Linklaters adds leading international arbitration partner to US bench

Linklaters is pleased to announce that Joseph R. Profaizer has joined the firm’s Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations practice as Global Co-Head of International Arbitration based in the Washington, D.C. office — further strengthening the firm’s international arbitration offering. Joe’s arrival builds on a series of recent high-profile hires for Linklaters in the US, including the market-leading M&A team led by Global Chairman of Corporate and Partner George Casey and Partner and Head of US Capital Solutions & Special Situations Michael Torkin. 

Adam Lurie, Head of the US Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations Practice, said:

“Joe’s addition to our team is a significant step forward as we continue to bolster our presence in the US. His extensive experience and exceptional track record in international arbitration will be instrumental as we further expand and solidify our position as a premier litigation, arbitration, and investigations firm in the US and globally.”

Alison Wilson, Global Divisional Practice Head, Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations, said: 

“Joe’s expertise in complex international arbitration and his proven successes on cross-border and cross-practice matters will be pivotal in enhancing our international arbitration capabilities, helping our clients navigate and resolve their most challenging disputes.”

Joe said: 

“Linklaters is a premier international law firm, and I am deeply impressed with the firm’s vision for its global disputes, US litigation, and international arbitration practices. I look forward to working with my new colleagues across the globe to deliver integrated, world-class service and results to our clients in the US and around the world.”

Joe’s career spans over two decades, during which he has represented clients in complex international disputes across more than 70 countries. He has successfully led more than 100 international arbitrations under various esteemed institutions such as the ICC, AAA/ICDR, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, ICSID, JAMS, CIETAC, WIPO, CEPANI, CeCAP, and UNCITRAL. In 2023, Law360 named Joe a “Most Valuable Player” in international arbitration in the US for his outstanding successes that year. Joe is also an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center. He joins from Paul Hastings where he was Global Co-Chair of the firm’s International Arbitration practice and a former Vice-Chair of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.

Linklaters has made a series of significant hires in the US over the past 18 months, including across real estate, intellectual property, energy & infrastructure, financial regulation, capital markets, tax, executive compensation & employee benefits, and environmental, among other areas.

Linklaters’ International Arbitration practice is one of the largest in the world. The team, led by over 40 partners and counsel, acts in arbitral proceedings across the globe, including the key international arbitration centers of Washington, D.C., New York, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Geneva, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Dubai. The firm’s integrated international arbitration offering has depth and breadth of experience in working on high-profile international arbitrations across the US, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.