Herbert Smith Freehills is pleased to announce that Christian Leathley, partner in the International Arbitration and Public International Law groups, has moved to the firm's New York office.
Christian is both English and New York qualified. His practice centres on arbitration of investment disputes, including under investment treaties and other international agreements. Christian is currently representing the Kingdom of Spain in claims brought against it under the Energy Charter Treaty, and the Republic of Costa Rica in claims against it under the DR-CAFTA. Christian will continue to work with the firm's strong network of investment arbitration specialists, who provide a seamless service to clients advising on investment protection issues and investment disputes.
Christian's practice also encompasses international commercial arbitration. He has advised clients on commercial disputes in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, and his current matters include advising a major mining company in Chile, a Colombian oil company in a series of disputes that touch on business and human rights allegations, and a UK publicly listed oil company in proceedings in Argentina and Brazil, among others.
A fluent Spanish speaker, Christian has a particular focus on Latin America. This week, Christian was ranked in Band 3 of the Leading Individuals for International Arbitration, as recognised by Chambers and Partners (2016), Latin America. The move demonstrates Herbert Smith Freehills' commitment to servicing clients with interests in the region and bolsters its existing experience in the U.S. to include both New York and English qualified lawyers, fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with specialist international arbitration experience. The practice now boasts expertise in a number of sectors, including energy and infrastructure and is well-placed to assist its very strong Asian client base – which is one of the most active currently investing in Latin America.
Christian, who has been with the firm since 2010 and is Co-Head of Herbert Smith Freehills' Latin America Group, comments:
"There is a natural pull from Latin America towards New York as the vast majority of cross-border transactions in Latin America are governed by New York law. Many of those transactions include international arbitration agreements selecting New York as the seat. This is another example of Herbert Smith Freehills' commitment to Latin America and an important focus towards our clients' interests in both North and South America."
In New York, Christian will be working closely with international arbitration partner Laurence Shore, who comments: "Our New York team has already worked extensively with Christian over the last few years and is thrilled to welcome him to New York. His presence in New York will undoubtedly strengthen the service we can provide to clients with interests in Latin America and beyond."
For further information, please contact Laurence Shore, Partner, Christian Leathley, Partner, or your usual Herbert Smith Freehills contact.
Christian Leathley
Partner, Co-Head of the Latin America Group, Co-Head of the Public International Law Group, US Head of International Arbitration, London
Key contacts
Christian Leathley
Partner, Co-Head of the Latin America Group, Co-Head of the Public International Law Group, US Head of International Arbitration, London
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