Clifford KC, Philip

Philip Clifford KC

Partner

philip.clifford.kc@lw.com
    Clifford KC, Philip

    Philip Clifford KC

    Partner

    philip.clifford.kc@lw.com
    "Brings significant cross-border expertise to his arbitration practice."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "There's no question relating to international arbitration that he cannot answer on the spot."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "Very bright, user friendly, down to earth, and really cares."

    The Legal 500 UK 2023

    Hall of Fame – International Arbitration

    The Legal 500 UK 2023

    Profile

    A leading international arbitration King’s Counsel, Philip Clifford KC helps clients from around the world to navigate their most complex disputes.

    Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Mr. Clifford KC helps clients resolve disputes effectively and efficiently. His successful track record representing a broad range of clients (from private and public corporations and shareholders to government-owned entities and states), spans a number of sectors, including oil and gas, construction, energy, and telecommunications.

    Mr. Clifford KC offers clients the dual perspectives of a leading counsel and an arbitrator at the heart of the international arbitration community. He is a long-term Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a UK representative on the ICC Commission on Arbitration, a co-author of a leading book on the LCIA Arbitration Rules, and a Consulting Editor for LexisNexis.

    Mr. Clifford KC has served as Global Co-Chair of Latham & Watkins’ International Arbitration Practice, Chair of the London Litigation & Trial Department, London Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Compliance Officer for Legal Practice, and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration.

    Accolades

    • “One of the best in the profession”
      “Renowned for energy cases”
      The Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2020
    • “A very sophisticated and incredibly knowledgeable KC”
      “Excellent at cross-examining witnesses”
      “A pleasure to work with and extremely adept at resolving cross-border disputes”
      Chambers Global
    • “Really impressive for the personal involvement and attention he gives to cases, the speed of his responses and the quality of his legal advice and work”
      The Legal 500 EMEA

    Experience

    Mr. Clifford KC’s selected experience includes representing:

    Oil and Gas

    • Oil and gas majors and integrated energy companies in relation to disputes all along the value chain, from exploration and production to sales and the pricing of long term supplies of LNG
      • For example, in 2019, obtained a substantial award for an oil major in relation to a dispute over a pipeline project in Africa

    Construction

    • Owners and contractors regarding delay and disruption, extension of time, liquidated damages, termination, force majeure, variations, and other claims across a range of projects
    • For example, in 2020, obtained one of the largest Awards ever made against Libya for a European construction and engineering company in relation to multiple project disputes

    Energy

    •  Owners and contractors in relation to the construction and operation of power plants and the supply of energy
      • For example, has represented various nuclear power companies in disputes relating to the construction and operation of nuclear facilities, the treatment of nuclear material, and decommissioning

    Telecommunications

    • Telecommunications companies in relation to disputes over the acquisition and disposal of companies, assets, and licenses
      • For example, has handled multiple arbitration and court proceedings over the acquisition of stakes in mobile telecommunications companies in Eastern Europe

    M&A

    • Buyers, sellers, and other interested parties in disputes over corporate acquisitions and disposals
      • For example, represented a sovereign wealth fund in relation to disputes over the acquisition of a stake in a stock exchange, and represented the buyer of oil companies in an arbitration over leakage and breach of warranty claims

    JV and Shareholder Disputes

    • Joint venture (JV) partners and shareholders in a range of disputes across a number of sectors, from aviation, transport, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals to banking and insurance

    Qualifications

    Bar Qualification

    • England and Wales (Solicitor)
    • England and Wales (Solicitor-Advocate)
    • King's Counsel (England & Wales)

    Education

    • M.Sc. (Arbitration and Construction), King's College London
    • MA in Law, Oxford University
      (Scholar)

    Practices

    Industries

    Recognition

    News & Insights

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