Welcome to the IDR update from our world-ranked International Dispute Resolution Practice Group. This is a series of announcements that we send to our clients, friends and colleagues about recent news in our field and how we are working to impact change.
Our update includes:
IDR team secures hard-fought arbitration victory for Mercedes-Benz, saving the client US$95 million
Webinar: Should AI replace humans in international arbitration?
Let’s Talk: A career in international disputes with Letizia Ceccarelli
LNG Industry – “Open waters, open questions: Allocation and priority after the Hormuz crisis”
2026 Update – “LNG and Gas Developments in Europe in the Wake of Conflict: Is 2026 the New 2022?”
Commercial Dispute Resolution – “Strait of Hormuz: Energy disputes inevitable amidst war in Iran”
Our updates
Secured enforcement of ICSID award for the Slovak Republic
We successfully represented the Slovak Republic in obtaining a US federal court order enforcing an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) arbitration award against Discovery Global LLC, a Texas-based oil and gas company. The award arose from an investor-state arbitration in which Discovery Global sought up to US$2.1 billion in damages under a bilateral investment treaty, alleging that the Slovak Republic had interfered with its oil and gas exploration activities. An ICSID tribunal rejected all claims, finding that the Slovak Republic had acted lawfully and reasonably, and ordered Discovery Global to reimburse the Slovak Republic for arbitration costs, legal fees and interest.
After Discovery Global failed to satisfy the award or respond to enforcement proceedings, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered default judgment recognizing and enforcing the award. The court emphasized the limited scope of judicial review for ICSID awards and held that the award must be enforced as binding under US law.
The team representing the Slovak Republic included Stephen P. Anway, Jonathan R. Mureen, Raúl B. Mañón and Douglas Pilawa.
Singapore court dismisses all of Tata Power’s challenges to US$490 million arbitration awards in favor of Kleros
The investment company Kleros Capital Partners Limited and our firm today confirmed that the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) has dismissed every application brought by The Tata Power Company Limited (Tata Power) to overturn the arbitration awards issued in Kleros’ favor. The ruling confirms and upholds the immediate final and binding nature of the awards. As a result, Tata Power is required immediately to pay Kleros a sum now exceeding US$640 million, comprising principal damages of US$490.32 million plus interest accruing at 5.33% per annum since November 2020, currently around US$71,600 every day, together with Kleros’ legal costs.
Read our press release.Victory for Republic of Colombia
We are pleased to report a victory for the Republic of Colombia in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Our team included José Feris, Raúl Manon, Ellen Phillips and Douglas Pilawa.
The case arose from a US$311 million International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) arbitration award obtained by Perimetral Oriental de Bogotá (POB) against Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) in connection with a highway project near Bogotá. Although Colombia was not a party to the underlying contract or arbitration, POB sought to enforce the award against both ANI and Colombia in US court.
Representing Colombia in the enforcement action, our team successfully argued that Colombia was entitled to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and could not be held liable for ANI’s obligations absent a showing that ANI was Colombia’s alter ego. The court agreed, stating that “Colombia is correct,” and dismissed the claims against Colombia for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
IDR team secures hard-fought arbitration victory for Mercedes-Benz, saving the client US$95 million
A team led by Raúl Mañón, José Feris and Paulina Rodríguez has secured a significant victory for Mercedes-Benz in a long-running feud with its former distributor for Guatemala, with an International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) tribunal unanimously dismissing the claimants’ US$95 million claim and also awarding our client all of its costs and most of its fees.
Events
Webinar: Should AI replace humans in international arbitration?
22 September 2026
Join associates Denis Sarvarov and Ana Luiza Castro for a live debate exploring whether AI should replace human counsel, arbitrators, experts and tribunal secretaries. In a series of short Oxford-style debates, each mentee will argue in real time against an AI model on whether AI should replace each role. The debate will take place on September 22, from 3 to 4:30 p.m
GAR Live Civil Law Summit – September 28-29
We are pleased to sponsor the upcoming GAR Live Civil Law Summit in Madrid on September 28-29. Our colleague Carole Sportes will be a featured speaker during the session “Times of crisis: testing the limits of force majeure in arbitration.” Carole will examine how different legal systems respond to contractual disruption and the evolving treatment of force majeure in arbitration. Representing our Paris International Dispute Resolution team alongside Carole will be Laure Perrin and Camille Cretin. We look forward to engaging in discussions throughout the summit.
Singapore Office LNG luncheon event
Our Singapore office recently hosted its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) luncheon event – “Navigating the Middle East crisis: Legal and commercial impacts on Asia’s energy markets,” in collaboration with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (YAAF).
The event included a panel discussion with outstanding speakers with decades of hands-on experience across the global energy sector, including:
Rod Duke, a former energy industry CEO and now partner at TWCOG
Jane Liao, the former CEO of the natural gas business at CPC Corporation
Max Rockall, our head of Asia Pacific Energy Disputes and LNG practice.
