Debevoise & Plimpton LLP partners Catherine M. Amirfar and Sophie J. Lamb have been recognized by Global Arbitration Review in the 2011 GAR “45 under 45,” a guide to leading figures of the international arbitration bar under the age of 45. Both Debevoise partners are members of the firm’s highly regarded International Dispute Resolution Group.
The “45 under 45” guide was compiled by a panel of informed sources consisting of GAR editorial board members and practitioners who have appeared in an earlier edition of the guide. This is not the first time Debevoise lawyers have been included in the “45 under 45” guide, with partner and Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Arbitration Committee, Mark W. Friedman featured in the inaugural 2006 edition. Global Arbitration Review is the world’s leading arbitration law journal and news service covering arbitration issues in countries around the world.
Ms. Amirfar, a litigation partner based in Debevoise’s New York office, focuses her practice on international litigation and arbitration, and complex commercial litigation. She was recently ranked as one of the leading international arbitration practitioners in the U.S. and described as an "emerging star in international arbitration" by Chambers USA (2011), which also noted that she plays a "key role" in Debevoise's public international law practice. The Legal 500 US (2011) describes her as “highly regarded by clients and peers alike,” and Ms. Amirfar was commended in Chambers Latin America (2011) for being “detail-oriented and [having] a strategic approach.” She represented the petitioners in each of Medellin v. Dretke, Sanchez-Llamas v. State of Oregon, and Medellin v. Texas in the U.S. Supreme Court. In the GAR “45 under 45” feature, Ms. Amirfar stated that the highlight of her career thus far was "Being one of the youngest advocates to argue in the International Court of Justice in the Avena (Mexico v United States) case. It just doesn't get better than standing up in the Peace Palace." When asked who serves as her mentors, Ms. Amirfar responded, "I have been truly fortunate to work at Debevoise with two of the very best in the field: Donald Francis Donovan and David W. Rivkin."
Ms. Lamb, a litigation partner based in Debevoise’s London office, focuses her practice on complex litigation, commercial and investment treaty arbitration and public international law. She is recognized as a rising star by Chambers Global (2011) and by Chambers UK (2011) for her exceptional reputation. Ms. Lamb has acted as adviser and advocate in dozens of international arbitrations arising under the rules of the major arbitral institutions. She also sits as arbitrator and is a panelist for both Sports Resolutions in the UK and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Ms. Lamb’s recent representations include Exxon Mobil in connection with a NAFTA claim at the World Bank and Norilsk Nickel in a multi-billion dollar shareholder dispute with UC Rusal. When asked by GAR what advice she would give a lawyer just starting out in international arbitration, she said, “don’t underestimate the power of good mentoring. I suspect that most of those on this under-45 list…were mentored by one of the leading practitioners.” When it comes to whom she considers her mentors, Ms. Lamb said, “Since moving to Debevoise three years ago, my closest mentors have been Lord Peter Goldsmith QC and David W. Rivkin.”
The Debevoise International Dispute Resolution Group advises on the most complex international disputes for leading multinationals, international organizations, sovereigns and non-governmental organizations. It is one of a few firms to combine investment treaty arbitration, general commercial dispute resolution and strong public international law experience with strong capacity in all three centers for international arbitration: New York, London and Paris. Ten Debevoise lawyers have been recognized as leading lawyers in the field by various guides.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a leading international law firm, representing a wide range of clients around the world. Founded in 1931, the firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Hong Kong and Shanghai.