Vanessa is Knowledge Counsel and Arbitration Practice Manager in the global arbitration practice. Vanessa has a particular interest in innovative fee arrangements and in using technology to predict both the cost and outcome of arbitrations.
Vanessa advises clients and colleagues on complex issues relating to arbitration clauses, legal opinions, arbitral procedure and case strategy. She also advises on public international law, in particular state immunity and investment protection issues. Vanessa helps to lead and drive the firm's thought leadership and client and external engagement on key developments in both areas.
Vanessa’s role is heavily focussed on client engagement on arbitration and public international law issues. She is involved in devising and delivering internal and external training, client seminars and webinars and drafting ebulletins and other legal know-how materials for clients. Vanessa is an editor of our arbitration and PIL blogs, hsfnotes.com/arbitration and hsfnotes.com/publicinternationallaw and of our flagship publication, Inside Arbitration.
Vanessa is also responsible for devising and implementing projects to the meet the practice's knowledge and business needs, including in business planning, practice efficiency and strategy development. Her particular areas of interest include alternative fee arrangements and technological innovation in both practice management and arbitral procedure.
Vanessa is a member of the LexisPSL Arbitration Consulting Editorial Board and the Law Society's Arbitration Committee. Vanessa is also a co-lead of the organising committee for the International Arbitration Day of London International Disputes Week International Day 2025.
Background
Before joining the firm in 2012, Vanessa was a Senior Associate in the international arbitration practice of another global law firm.
