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International Arbitration

We help clients secure successful outcomes in their most significant and complex international arbitrations; disputes that carry material financial exposure, commercial sensitivity, and strategic importance. We focus on what matters: resolving complex disputes in a way that protects value and supports long term objectives.

Consistently ranked in Global Arbitration Review’s GAR 30, CMS is one of the most active global international arbitration firms in the energy, banking and finance, engineering, life sciences, and insurance sectors. Our clients look to us for the right technical and industry expertise across jurisdictions to drive cases forward with clarity and control.

From structuring arbitration clauses to running complex hearings and enforcing awards globally, we support clients at every stage of the process. Our team combines first rate advocacy with deep sector insight and seamless cross border execution. We have a significant track record under all major rules, (LCIA, ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, CIETAC, LMAA, UNCITRAL, AAA), and expertise in investor state dispute settlement processes, focussing on the conduct of arbitration cases before specialist tribunals and advising on investment protection strategies.

Further reading

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "#1 busiest firm in the GAR30 rankings"
    Global Arbitration Review, 2026
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    "CMS has built a truly distinguished international arbitration practice, combining legal excellence with deep sectoral knowledge and global reach."
    Legal 500, 2026
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    "The team is highly skilled in managing complex, high-value disputes across multiple jurisdictions, with particular strength in energy, infrastructure and investment treaty matters."
    Legal 500, 2026
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    "Their approach is strategic, detail oriented and commercially aware, with a clear focus on achieving effective outcomes for clients. CMS stands out not only for the quality of its advocacy and procedural expertise, but also for its ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on structuring investments, managing risks and enforcing arbitral awards."
    Legal 500, 2026
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    "It is a pleasure to work with a team of such calibre and international fluency."
    Legal 500, 2026
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    "Their insight, professionalism and strategic thinking have consistently added value."
    Chambers, 2026
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    "They strike the right balance between offering commercially relevant legal advice and giving us the space to exercise our own expertise, which makes them a particularly effective partner."
    Chambers, 2026
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    "They have proven their ability to work across jurisdictions with ease."
    Chambers, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS has a very good understanding of the needs of the client."
    Chambers, 2026
  • Quote
    "CMS is strategic, innovative and great to work with."
    Chambers, 2026

Explore more

Challenging an Arbitral Award? The English Commercial Court’s latest reminder on timing

Challenging an Arbitral Award? The English Commercial Court’s latest reminder on timing

02 Jul 2026 9 min read
A Banking Day by any other name (would still end at midnight): Commercial Court clarifies contractual payment deadlines

A Banking Day by any other name (would still end at midnight): Commercial Court clarifies contractual payment deadlines

02 Jul 2026 9 min read
Oil & Gas: Forfeiture, Settlement and Government Consent

Oil & Gas: Forfeiture, Settlement and Government Consent

17 Jun 2026 14 min read
ICC Rules 2026: Key Reforms in Context

ICC Rules 2026: Key Reforms in Context

09 Jun 2026 11 min read
ICC Arbitration Rules 2026 – The Key Changes at a Glance

ICC Arbitration Rules 2026 – The Key Changes at a Glance

29 May 2026 11 min read
CMS strengthens international arbitration practice with partner hire

CMS strengthens international arbitration practice with partner hire

29 May 2026 3 min read
Successful challenge to arbitral award for serious irregularity: practical takeaways for arbitrators and parties

Successful challenge to arbitral award for serious irregularity: practical takeaways for arbitrators and parties

21 May 2026 11 min read
CMS recognised as a leading global arbitration practice with top 15 ranking in GAR100 2026

CMS recognised as a leading global arbitration practice with top 15 ranking in GAR100 2026

14 Apr 2026 2 min read

Events

  • United Kingdom
    19 Aug 2026

    The equIP Collective| From Setbacks to Scale-ups: Navigating Start-up Challenges

  • United Kingdom
    07 Sep 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: Connecting across generations

  • United Kingdom
    10 Sep 2026

    IP Insights webinar series 2026 - Autumn

  • United Kingdom
    11 Sep 2026

    The equIP Collective | Glasgow to Global: Expanding into International Markets

  • United Kingdom
    16 Sep 2026

    Anatomy of an Investigation

  • United Kingdom
    17 Sep 2026

    ERA Ready?

  • United Kingdom
    30 Sep 2026

    On the Pulse Webinar Series 2026 - Autumn

  • United Kingdom
    05 Oct 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: LaughABLE - achieving absurdly great results in challenging times

  • United Kingdom
    19 Oct 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: Navigating change in the workplace

  • United Kingdom
    09 Nov 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: Say it with stories

  • United Kingdom
    23 Nov 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: From fixed thinkers to growth thinkers

  • United Kingdom
    07 Dec 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: The negotiator’s toolkit

Local market knowledge. Global outlook

We provide future-facing legal advice to help your organisation thrive. Combining local market knowledge and a global perspective, and with lawyers in locations worldwide, your organisation benefits from the expertise it needs, even across borders.

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