Monika Hlavkova is an associate in the firm’s International Dispute Resolution Group. Her practice focuses on international arbitration and public international law. She is based in London, having also practised in Paris and Singapore.
Ms. Hlavkova joined Debevoise in 2019 from a magic circle law firm. She has experience in investment and commercial arbitrations in a wide variety of sectors and regions and has represented investors and states in disputes under the UNCITRAL, ICSID, ICC, LCIA and SIAC Rules. Ms. Hlavkova also advises on issues of public international law, including on the firm’s pro bono mandates.
Ms. Hlavkova is recommended for Public International Law and International Arbitration by The Legal 500 UK (2024), where clients have praised her “incredible attention to detail,” “sound strategic sense” and her “impeccable” preparation. She is also recognised as a Future Leader by Who’s Who Legal (2024).
Ms. Hlavkova received a combined Bachelor and Master of Law degree from Masaryk University, Czech Republic, in 2010 (graduating top of her class), and an LLM in Public International Law from the London School of Economics in 2011 (Distinction; Blackstone Chambers Prize for Best Performance in Public International Law). During her studies, she spent two years as a research assistant to Judge Zidlicka at the Czech Constitutional Court, focusing on human rights cases, and a further two years with the International Law Programme at Chatham House, principally on projects concerning the laws of armed conflict and international criminal law.
Ms. Hlavkova has been teaching “The Practice of International Arbitration” seminars at the London School of Economics since 2013. Her recent publications include “Green light for summary awards in ICC arbitrations?” (2017) and “Arbitrations commenced by workers’ unions under the 2013 Bangladesh Accord can proceed” (2017).
Ms. Hlavkova is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales and holds Higher Rights of Audience (Civil). She is fluent in English, Slovak and Czech and is also able to work in Spanish.