Freshfields launches DC arbitration group

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has launched an international arbitration group in its Washington, DC office, transferring a Paris-based partner for the launch.

Partner Nigel Blackaby is to relocate to Washington to bulk up Freshfields’ international arbitration team in the US, with New York partner Lucy Reed leading the new group.

Reed commented: “It’s about client demand. The New York office has seen tremendous growth in international arbitration and there is a significant need for us to have these capabilities in DC as an important centre for this type of work.”

In the New York office, Freshfields recently added to its international arbitration capabilities by moving partner Brian King to the office from Amsterdam last year as well as promoting Alex Yanos to counsel in New York.

Reed added: “Freshfields’ international strategy is to make sure we are building up in the right areas. Establishing an international arbitration group is another piece of achieving that.”

Following Blackaby’s move, Freshfields will have a two-partner, three-associate team in DC working closely with its New York international arbitration group.