Doing business internationally increasingly requires an understanding of the overlap between the rules of private and public international law. We build on a 50-year tradition of combining practical and academic expertise in this area.
We advise on the application of public international law in domestic courts, the relationship between international tribunals and domestic courts and the resolution of disputes between private investors and states. We are also regularly called on to examine the impact of private and public international law on international commercial transactions. Clients seek advice on public law issues including:
- sovereignty and boundary disputes
- bilateral investment treaties and expropriation issues
- sanctions
- oil concessions
- air and water rights
- treaty negotiations and accession
- state responsibility
- and private law issues such as choice of law, jurisdiction and enforcement proceedings
Our international law team acts for governments, international organisations and leading corporations and names TNK-BP, BAT, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Lazard & Co, Eurotunnel and British Gas among its clients.
Based in London with partners in Brussels, Paris and Tokyo, the team handles international law issues anywhere in the world, with the assistance of lawyers in all our offices and our alliance partners.
Doing business globally
Herbert Smith international trade and investment group, (pdf document, 1.4mb)
Litigation team of the Year
The Lawyer Awards 2007
Herbert Smith - best litigation practice
Vault Guide to the Top 50 UK Law Firms 2007
"Fields an 'outstanding' team"
Chambers 2003-2004
"Impressive practice"
Legal 500 2003
In the top tier of the Public International Law rankings
Chambers 2003-2004, Legal 500, 2003