Legal Representation in ICC Arbitration

The International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) arbitration is a widely used method of resolving domestic and cross-border disputes outside the national court system. It enables parties to submit their dispute to an independent arbitral tribunal, whose decision, known as an arbitral award, is generally final and binding, subject to limited rights of challenge or review under the applicable law and arbitration rules. 

ICC arbitration may be particularly suitable for disputes involving parties from different jurisdictions, international contracts, commercially sensitive matters or transactions requiring specialist expertise. It is used across a broad range of sectors, including corporate transactions, international trade, construction, energy, manufacturing, technology, investment and financial services. 

Our London office is prepared to represent companies, investors, shareholders, directors acting in their personal or representative capacities and other commercial parties in ICC arbitrations seated in London and in other international arbitration centres. 

The legal and institutional framework 

ICC arbitrations are administered by the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in accordance with the applicable ICC Arbitration Rules. The ICC Court does not itself decide the merits of the dispute. Instead, it administers the proceedings, oversees the constitution of the arbitral tribunal and scrutinises arbitral awards before they are issued. 

The legal framework applicable to a particular arbitration depends on several distinct factors, including: 

• the arbitration agreement between the parties; 

• the applicable version of the ICC Arbitration Rules; 

• the legal seat of the arbitration; 

• the law governing the arbitration agreement; 

• the substantive law governing the parties’ contractual relationship; and 

• any mandatory laws or international conventions that apply. 

Where the chosen seat of arbitration is in England and Wales, the proceedings are governed by the Arbitration Act 1996, as amended by the Arbitration Act 2025. English courts generally take a supportive approach to arbitration and may assist in matters such as enforcing arbitration agreements, securing evidence, granting appropriate interim relief and recognising arbitral awards. 

The seat of arbitration is a legal concept and should be distinguished from the physical location of the hearings. A London-seated arbitration may conduct hearings elsewhere or remotely without necessarily changing its legal seat. 

The ICC Arbitration process 

An ICC arbitration is normally commenced by submitting a Request for Arbitration to the ICC Secretariat. The respondent is then given an opportunity to submit an Answer and, where appropriate, bring counterclaims or raise objections to the tribunal’s jurisdiction. 

The principal stages may include: 

1. Reviewing the arbitration agreement and determining its scope, validity and applicable law; 

1. Commencing or responding to the arbitration, including preparing the Request for Arbitration or Answer; 

1. Constituting the arbitral tribunal, whether consisting of a sole arbitrator or three arbitrators; 

1. Establishing the procedural timetable and determining how the case will be conducted; 

1. Preparing written submissions setting out the parties’ factual and legal positions; 

1. Collecting and presenting documentary, witness and expert evidence; 

1. Attending procedural conferences and hearings, whether in person, remotely or through a hybrid format; 

1. Making submissions on liability, relief, interest and costs; and 

1. Receiving and, where necessary, enforcing or challenging the award. 

Depending on the circumstances and the applicable rules, expedited or highly expedited procedures may be available. A party requiring urgent protection before the tribunal has been constituted may also be able to seek emergency or interim measures. 

How we can assist 

We represent claimants and respondents at every stage of ICC arbitration, from the initial assessment of the dispute through to the final award and its enforcement. 

At the outset, we can review the relevant contracts and arbitration clauses, identify jurisdictional or procedural issues and assess the merits, risks and commercial objectives of the case. We can also advise on the appropriate seat, governing law, language and composition of the tribunal where these matters have not already been agreed. 

During the proceedings, we can prepare submissions, manage documentary evidence, work with witnesses and experts, represent clients at hearings and conduct settlement discussions where commercially appropriate. Where urgent action is required, we can advise on interim measures, emergency arbitration and applications to the courts in support of the proceedings. 

Following the arbitral award, we can advise on compliance, recognition and enforcement, as well as the limited circumstances in which an award may be corrected, challenged, interpreted or resisted. 

International and multilingual representation 

ICC arbitration frequently involves parties, contracts, assets and evidence located in several jurisdictions. Effective representation therefore requires careful coordination between different legal systems, languages and commercial practices. 

Our multilingual team can provide assistance in English, Hungarian, German, Spanish, Russian and Turkish. This enables us to work directly with international clients, review relevant materials efficiently and coordinate with foreign lawyers, experts and other professional advisers where necessary. 

By combining our international commercial experience with knowledge of the English arbitration framework, we can help clients approach ICC proceedings with a clear strategy, effective case management and a strong understanding of both the legal and commercial considerations involved.