Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n White & Case<\/a> needs no introduction. Thanks to its skill and experience, the firm acquired a reputation as a go-to firm for global corporations, financial institutions, investors, and sovereign states, on complex and high-stakes disputes in investment and commercial arbitrations.<\/p>\n White & Case is this month\u2019s ATOM for its extensive work in international arbitration. According to data available on Jus Mundi, White & Case<\/a> has been involved in at least 180 international case(s) known by Jus Mundi (113 Investor-States, 60 Commercial Arbitrations, 6 Sports Arbitrations, 1 Advisory Proceedings). 43 of these cases are pending and 3 ICSID cases are pending annulment.<\/p>\n Their high-profile cases cover a wide range of economic sectors including: financial services, energy, power, mining & metals, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, technology, telecommunications, transportation, construction, retail and manufacturing. This month, Jus Mundi is pleased to bring light on White & Case and its International Arbitration group, along with an interview with Abby Cohen Smutny<\/a>, Global Head of the firm\u2019s International Arbitration Practice.<\/p>\n Interview with<\/strong> Abby Cohen Smutny<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n We put our clients\u2019 needs first. When it comes to international arbitration, White & Case has a strong tradition, central to who we are as a firm, dedicated to international dispute resolution. We have a large team of specialists devoted to representations in international arbitration with deep expertise and capacity to handle the full range of disputes \u2013 from small matters to the largest and most complex at issue. We work around the world, in many languages, and in nearly all industries. So we are able to offer our clients an expert team that perfectly suits their needs, no matter the circumstance. Our firm\u2019s service-oriented culture ensures that our clients trust us to prioritize their objectives as work with them.<\/p>\n We are all changing how we do business \u2013 as a law firm generally \u2013 and in our international arbitration practice. White & Case\u2019s Green Initiative, which was adopted in 2013, aims to improve our business practices to reduce our negative impacts on the environment and is the basis for many changes in how we function in all of our offices worldwide. This includes adopting green energy policies, sustainable waste management strategies, and introducing efficiencies across our offices. We have seen so many positive changes in the way we work \u2013 no more plastic water bottles \u2013 hardly any printed documents \u2013 and tele-presence business meetings!<\/p>\n Technology helps us to reduce our reliance on travel when a video meeting will do \u2013 and to manage what used to be mountains of paper on our mobile tablets. This is becoming second nature to all of us in the world of international arbitration as well.<\/p>\n See for example the findings in the chapter on \u201cSustainability and Information Security\u201d in our 2021 Queen Mary\/White & Case International Arbitration Survey: Adapting Arbitration to a Changing World, which surveyed over 1,200 arbitration users globally on their attitudes to sustainable practice in arbitration: 2021 International Arbitration Survey: Adapting arbitration to a changing world | White & Case LLP (whitecase.com)<\/a><\/p>\n My first appointment was on a small commercial case as a sole arbitrator \u2013 after an initial telephonic meeting with the parties and drafting terms of reference, the case settled! A great result!<\/p>\n While many international arbitration practitioners focus on obtaining appointments as arbitrator, it is better in my view to focus on the serious and important work of learning how to present a case and to advise clients through the process of dispute resolution. The role of an advocate is not a lesser role \u2013 arbitrators cannot decide cases correctly if the right facts and a rigorous discussion of the applicable law is not presented. Arbitrators who have never had to assemble the facts of a case, counsel a client through the process, and advise on the consequences of decisions are not well-equipped to serve in the decision-making role.<\/p>\n To be nominated as an arbitrator is to be trusted to be capable of understanding a party\u2019s business, perspective and experience, to be able to direct proceedings fairly, and to be able to persuade co-arbitrators on points that are not initially agreed.<\/p>\n So developing experience learning the process and gaining an understanding of how disputes emerge and can be resolved should be the priority.<\/p>\n International arbitration is getting bigger and better! More parties in more places around the world are turning to international arbitration. The number of international arbitral centers is growing, interest in international arbitration is increasing in all parts of the world, and the number of lawyers practicing in the field is exploding. This is an exciting time to be an international arbitration practitioner \u2013 there have never been more opportunities for those interested. International arbitration is becoming more diverse and more inclusive. With the flood of available third party funding disrupting the space, we will see even greater attention paid to time and costs of the process, with more innovation using artificial intelligence, we will see greater efficiencies, and with the addition of new players, we will continue to adapt and discover new ideas.<\/p>\n Presentation of the firm<\/strong><\/p>\n White & Case\u2019s International Arbitration practice<\/a> is widely recognized as preeminent in its field. The firm is also a global leader in investment arbitration with vast experience includes representations of both investors and States. While the firm\u2019s recent investment arbitration work stands out in the mining and metals sector, team members\u2019 sector-specific expertise span energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, financial services, and pharmaceuticals. The firm is known for dominant investment arbitration with significant strength in emerging markets and additional expertise in commercial arbitration from a wide range of sectors. Its top-tier practice provides outstanding representation in financial services, energy, power, mining & metals, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, technology, telecommunications, transportation, construction, retail and manufacturing, alongside significant expertise in enforcement proceedings. The firm\u2019s impressive global coverage brings unrivaled insight into arbitrators, institutions, expert witnesses, and opposing counsel.<\/p>\n Key clients<\/strong><\/p>\n Track-record<\/strong><\/p>\n Recent instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n Table of international arbitration cases involving White & Case<\/strong><\/p>\n White & Case<\/a> is currently acting as counsel in multiple investor-State and commercial arbitration cases, notably representing clients in ICSID proceedings.<\/p>\n White & Case earns its spot to be the ATOM for its extensive track record of international arbitration cases and clients. We selected a few recent victories and ongoing cases in the table below.<\/p>\n Please click here<\/a> to see all types of cases (investor-State, inter-State, and commercial arbitration) involving White & Case available on Jus Mundi.<\/p>\n [table id=28 \/]<\/p>\n (Note*: This table is not exhaustive.)<\/p>\n\n
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