Osborne Clarke bolsters its Dispute Resolution Team with experienced arbitrator

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has strengthened its Dispute Resolution Team with the hire of Robert Hunter, effective from January 1, 2017. The experienced arbitration specialist will join the Cologne office as a Senior Counsel, focusing on international arbitration, particularly in the Energy & Infrastructure sectors. Robert Hunter was a Partner at Hogan Lovells in Frankfurt for many years before establishing his own arbitration boutique.

Managing Partner, Carsten Schneider, commented: “In Robert Hunter we have found an arbitration expert with many years of procedural experience. Robert’s arrival will continue the expansion of our conflict resolution practice led by Partner Alexander Kirschstein as well as the OC International Arbitration Group, which handles large international arbitration proceedings. Our Energy & Infrastructure sectors also gain further expertise with Robert’s proven track record.”

Robert Hunter is experienced in representing both companies and governments on complex international arbitrations, including investment arbitration, as well as advising on matters involving international treaties. He successfully represented the insolvency administrator of Augsburg-based company Walter Bau in an arbitration against the Kingdom of Thailand under the German-Thailand Bilateral Investment Treaty and in subsequent long-running proceedings in Germany for recognition and enforcement the arbitral award, a process that was successfully completed with confirmation by the German Supreme Court just a fortnight ago.

Robert Hunter said: “My business fits perfectly into the firm’s strategy. Osborne Clarke has impressive relationships in the energy and infrastructure field and also has a growing reputation in arbitration, both nationally and internationally. The firm’s sector strategy is a real strength and has led to obvious success in many areas, above all in the New Economy. I’m looking forward to continuing this development as well as growing the work on an international scale together.”

Greg Fullelove, International Arbitration Partner in Osborne Clarke’s London office said: “Robert’s excellent record speaks for itself. With his unique Anglo-German profile, he will bring additional strength and expertise to Osborne Clarke’s international arbitration group, particularly in investor-state disputes. The UK and German offices work as one team: we are as excited in London as my colleagues are in Cologne”.

A total of 15 lawyers work within the area of conflict resolution in the German offices. Osborne Clarke’s clients include, amongst others, energy-sector companies, retail chains, banks, life science companies and internet service providers, whom it represents in civil law court proceedings, infringement lawsuits as well as arbitrations under the leading arbitration rules, including the DIS, ICC, ICSID, LCIA, SCC, SIAC, UNCITRAL and VIAC. Worldwide, the firm’s international team comprises some of the world’s leading litigation and arbitration lawyers, operating across an extensive international network. The team is experienced in advising parties from the US, Europe, Russia, the CIS and the Middle East and can conduct arbitrations in all the principal procedural languages.

Last week Osborne Clarke announced the hiring of Katie Vickey in its litigation practice group. Katie specialises in advising on global compliance systems and meeting regulatory work in multiple markets. She joins from Evershed LLP where she was Partner for six years.