Arbitration
Strategic representation in high-value arbitral disputes
Arbitration is the preferred forum for many cross-border commercial relationships. The process is private, flexible, and often designed to protect commercial confidence and counterpart relationships. Outcomes, however, only have value if they are enforceable.
STA Legal acts for corporates, investors, traders, contractors and private clients in domestic and international arbitrations. We provide partner-led case strategy aligned with your commercial objectives and the practical realities of award recognition and recovery.
Our arbitration expertise
Institutional and ad hoc arbitration
We act under major institutional rules and ad hoc clauses, for claimants and respondents, including:
- LCIA, ICC and UNCITRAL arbitrations.
- GAFTA, FOSFA, LME and other trade/commodities terms.
- DIAC, SIAC, HKIAC and other regional institutions.
- Ad hoc arbitrations under bespoke clauses
Our work covers:
- Notices of arbitration, responses and jurisdictional objections.
- Statements of case, defences, and replies
- Document production, disclosure and e-discovery.
- Coordination of factual and expert evidence
- Interim measures and emergency relief where available
- Hearings, submissions and post-hearing work
Award challenges, recognition and enforcement
Securing an award is not necessarily the end of the process. We advise on:
- Challenges to awards under ss.67–69 Arbitration Act 1996 (jurisdiction, serious irregularity, point of law).
- Recognition and enforcement of awards under the New York Convention and domestic legislation.
- Defences to enforcement, including public policy, due process and excess-of-authority arguments.
- Enforcement planning based on asset location, debtor structure and recoverability
Sector-specific arbitration capability
We integrate sector knowledge with arbitral expertise, particularly in:
- International trade and commodities.
- Energy, utilities and infrastructure.
- Construction and engineering projects.
- Shipping, freight and logistics.
- Financial products, trade finance and derivatives.
- Joint ventures, shareholder and partnership disputes.
Insights and thought leadership
Illustrative topics for client briefings and training:
Drafting arbitration clauses that work
Guidance on seat, governing law, institutional rules and escalation clauses to reduce preliminary skirmishes and jurisdictional disputes.
Emergency arbitrators and court relief
Analysis of when to seek emergency arbitral relief, when to proceed directly to court and how to coordinate both.
Award challenges under the Arbitration Act 1996
A review of recent cases and practical commentary on when a challenge is justified and when it is a costly distraction.
Evidence in international arbitration
Practical steps for building a persuasive evidential record from the outset, including disclosure strategy and expert selection.
Contact us
• Discuss a live arbitration or threatened notice
• Assess enforcement prospects before issuing or defending
• Coordinate award recognition and recovery strategy across jurisdictions