The panel engaged in a lively discussion regarding the impact of the Middle East crisis on oil and LNG flows into Asia; the commercial responses adopted by market participants; key contractual and legal risks; and what energy companies and lawyers should be doing now to prepare for what lies ahead.
Recognitions
Forbes 2026 America’s Top Lawyers
Congratulations to Stephen Anway, who was recognized in the third annual Forbes 2026 America’s Top Lawyers list. This distinction recognizes his exceptional professional achievements, deep industry knowledge, and meaningful contributions to the legal field.
Read our press releaseALB Super 50 Disputes Lawyers in Asia 2026 ranking
We are delighted to share that our own Maximilian Rockall has been selected for the annual ALB Super 50 Disputes Lawyers in Asia 2026 ranking, which recognizes the region's most outstanding dispute resolution practitioners. This prestigious honor reflects Maximilian's exceptional expertise, strategic advocacy, and success in handling complex cross-border disputes, underscoring his reputation as a leading disputes lawyer in Asia.
Congratulations to Maximilian on this well-deserved achievement!
Chambers Latin America 2027
We are pleased to congratulate the team and individuals from our International Dispute Resolution Practice Group who have been recognized in the Chambers Latin America 2027 rankings.
Practice Areas
Dominican Republic
Dispute Resolution
Latin America – International Counsel
Arbitration (International)
Individuals
Dispute Resolution in the Dominican Republic
Arbitration (International)
José Feris (France, Latin America – International Counsel)
Raúl Mañón (USA, Latin America – International Counsel)
Chambers France 2026
We are pleased to congratulate our International Dispute Resolution team in Paris and José Feris for their group and individual recognition in the Chambers France 2026 rankings. Highlights include:
“Squire Patton Boggs is highly approachable and attentive to the client’s interests. They don’t just offer recommendations, they listen carefully and provide well-considered, practical advice.”
“Squire Patton Boggs has a huge team and expertise in a number of areas. It could quickly engage different team members to address all the issues we needed.”
Best Lawyers in America
Best Lawyers
Raúl Mañón – International Arbitration – Commercial
Stephen P. Anway – International Arbitration – Commercial
George M. von Mehren – Arbitration
Digna B. French – Commercial Litigation; International Arbitration – Commercial
Ones to Watch (2027)
Isabel Manfredonia – Alternative Dispute Resolution
Douglas Pilawa – Alternative Dispute Resolution
Décideurs (Leaders League) 2026 Rankings
We are pleased to share that the Paris’ IDR team has been ranked in the latest Décideurs (Leaders League) rankings for Dispute Resolution in France:
International Arbitration: Ranked Excellent
Commercial Litigation up to €100M: Ranked Excellent
Arbitrators: Ranked Highly Recommended
Read our press release.2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators
We are honored to introduce the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators. Congratulations to all of our partners recognized. The list includes:
Sabrina Aïnouz – Paris
Stephen Anway – New York and Washington DC
Ravinder Bhullar – Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Michelle Glassman Bock – Brussels
John Branson – New York
Naomi Briercliffe – London
Rodman Bundy – Singapore
Peter Crossley – London
Horst Daniel – Frankfurt
Michael Davar – London
José Feris – Paris
Ali Gursel – New York
Jérôme Lehucher – Paris
Raúl Mañón – Miami
Luka Misetic – New York
Rostislav Pekar – Prague
Vladimír Polách – Prague
Matej Pustay – Prague and Bratislava
Maximilian Rockall – Singapore
Sam Song – Dubai
Carole Sportes – Paris
Nicoleta Timofti – Geneva, New York and Astana
George von Mehren – London and Cleveland
Thomas Wilson – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Beirut
Legal 500 EMEA
We were ranked Band 2 in France and José Feris was also ranked yet again as a “Hall of Fame” lawyer for Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration.
Testimonials included:
“The team brings together lawyers with diverse specialisations, ensuring comprehensive coverage of legal issues. Team members work together efficiently to deliver high-quality legal solutions. The team approaches legal challenges with a strategic mindset, aligning legal advice with business objectives and long-term goals. The team handles complex or high stakes matters with confidence.”
“Extremely meticulous work.”
Publications
Let’s Talk: A career in international disputes with Letizia Ceccarelli
What does a cross-border career look like in practice? In our latest Let’s Talk video, Milan senior associate Letizia Ceccarelli shares her experience of working across different jurisdictions and how those experiences have shaped her both professionally and personally. A great insight into Letizia’s career journey, with some thoughtful advice for junior lawyers looking to build their own careers.
LNG Industry – “Open waters, open questions: Allocation and priority after the Hormuz crisis”
Max Rockall, Sagar Gupta and Henry Spence write, “Much of the market’s attention has understandably been fixed on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate consequences for force majeure and non-delivery. The next phase, however, may prove no less contentious. When operations resume, the question will not simply be whether LNG can move again, but which cargoes move first, for whom, and on what contractual basis. In that sense, the reopening of the Strait may mark not the end of the present disruption, but the beginning of a different and potentially more complicated contractual and operational problem.”
