Fox Williams has strengthened its dedicated international arbitration practice with the appointment of partner Ben Giaretta.
Ben, who joined the 34-partner firm on 14 September 2020, was previously head of international arbitration (Asia) at Ashurst in Singapore, and more recently a partner in the dispute resolution practice at Mishcon de Reya, a role he has held since February 2018.
Fox Williams is well regarded in the international arbitration market. Independent and conflict-free, the firm is a strong alternative to the traditional City and US law firms. Led by partner Peter Ashford and supported by a number of associates including ex-Reed Smith senior associate Kate Felmingham, the practice focuses on the commodities, energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, and transport and logistics sectors. Jointly with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the firm holds its highly regarded annual Pre-Moot for UK and international law students every Spring before they compete in the prestigious Vis Moot in Vienna.
Ben brings to Fox Williams a successful track record in international arbitration. He is a chartered arbitrator and is the chair of the London branch of the CIArb, one of the largest branches of the CIArb worldwide. He was the CIArb’s first tutor on its international fellowship course in Saudi Arabia, and he is a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen international arbitration summer school.
Commenting on his appointment Ben said: “Fox Williams has a stand-out reputation in the City as being a full-service law firm with a first-class international arbitration practice. Peter is a highly regarded practitioner, and it is a real honour to be jointly leading the firm’s international arbitration practice alongside him.”
Peter Ashford, partner and co-head of international arbitration at Fox Williams said: “The demand for support and guidance on international disputes remains high and continues to grow. Ben has a terrific reputation and is a much-respected practitioner and arbitrator, bringing strength and depth to our practice. I look forward to working alongside him and building our practice further.”
Paul Osborne, senior partner at Fox Williams said: “An increasing percentage of our work originates from international clients as well as from UK companies with overseas interests. When commercial disputes arise, international arbitration is a trusted method of dispute resolution and Ben significantly bolsters our offer to the market.
“I am delighted that we continue to attract strategic partner hires, with three partners joining us since May and other appointments in the pipeline. We have recently welcomed Pollyanna Deane from Simmons & Simmons to boost our insurance offering, and in June Fox Williams alumnus Kolvin Stone joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, bringing specialist cybersecurity and data privacy expertise to complement our existing practice. Each of our new partners enhances our reputation in key sectors and practice areas, enabling us to respond more effectively to market demand.”
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