Stewarts is a leading disputes-only firm with a specialist international arbitration practice. We are a centre of excellence for complex, high-value cross-border disputes, acting for clients where commercial, legal and geopolitical pressures are at their highest.

Our team advises on some of the most challenging disputes across multiple jurisdictions, governing laws, arbitral seats and procedural frameworks. We act under all major institutional and ad hoc rules, including the ICC, ICSID, LCIA, SCC, SIAC and UNCITRAL Rules, delivering strategies that are commercially grounded, cost-effective and uncompromising on quality.

We combine specialist arbitration expertise with deep sector knowledge and regional insight to help clients protect value, manage risk and achieve their strategic objectives.

A specialist team for complex disputes

Every member of our team is a dedicated international arbitration specialist.

We advise on international commercial arbitration, investor-State disputes, arbitration-related litigation before the English courts, and the enforcement of arbitral awards worldwide. Our lawyers bring experience acting as counsel and sitting as arbitrators, giving clients practical insight into how tribunals approach the issues that matter most. Our lawyers conduct oral advocacy in international arbitrations, including opening and closing submissions and the examination and cross-examination of factual and expert witnesses.

We are regularly instructed on high-profile disputes involving novel and complex legal, commercial and geopolitical considerations. Many of our matters span multiple jurisdictions and require coordination across differing legal systems, regulatory environments and cultural contexts.

Expertise across sectors and industries

Sector expertise lies at the heart of our arbitration practice.

We act across a broad range of industries, including:

• Energy and natural resources
• Infrastructure, construction and transport
• Financial services and insurance
• Technology, telecommunications and intellectual property
• Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
• Commodities, shipping and international trade
• Corporate, M&A and joint ventures.

Our deep understanding of these sectors allows us to provide advice that reflects both the legal framework and the commercial realities shaping each dispute.

Global reach with genuine regional insight

Alongside our global international arbitration capability, we have particular regional strengths across India, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Our teams are led by partners with longstanding experience in these markets and supported by lawyers qualified in, or closely connected to, the jurisdictions in which they operate. This provides a detailed understanding of local legal systems, business cultures and political environments.

The result is advice that is internationally informed and locally attuned, enabling clients to navigate disputes confidently in some of the world’s most dynamic and complex markets.

Investor-State arbitration expertise

We act for both investors and States in investment treaty disputes under ICSID, UNCITRAL, SCC and other international frameworks.

Our experience includes disputes concerning:

• Expropriation
• Violations of the fair and equitable treatment standard
• Regulatory and legislative change
• State conduct and sovereign risk
• Customary international law
• Recognition and enforcement of treaty awards.

We combine technical treaty expertise with strategic and commercial judgement, helping clients pursue or defend claims while managing broader political, reputational and business considerations.

Managing disputes from beginning to end

We guide clients through the entire lifecycle of a dispute.

From early risk assessment and pre-arbitration strategy through to proceedings, settlement, enforcement and challenge, we provide a joined-up approach designed to achieve the best possible outcome while protecting long-term business interests.

Our integrated model allows us to shape disputes from the earliest stage and maintain strategic control throughout.

A strong track record of achieving settlement

While we are known for our arbitration expertise, many of our most successful outcomes are achieved before a final hearing.

We work closely with clients to identify opportunities for early resolution through negotiation and strategic intervention, always guided by their commercial objectives. Our experience enables us to apply pressure at the right moment and create the conditions for successful settlement where appropriate.

When arbitration cannot be avoided, we pursue our clients’ interests vigorously and efficiently.

Independent, conflict-light and globally connected

As a specialist disputes-only firm, we operate with significantly fewer conflicts than many international law firms.

This independence means we can:

• Act where others are conflicted
• Work seamlessly alongside leading firms around the world
• Coordinate multi-jurisdictional strategies as global counsel
• Accept complex conflict referral mandates.

Our model makes us a trusted destination practice for corporates, banks, State entities, investors and individuals operating across international markets.

Cost-effective strategies and innovative funding solutions

International arbitration demands careful management of both legal risk and cost.

We deliver lean, partner-led teams that provide efficient, high-quality representation. Clients benefit from clear strategic oversight, focused resourcing and a disciplined approach to dispute management.

Our specialist in-house funding expertise is a significant differentiator. We are highly experienced in structuring alternative fee arrangements, securing third-party funding and arranging after-the-event insurance. This enables clients to pursue or defend claims from a position of financial strength while managing risk effectively.

For investor-State disputes in particular, our funding expertise can help clients pursue complex claims against sovereign States while managing financial exposure.

Enforcement and arbitration-related litigation

Our capabilities extend beyond the arbitral process itself.

We regularly advise on:

• Enforcement of arbitral awards worldwide
• Challenges to arbitral awards before the English courts
• Defence of awards against challenge
• Interim relief in support of arbitration proceedings.

The ability to combine arbitration expertise with sophisticated court advocacy is a significant advantage in high-value international disputes.