Michael Cottrell

Michael represents international clients and states in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. While his practice encompasses a range of sectors, he has a particular focus on disputes in the infrastructure and energy sectors. He has experience as an advocate in complex, high-value arbitration proceedings.

Michael provides advice at the pre-dispute stage and at the outset of formal dispute proceedings. He is adept at handling cases under a wide range of arbitration rules, including ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, HKIAC and ad hoc arbitrations, and has experience with arbitral seats and governing laws in both civil and common law jurisdictions.

In addition to his commercial arbitration work, Michael’s practice includes investor-state dispute resolution, particularly in cases arising from conflict and civil unrest. He also has significant experience acting on sanctions-related disputes, and has experience in state immunity issues. As an advocate, Michael has represented clients before leading international arbitrators in some of the most complex and significant disputes. Michael is also a solicitor-advocate, with rights of audience before the senior civil courts of England & Wales.