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

A confidential client

Representing a confidential client in an arbitration against a South-East Asian state resulting from a disputed maritime boundary. The claim involved allegations that the state had warranted that the relevant waters, later disputed by a neighbouring state, were within its exclusive economic zone. The maritime boundary dispute raised issues concerning the status of and sovereignty over certain islands and this impact of this on the maritime boundary

A financial institution

Advising a financial institution on the EU's sanctions against Libya and their application to an investment by a Libyan sanctioned entity, including the possibility of seeking licences to carry out various activities in connection with the investment

Confidential clients

Advising in relation to the potential impact of Brexit on the UK's ability to fight modern slavery

Confidential clients

Advising confidential clients on issues of State secession and the implications of the creation of new states immediately before the referendum on Scottish Independence

The United States of America

Advising on several LCIA arbitrations against Canada on imports of softwood lumber to the United States.

The Republic of Chile

Representing The Republic of Chile in the landmark case on the law of sovereign immunity before the UK House of Lords in Ex Parte Pinochet (No. 3) [1999] 2 WLR 827

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