An international group of critical and independent thinkers

… not afraid to be outspoken in pursuit of the right strategy: driven by curiosity and a thirst for new challenges. Our globally renowned Arbitration practice operates across international borders and in different legal systems, across a variety of sectors on institutional, ad hoc and investor-state arbitrations.

We focus on where we can make a difference. From energy majors and technology companies, through to financial institutions and States, our clients rely on us to handle their most complex and strategic cases. Are we the best? You would have to ask our clients and our peers what they think. Do we work on (and win) some of the largest and most complex disputes in the world? Absolutely.

Successful arbitration requires much more than just being experts in the law. Our team, the client and external industry experts all immerse ourselves in the full context of the case. The right dynamic can make all the difference. In understanding every chapter, issue, and theme that collides in the facts of the matter, we offer arbitrators our client's story with conviction and legal pragmatism.

Diversity leads to truly creative solutions

(And when we say "we have a diverse and international practice" - we are not exaggerating). We bring together our diverse and multidisciplinary expertise with a truly global perspective to assist clients. With:

7 Partners
50+ Associates
from more than 25 countries
admitted in more than 20 jurisdictions; and
who speak more than 35 languages.

Our clients benefit from the insights, experience and qualifications that our lawyers have, in addition to their unrivalled legal expertise; varied educational and industry backgrounds, across multiple different sectors and jurisdictions.

Their performance is world-class in this line of work... clearly beats its competitors in professionalism, preparedness, power of argumentation, alertness, tactics and thorough appreciation and understanding of the issues at stake.

Chambers Global 2021 / Global Arbitration Review

Insights

27 March 2026

De Brauw listed among 30 largest international arbitration practices in GAR 30

De Brauw has been listed in the GAR 30, the annual ranking published by Global Arbitration Review identifying the 30 leading international arbitration practices worldwide. As part of the selection process, firms are assessed across a range of criteria including complexity and volume of arbitration matters handled, team depth, and standing among peers and clients. This acknowledgement is testimony to our team's hard work and the effort we have put into building the team's practice and gaining international recognition over the past decades.
28 February 2025

CJEU issues important decision on cross-border patent injunctions

On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) answered preliminary questions in a long-awaited ruling in a case between BSH Hausgeräte GmbH (BSH) and Electrolux AB (Electrolux). The ruling clarifies certain aspects regarding cross-border patent injunctions against defendants domiciled in an EU member state and seems to broaden the possibilities of cross-border injunctions.
5 July 2023

China’s new counter-espionage law and recent enforcement raise data security compliance bar

On 1 July 2023, the newly revised Counter-Espionage Law came into effect in China. The amendments significantly expand the scope of activities that can be considered espionage by adding a catch-all provision, and codify the enforcement powers of relevant authorities. The revised law was first introduced in April 2023 amid a surge in Chinese enforcement activity against US-linked consultancy and due diligence firms, including a raid that was nationally broadcast in China.