The 2021 edition of Who's Who Legal: Arbitration has recognized 20 WilmerHale lawyers for their industry-leading experience in international arbitration. 

Partners Gary Born, Steven Finizio, Rachael Kent, John Pierce and Franz Schwarz; Senior Counsel James Carter; Special Counsel Professor Dr. Paul Oberhammer and Professor Dr. Maxi Scherer; and Counsel Dr. Sarah Ganz were all recognized in the 2021 edition as leading practitioners. In addition, Born, Carter, Finizio, Kent, Oberhammer, Pierce, Scherer and Schwarz were recognized as “Thought Leaders,” a category reserved for the highest number of peer nominations globally, with Born and Scherer applauded as “Global Elite Thought Leaders.”

In its “Arbitration 2021: Analysis,” Who's Who Legal: Arbitration lauds WilmerHale as among the leading firms in EMEA for international arbitration and highlights the work of four lawyers from the firm's London office: 

• Gary Born is widely regarded as “one of the greatest minds in international arbitration” by peers and clients alike, who state that he is “a global superstar” and “in a league of his own.”
• Steven Finizio draws praise for being an “effective and brilliant practitioner” who is “excellent as counsel” and a “star to come.”
• Maxi Scherer consistently produces “stellar work and is very skilled in unpacking complex investment treaty issues.” She is “widely considered as a first-rate name in arbitration.”
• Franz Schwarz is a “very able practitioner who has established a strong public international law practice.” He is “super well known” and recognized as “one of the best advocates worldwide.”

We are particularly proud to announce that Partners Charlie Caher and Duncan Speller; Counsel Santiago Bejarano, Olga Braeuer, Daniel Costelloe, Michael Howe, Jonathan Lim, Helmut Ortner, Marija Scekic, and Amélie Skierka; and Senior Associate Dharshini Prasad were singled out as “Future Leaders” who “stand out as among the best of their generation.” Speller and Prasad were recognized as among the most “highly regarded” future leaders in the partner and non-partner categories respectively. 

Duncan Speller wins high praise as an “outstanding lawyer” who possesses a “super brain,” while Michael Howe is viewed as a “hugely impressive international arbitration practitioner who takes a splendid personable approach.” Helmut Ortner is highlighted for his “deep knowledge of and breath taking experience in quantum claims and damage calculations” and his “strong strategic thinking.” Marija Scekic is applauded for her “clarity and sharp judgement,” as well as her “ability to absorb huge amounts of technical detail,” making her an “arbitration giant of the younger generation.” Dharshini Prasad is described as a “very bright and talented advocate” who is “undoubtedly a rising star in arbitration.”