legal 500 UK 2017

  11 October 2017 – The Legal 500 UK 2017 Directory has ranked us as one of the UK’s leading public international law practices.  It describes Fietta as a “very strong firm for PIL work”, with “real depth of quality”.  The Directory has again ranked Stephen Fietta as a leading public international law individual and identified Jiries Saadeh as a member of the “Next Generation” in the field.  It has also recognised our international arbitration practice.  For further information, see here.

• China Heilongjiang International Economic & Technical Cooperative Corp v Mongolia

  11 October 2017 – Ashique Rahman has been interviewed by LexisPSL in relation to the award rendered in China Heilongjiang International Economic & Technical Cooperative Corp v Mongolia.  

• Investment Treaties: A debate over sovereignty, trade, development and human rights

  11 October 2017 – Stephen Fietta spoke at an event co-hosted by Chatham House and Doughty Street Chambers on “Investment Treaties: A debate over sovereignty, trade, development and human rights”

• International Investment Law & the Law of Armed Conflict

  5-6 October 2017 – Laura Rees-Evans spoke at a Colloquium on “International Investment Law & the Law of Armed Conflict” at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.  For further details of the event, see here.

• Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

  11 September 2017 – Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP hosted YPILG‘s first event in Asia at their offices in Singapore.  The event took the format of a debate on the topic “This house believes that a permanent investment court is required to address legitimate concerns with the present ISDS regime”.  The debate was introduced by Paul Tan and moderated by Stephen Fietta and Daniel Seah.

• International Investment Disputes

  16 August 2017 – Jiries Saadeh will be co-teaching a  course on International Investment Disputes  at Pepperdine University School of Law (London campus), alongside Lucas Bastin of Essex Court Chambers.

• LexisPSL interview

  24 July 2017 – Ashique Rahman has been interviewed by LexisPSL on  recent developments in investment treaty arbitration.

• World’s first and only moot court competition on business and human rights

  12 June 2017 – Sarah Macrory has been appointed to the drafting committee of the  world’s first and only moot court competition on business and human rights.

• Maritime Boundary Delimitation

  26-28 June 2017 – Stephen Fietta presented at an IBRU  Workshop on “Maritime Boundary Delimitation”  for boundary negotiators and litigators in Kensington, London.

• The Chambers Global 2017 Directory

  16 March 2017 – The Chambers Global 2017 Directory has once again ranked Stephen Fietta among the world’s leading public international law practitioners.  It has also identified Sarah Macrory as one of the world’s “Up and Coming” specialists in business and human rights law.

• The future of investment treaty arbitration

  13 March 2017 – Jiries Saadeh spoke at a conference in Paris, organised by Sciences Po,  on  “The future of investment treaty arbitration”.

• GAR 100

  10 March 2017 – Fietta has been recognised by GAR 100 as one of the world’s leading international arbitration practices.  For further information,  see here.

• Juridical Persons and the Requirements of the ICSID Convention

  9 February 2017 – Ashique Rahman has co-authored a chapter on “Juridical Persons and the Requirements of the ICSID Convention” in  “ICSID Convention after 50 years – Unsettled Issues”  (edited by Dr Crina Baltag).

• Public International Law Counsel to the United Kingdom

  6 February 2017 – The Attorney General has appointed Stephen Fietta to the “A Panel” of Public International Law Counsel to the United Kingdom, for a period of five years.

• Public international law in 2016 and beyond – key developments of the past year and expectations for the future

  31 January 2017 – Stephen Fietta spoke at a YPILG event at Essex Court Chambers on “Public international law in 2016 and beyond – key developments of the past year and expectations for the future”.  For further details, please click  here  and scroll down to “News and Events”.

• The Future of Arbitration

  23 January 2017 – Stephen Fietta addressed the Bar Society of King’s College London on “The Future of Arbitration”. For more details of the event, click here.

• Careers in Public International Law

  18 January 2017 – Jiries Saadeh spoke at a BIICL event on  “Careers in Public International Law”.

For 2016 events click here