José Astigarraga

José Astigarraga is an experienced advocate who represents clients in international business disputes. Described as “‘a brilliant strategist who always has absolute command of the subject matter and is always prepared,’…” and cited for his “‘extraordinary critical thinking skills, strategic planning, extensive international relationships and depth of experience,’ which ‘put him on a level all by himself”.

In the course of more than 30 years of practice, Astigarraga has handled a broad array of matters. His experience includes representing companies in disputes stemming from joint ventures, distribution agreements, licensing arrangements, shareholder agreements, corporate acquisitions, supply agreements, power projects, EPC and other construction contracts, credit, investment and other financial contracts, telecommunications agreements, utility/public service tariffs, insurance coverage, performance bonds and foreign judgments. Fully fluent in both English and Spanish, Astigarraga has handled cases emanating from virtually every country in Latin America.

Astigarraga has held a variety of leadership positions in the field of international arbitration. He was one of ten Americans initially appointed by the U.S. Government to advise the NAFTA Commission on the development and promotion of international arbitration and dispute resolution. He serves on the ICC’s Commission on Arbitration and co-chairs its task force on enhancing the value of witness evidence.

He has chaired the International Bar Association’s Worldwide Task Force on the Guidelines for Arbitrator Conflicts of Interest as well as the Americas’ Initiative of the Institute for Transnational Arbitration, which seeks to promote the use of international arbitration in the Americas through education and training.

Astigarraga successfully led the effort to have the Florida Bar authorize non-Florida lawyers to handle international arbitrations in Florida and personally argued the petition before the Florida Supreme Court. He is also a founder and director of the Asociación Latinoamericana de Arbitraje.

His practice extends beyond Latin American disputes. Astigarraga was one of the 35 members of the London Court of International Arbitration for ten years, serving as Vice President of the Court much of that time. He has lectured across the globe on arbitration topics, including in Europe, Latin America, China and elsewhere in Asia.

Astigarraga has served as arbitrator, co-arbitrator or chair before the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of Arbitration, and the American Arbitration Association, among others.

Education :

• University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
• University of Miami, B.A.

Professional Admissions & Qualifications : Florida

Professional Affiliations :

• London Court of International Arbitration, Vice President
• International Bar Association’s worldwide Task Force on the Guidelines for Arbitrator Conflicts of Interest
• Rules Advisory Committee of the International Center for Dispute Resolution
• International Chamber of Commerce’s Latin American Arbitration Group