London International Arbitration Lawyer: LCIA & ICC Counsel

Philip Rubens is a Legal 500-ranked lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing clients in high-value international commercial arbitration. Operating from London, a premier global seat for arbitration, he provides discreet, partner-led counsel to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporates, and investors on complex cross-border disputes.

His practice is dedicated to achieving clients’ commercial objectives through strategic advocacy in proceedings under the world’s leading arbitral institutions. Specialising in disputes valued at over £1 million, Philip combines deep procedural knowledge with robust case management to protect his clients’ interests across jurisdictions.

Expertise in Leading Arbitral Institutions & Rules

Philip frequently acts in arbitrations administered under major institutional rules, alongside non-administered, ad hoc proceedings. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including hospitality, cosmetics, and finance.services.

Key areas of practice include:

• LCIA Arbitration: Representing clients in arbitrations administered by the London Court of International Arbitration, one of the world’s leading institutions for resolving international commercial disputes.
• ICC Arbitration: Acting as counsel in proceedings under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, renowned for its global reach and expertise in complex, multi-party disputes.
• Ad Hoc Arbitration: Providing strategic representation in arbitrations that are not administered by an institution, requiring a deep understanding of the applicable procedural laws (e.g., the English Arbitration Act 1996) and tailored case management.

Disputes often arise from commercial contracts. If your matter may proceed in court rather than arbitration, please see our [High Court Litigation] page.

Strategic Counsel for Cross-Border Arbitration

Effective management of an international arbitration requires more than just presenting a case. It demands a cohesive global strategy. Philip provides expert guidance on the critical procedural elements that determine the success of an arbitration.

This includes advising on the optimal seat of arbitration, the governing law of the contract, and strategies for securing interim relief to preserve assets or evidence. He has extensive experience coordinating with foreign counsel, particularly for clients from the United States, India, and the Far East, to ensure a seamless approach to evidence gathering and witness preparation across different legal cultures.

A key focus is always on the end goal: securing a final and enforceable award. Philip’s strategy is shaped by the requirements of the New York Convention, ensuring that a successful outcome can be effectively enforced against assets almost anywhere in the world.

Representative Matters

To maintain strict client confidentiality, the following examples of Philip’s work are anonymised:

• Acted for a US-based hospitality group in an LCIA arbitration seated in London concerning a dispute over a hotel management agreement.
• Represented a cosmetics company from the Far East in an ICC arbitration against a European distributor for breach of contract.
• Advised an Indian investor in an ad hoc arbitration related to a shareholder dispute in a UK-based technology joint venture.
• Successfully represented a financial institution in a complex, multi-million-pound arbitration involving derivatives and allegations of mis-selling.
• Acted on behalf of a corporate client to enforce a significant arbitral award in London against the UK-based assets of a foreign entity.

Why Instruct Philip Rubens?

Choosing counsel with the right blend of experience and strategic focus is crucial in international arbitration. Clients retain Philip for his proven ability to navigate high-stakes disputes.

• Decades of Specialist Experience: Over 30 years focused on complex commercial disputes, providing seasoned judgment in international arbitration.
• Partner-Led Service: Clients receive direct, personal counsel from Philip throughout the process, ensuring a deep, continuous understanding of your commercial objectives.
• Legal 500 Recognition: Independently recognised as a leading lawyer, a mark of his expertise and track record of success.
• Expertise in Major Arbitral Rules: Extensive experience acting under LCIA, ICC, and ad hoc frameworks provides procedural and strategic advantages.
• Discreet & Commercially Focused: All advice is delivered with the utmost discretion and is aligned with achieving your business goals, whether through a negotiated settlement or a final award. For negotiated outcomes, Philip is also an experienced [Mediator].

Process & Funding

The arbitration process begins with a detailed analysis of the dispute and the arbitration agreement. We provide a clear assessment of your position and a strategic roadmap for the proceedings.

Understanding the costs of arbitration is vital. We offer clarity and flexibility in our fee structures to align with your needs. Funding arrangements can include:

• Traditional hourly rates.
• Capped or fixed fees for specific stages of the arbitration.
• Third-party litigation funding is appropriate for high-value claims.

Regulatory issues can sometimes run parallel to commercial disputes. For matters involving UK regulators, see our [FCA Defence Work for Regulated Individuals] page.