International Commercial Arbitration

Based in Paris. Service in Spanish.

The mechanism chosen by international trade to resolve disputes

International commercial arbitration is the dispute resolution mechanism chosen by companies from different countries when ordinary courts are not a viable option: due to jurisdictional differences, the cross-border complexity of the dispute, or simply because the parties agreed to it from the outset in the contract.

Unlike litigation, arbitration is confidential, flexible, and results in an arbitral award with binding force recognized in more than 170 countries under the 1958 New York Convention.

The essential requirement is the arbitration clause: an agreement between the parties, included in the contract, by which they undertake to submit any future dispute to an arbitral tribunal, such as the ICC International Court of Arbitration, headquartered in Paris.

The preferred instrument of international trade

“The arbitral award is final, non-appealable, and enforceable in more than 170 countries.”

170+
countries party to the New York Convention
Since 2021
representing Spanish-speaking clients from Paris

Representation before the ICC and other arbitral institutions

We represent Spanish-speaking companies and investors in international commercial arbitrations, both as claimants and respondents, before the leading arbitral institutions.

Primary

ICC — International Chamber of Commerce

Paris. The leading arbitral institution for international commercial disputes. Our firm is based in Paris, home of the ICC.

International

LCIA — London Court of International Arbitration

London. One of the world's most prestigious arbitral institutions for disputes under English law or contracts involving UK parties.

Other institutions

Other institutions depending on the contract

Other arbitral institutions depending on the contract and the agreed seat. We analyze the applicable rules and the most suitable institution for each case.

Our support covers every stage of the proceedings: from the initial assessment of the case’s viability to the enforcement of the award, including the drafting of submissions, evidence management, and representation before the arbitral tribunal. We also advise on the drafting of arbitration clauses for international contracts, with the aim of preventing disputes or, should they arise, ensuring that the proceedings favor the client’s interests.

From the first consultation to the award

01

Case analysis

We assess the arbitration clause, the viability of the claim, and the competent institution. If no arbitration clause exists, we explore the available alternatives.

02

Formal demand letter

Before initiating formal proceedings, we send a formal demand letter to the debtor. In many cases, this is enough to reach a settlement.

03

Commencement of arbitration

We file the request for arbitration or the response before the relevant institution, depending on whether our client is the claimant or the respondent.

04

Proceedings

We manage the evidentiary phase, the appointment of arbitrators, submissions, and hearings, with greater flexibility and full confidentiality.

05

Award and enforcement

The award is final and non-appealable. If the losing party does not comply voluntarily, we initiate enforcement proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction.

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International arbitration has its own rules

International commercial arbitration has its own rules, practices, and strategies, distinct from both court litigation and domestic arbitration. Entrusting a case to a general practitioner or to a lawyer without specific experience in international arbitration can seriously jeopardize the outcome.

The most common mistakes we see in cases brought to us:

Poorly drafted arbitration clauses that trigger jurisdictional disputes before the merits are even addressed.

Unfamiliarity with the deadlines and formal requirements of each institutional rulebook.

An evidentiary strategy unsuited to the standards of international arbitration.

Our practice is dedicated exclusively to international dispute resolution. We are well versed in the ICC and LCIA rules, and have represented clients in proceedings seated in Paris, London, Madrid, and other jurisdictions.

Spanish speakers in Paris, home of the ICC

The ICC International Court of Arbitration is headquartered in Paris. So is our firm.

This is not merely a matter of geography. It means we understand the institutional environment, the local arbitrators, the customs of the forum, and the French courts with jurisdiction over the enforcement of awards in France — a concrete advantage when the arbitration is seated or enforced on French territory.

And we do it in Spanish. For companies and investors from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Peru, or any other Spanish-speaking country, having a lawyer who is fluent in both international law and the language removes a real barrier in a highly technical process.

Presence before the ICC in Paris and other international arbitral institutions
French-Spanish-English team trained in international arbitration
International associates in Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, Luxembourg, and Peru
2021

From Paris, in Spanish

How long does an international arbitration take?

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It depends on the complexity of the case and the arbitral institution. An ICC arbitration can take between 18 months and 3 years in complex cases. The ICC's expedited procedure, applicable to disputes under USD 3 million, can be resolved in 6 months.

What is the difference between the ICC and the AAA?

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The ICC is the leading arbitral institution for European and international disputes, headquartered in Paris. The AAA (American Arbitration Association) operates mainly in the United States. The choice between one and the other depends on the agreed seat, the parties' nationality, and the nature of the contract.

What are the stages of international commercial arbitration?

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The main stages are: (1) filing the request for arbitration, (2) constitution of the arbitral tribunal, (3) the submissions and evidence phase, (4) hearings, and (5) issuance of the award. Depending on the applicable rules, additional stages may exist.

What matters cannot be submitted to arbitration?

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In general, matters of public policy, rights that the parties cannot freely dispose of (such as certain labor or family law rights), and criminal disputes are not arbitrable. In the international commercial sphere, most contractual disputes are indeed arbitrable, provided a valid arbitration clause exists.

When does international arbitration apply?

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When the contract between the parties includes an arbitration clause referring disputes to an international arbitral institution, or when the parties agree to submit their dispute to arbitration after it has already arisen.