Public international law has assumed greater importance with the increasing globalisation of business. As well as state-to-state public international law, much of our work is in international commerce, whether acting for governments or private entities. We work on international project finance and major infrastructure projects, energy projects, international financing and privatisations, and trade and customs disputes. Our particular strength lies in combining public international law knowledge with wide commercial experience.

Our public international law practice advises states, international organisations and multinational companies on both contentious and non-contentious issues. This includes:

  • territorial and boundary disputes;
  • international maritime law;
  • air and water rights;
  • treaty negotiations and accession to treaties;
  • state responsibility;
  • sovereign and diplomatic privilege and immunity;
  • project-specific international agreements between host states;
  • foreign corrupt practices;
  • extra-territorial jurisdiction for worker safety liability;
  • offshore oil and gas (and other resources);
  • human rights (including their relevance in the context of corporate social responsibility and alien tort claims);
  • economic sanctions;
  • expropriations;
  • international environmental law;
  • bilateral investment treaties; and
  • sovereign debt questions.

News

Freshfields advises Barclays on acquisition of £2bn UK credit card business from Discover View

Freshfields' global dispute resolution practice appoints four new partners View

Briefings

A new collective action, English-style?  View

China’s draft Labour Contract Law Implementing Regulations  View

Awards

Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Who's Who Legal (2008)

Competition/Regulatory Team of the Year - Lawyer Awards (2008)

View all awards