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 completes landmark first English scheme of arrangement for a Spanish company - La Seda de Barcelona, S.A. View

Freshfields signs on Olympic hopefuls as London 2012 marks two year count down View

Briefings

New US extraterritorial sanctions against Iran  View

EU Council introduces new economic sanctions against Iran  View

Awards

Regulatory team of the year - JUVE Awards (2009)

Dispute resolution law firm of the year - JUVE Awards (2008)

View all awards