In many sectors, arbitration is now seen as the natural choice for the binding resolution of commercial disputes where companies or state entities enter into cross-border contractual relationships. Although arbitration can have some similarities to court litigation, it is a different process in which unique factors and considerations apply and where specific arbitration experience is of considerable benefit. Our arbitration lawyers will help guide you through what, to some, can be an unfamiliar and daunting process.
International arbitration is a core activity of K&L Gates. The wider Dispute Resolution group represents over one-third of the firm’s practice. Within that, the International Arbitration practice includes over 100 lawyers spread across our offices globally, including in many of the world’s leading arbitration centers.
K&L Gates has built a strong reputation for its tough yet commercial approach to cases. We are regularly retained by some of the world's leading companies on business-critical assignments. Our lawyers adopt vigorous, creative, and cost-effective methods to achieve high rates of success and maximize client satisfaction. We seek to manage client costs, regularly providing experience-driven cost projections that set out estimated time scales and costs for each stage of the arbitration process, thereby assisting clients in budgeting and cash flow management. Our global coverage means we can structure teams so as to ensure that cases are handled cost efficiently.
We have been involved in arbitrations in many countries across the world in Europe, Asia, and North, Central, and South America. We have extensive experience with all major international arbitration rules including those of ICC, LCIA, AAA, ICDR, ICSID, SCC, DIS, HKIAK, CIETAC, CAM Santiago, SIAC, trade associations (such as the RSA and FOSFA), and ad hoc arbitrations under the UNCITRAL Rules. We have also dealt with numerous investment treaty cases under Multilateral and Bilateral Investment Treaties acting on behalf of investors and sovereign states.
K&L Gates lawyers also are actively engaged in dispute avoidance and are regularly involved in a range of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, mini-trial, or bespoke forms of structured negotiations.
Leading international arbitration publication Global Arbitration Review (GAR) ranked K&L Gates among the firms in the 2010 through 2013 “GAR 100,” a list of the 100 top-rated law firms globally in international arbitration. Publications such as Chambers, Legal 500, and Asian Legal Business have also recognized the firm. Remarks included characterizing K&L Gates' Arbitration group as “excellent in every way” (Legal 500, 2010).
Why K&L Gates? Key Distinguishing Features of our Arbitration Practice