International disputes: arbitrations and cross border
As a firm founded in Liverpool we have a long history of serving the nation’s global trade past and present. International trade inevitably leads to international disputes over contracts, shipping, insurance and the ownership of goods.
We have supported importing and exporting businesses for decades. We have a wide range of experience of disputes involving trade, commodities and those of an international character. As a result we are experts in resolving disputes through arbitrations and the legal framework that supports those arbitrations.
Our litigators have direct experience arbitrating on LCIA, LMAA, ICC, LCDR and specialist commodity association rules. These institutional arbitrations are often excellent ways of resolving disputes quickly, inexpensively (compared to court litigation) and confidentially.
We are specialists in aspects of the national and international law of arbitration. This means we are well placed to assist our clients with a wide range of supporting actions, including:
- The appeal of arbitration awards under ss. 67, 68 and 69 Arbitration Act 1996
- Anti-suit injunction relief in cases where a party to an arbitration agreement is failing to honour that commitment.
- Freezing orders to preserve assets pending outcome of arbitration.
- Arrest of vessels
- Specialist applications to Court for appointment / removal of arbitrators and directions.
- Direct recognition of Arbitration awards under the New York Convention 1958.
- Enforcement of international awards in England and Wales and court related matters required for foreign enforcement of English awards.
The specialist team are also highly experienced in the recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments in the Courts of England and Wales in the post-Brexit landscape. We are well placed to assist you with reciprocal recognition abroad of judgments made in this jurisdiction and in taking the necessary steps for service of enforceable judgments. As a member of the Legalink network we have access and first rate experience of working with foreign lawyers to achieve great outcomes for our clients.
Finally, we offer support services for foreign lawyers requiring the taking of evidence in the United Kingdom and recognition of letters of request made by foreign courts.
Key cases
- Appealing a multi-million pound commodities arbitration award under the exceedingly rare s.68 AA 1996 ground (serious irregularity).
- Acting for guarantor international bank in relation to anti-suit injunctions arising from shipping contracts.
- Supporting US law firm in deposition evidence for use in New York proceedings.
