Overview
Matthew specialises in international arbitration and public international law. He also advises on non-contentious matters involving the protection of investments under public international law. He has particular expertise in investment treaty arbitrations. Matthew regularly represents parties in proceedings before the English Commercial Court whereby arbitral awards are challenged under the applicable provisions of the English Arbitration Act 1996.
Matthew has conducted numerous international arbitrations, both ad hoc and institutional (including under International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) rules), in cases arising from all major industry sectors, in particular energy, construction and financial services. Much of Matthew’s experience has been gained in emerging markets.
Matthew co-heads the team writing Arbitration Links, the firm’s arbitration blog with insights, updates and news from the firm’s arbitration experts.
Work highlights
Matthew has led on many significant arbitrations. Those that can be disclosed include:
- representing the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the annulment of a US$6 billion ICSID award rendered in favour of Tethyan Copper Company Limited, an Australian joint venture vehicle of Antofagasta PLC. The dispute arose out of a mining concession.
- acting for Standard Chartered Bank and a subsidiary in two related ICSID arbitrations arising out of the financing of a power station in Tanzania. The first, Standard Chartered Bank v United Republic of Tanzania was brought under the United Kingdom–Tanzania BIT, and the second was brought pursuant to an investment agreement arising out of a project financing between a lender and a national electricity utility
- representing an Australian chemicals company in a significant construction arbitration against a Spanish contractor. The matter was being heard in an ICC arbitration and the principal claims related to defective works
- acting for an online gaming corporation in a US$1 billion dispute arising out of an asset disposal. The dispute was heard in an LCIA arbitration and turned upon the extent of cooperation required by a reasonable endeavours undertaking
- representing a South American oil company in a dispute with another energy company in a dispute arising out of a Joint Operating Agreement relating to the development of a new oil field
Professional experience
Matthew lectures on matters connected to arbitration and public international law. He is co-author of the world’s leading investment arbitration text, International Investment Arbitration: Substantive Principles, published by Oxford University Press (second edition, 2017), together with Professor Campbell McLachlan QC and Laurence Shore.
Education and qualifications
Matthew studied law at Downing College, Cambridge University.
He speaks English, and has some knowledge of French, Spanish and Hebrew.
