Public international law

Experience

Awards

Insights

Resources

Contacts

International arbitration
- Commercial arbitration
- Global advocacy
- Investment arbitration and treaty protection
- Public international law

We operate in the real world: as one of the only firms with lawyers in a broad range of international law issues across a global network, we find pragmatic solutions to the trickiest international law problems.

Understanding the political and international law issues at play and the commercial realities our clients face allows us to best advise on their highest profile and most complex matters.

In addition to our investment protection and investor-state arbitration representations, our lawyers provide focused legal and strategic advice across the full spectrum of pure public international law issues, including within the following areas:

Experience

The London Stock Exchange, Justice and Human Rights Watch

Advising the London Stock Exchange, Justice and Human Rights Watch in various claims before municipal courts (including the House of Lords) involving issues under the ECHR, detention, deportation, torture and diplomatic assurance

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Advising the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on the proposed emissions trading regime for Japan including advice on the public international law aspects of emissions trading schemes globally

Vitol SA

Advising Vitol SA on the arbitration, immunity and other dispute resolution aspects of its US$7 billion oil and gas project in Ghana, reportedly the largest single project foreign direct investment inflow to Ghana since Independence

A consortium of international oil companies

Advising on their rights under public international law, national and international investment law in respect of contracts granted by the Republic of the Sudan over oil and gas reserves located wholly or partially within South Sudan

Government of Malaysia

Representing in a successful US$1.2 billion arbitration against the Republic of Singapore concerning the interpretation of a bilateral treaty, conducted under the Permanent Court of Arbitration Optional Rules for Arbitrating Disputes Between Two States

An Asian offshore contractor

Advising in a dispute arising out of US, UN and EU sanctions and the terms upon which it can withdraw from Iran.

Awards and recognition

“The firm has a multifaceted practice recognised for expertise in both PIL and commercial arbitrations.”

Chambers Global Market Leaders 2026: Public International Law

“Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer are very effective and meticulous.”

Chambers Global Market Leaders 2026: Public International Law

“Herbert Smith Freehills is widely respected for its work assisting multinational organisations, states and state-owned entities with the full range of PIL matters.”

Chambers UK 2026: Public International Law

“Stands out for its strength in advising both investors and states in investor-state disputes, as well as advising on investment treaty drafting.”

Legal 500 UK 2026: Public International Law

“They are pragmatic, responsive and have detailed knowledge.”

Chambers UK 2026: Public International Law

“The team offers niche strengths in public international law and human rights issues”

Chambers Asia Pacific 2026: Asia-Pacific Region – Arbitration (International)

“Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has remarkable experience in arbitrations all over the world. The job it does is excellent”

Chambers Europe 2026: Europe-wide – Arbitration (International)

Ranked Top 10 in the world

Global Arbitration Review Top 30 – 2026

“Very talented team led by ace partners who excel at advocacy and the tactics of running investor-state cases”

Legal 500 UK 2026: Public International Law

Inside Arbitration: Issue 21

Marking a decade of Inside Arbitration, this edition brings together the themes shaping today’s international arbitration landscape

Find out more