2026 Update – “LNG and Gas Developments in Europe in the Wake of Conflict: Is 2026 the New 2022?”
The role of liquified natural gas (LNG) in Europe has evolved significantly in the last five years, with every indication that the ship-transported fuel – and the disputes that go with it – will continue to be a mainstay in the European energy mix.
This article, written by Michelle Glassman Bock, Letizia Ceccarelli and Christina Luo, reflects on the changed role of LNG in Europe over the last several years and addresses certain of its ongoing challenges, including those arising in light of the 2022 Russian cuts to pipeline gas and the latest developments in the Middle East. For those European buyers entering the LNG market or expanding their portfolio within it, a close consideration of contractual terms and the context in which they may be exercised will be an issue of top priority.
Mealey’s International Arbitration – “International Arbitration Experts Discuss The Major Challenges For Arbitration In 2026”
Naomi Briercliffe and Karolina Latasz discuss the major challenges for arbitration in 2026: “Among many challenges facing international arbitration in 2026, two stand out in particular: sanctions and artificial intelligence. Sanctions loom large in arbitration, shaping who can arbitrate, what can be decided, and whether awards mean anything. We expect more investor-state claims brought by sanctioned individuals and entities over measures affecting their assets (such as Fridman v Luxembourg or Belaruskali v Lithuania). If the sanctioned investors succeed, drawn-out enforcement proceedings are likely to ensue. For example, Council Regulation 2025/1494 prohibits courts of EU member states from enforcing ISDS awards relating to measures imposed under the EU’s Russia sanctions. Sanctions are also taking centre stage in commercial arbitrations. As we have seen in the wave of cases brought against Gazprom over gas under-deliveries, these disputes tend to revolve around impossibility, illegality, frustration or force majeure.” Read the full article (subscription required).
Mealey’s International Arbitration – “Commentary: Battle Of The Arbitration Seats: Contrasting The 2025 English Arbitration Act Reform With France’s Reform Proposal”
The “battle of seats” in international arbitration is not new, spanning over half a century. Various global capitals have developed favorable legal ecosystems – either through enacting legislation ensuring legal certainty or issuing court decisions viewed as favorable towards arbitration. The “rivalry” between London and Paris as arbitration seats is particularly noteworthy and has been put in display in cases where their courts have taken opposing approaches on the same issues. José Feris and Natalia Rodríguez Álvarez explore the recent reform of the English Arbitration Act and France’s proposed reform of arbitration, focusing on the reasons, principles and solutions adopted in each system, viewed through the lens of their respective legal philosophies. Read the full article (subscription required).
Jus Mundi 2025 Arbitration Year in Review
We are pleased to share that our contribution to the Jus Mundi 2025 Arbitration Year in Review on arbitration developments in Italy has now been published. This year’s edition includes contributions from more than 40 jurisdictions, and our chapter appears on pages 122-126.
Read the full publication onlineCommercial Dispute Resolution – “Strait of Hormuz: Energy disputes inevitable amidst war in Iran”
Another situation that Asia Pacific energy disputes and liquified natural gas (LNG) head Max Rockall highlights is the opportunities for LNG arbitrage, where he expects sellers to attempt to “capitalise on the potential lack of supply in the market.” He points out that for sellers with sophisticated and flexible operations, they might seek to take advantage of lucrative opportunities to “cancel or divert cargoes away from the lower priced contracts and markets towards the new higher priced Asian premium that we are seeing.” He comments that for many energy companies, the temptation of windfall profits in the current situation might be too appealing to turn down, leading to an acceptance of a disputes risk. In the same vein, Max says claims may also arise over disputed force majeure restoration quantities. As the situation evolves, Max expects rescheduling, annual programming and potential contested flexibility disputes to become “the key battleground areas” in relation to the Strait of Hormuz. Parties will be negotiating the details of any force majeure, the rescheduling of deliveries to later dates, as well as navigating contested flexibility rights in contracts. “That includes ship changes and loading port nominations and changes (potentially impacting the force majeure analysis),” says Max.
Commercial Dispute Resolution – “Dutch real estate giant fails in EUR 425 million arbitral claim against Romania”
Plaza Centers’ major dispute with Romania over a stalled development project, which has involved dual arbitrations, has seen the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) dismiss the company’s claim on jurisdictional grounds. A long-running, high-stakes wrangle over the stalled “Casa Radio” project in Bucharest – which spurred Romania to launch its own arbitration claim against Plaza Centers for €2 billion – has resulted in Plaza’s original arbitration claim failing at ICSID, which rejected the company’s claim on jurisdictional grounds based on Plaza’s conduct and agreements. Romania was represented by a team from our firm in New York and Prague, an MPR Partners team in Bucharest, and the Romanian Ministry of Finance.