
Mark W. Friedman is a litigation partner and a member of the International Dispute Resolution Group. His practice concentrates on international arbitration and litigation, and he also has broad experience in civil and criminal matters. Mr. Friedman has represented clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and Investor-State disputes across many industry sectors, including energy, mining, finance, insurance, construction, shareholder relationships, joint ventures, media, telecommunications and manufacturing. He has acted as counsel or arbitrator in disputes under the rules of the ICC, LCIA, AAA, ICDR, CPR, UNCITRAL and ICSID.
Among other leadership positions, Mr. Friedman is a Vice President of the ICC Court of Arbitration and is a former Chair of the International Bar Association’s Arbitration Committee. He was previously a member of the court of the London Court of International Arbitration, Vice-Chair of the International Dispute Resolution Committee of the International Section of the American Bar Association, and co-rapporteur of the International Law Association’s Commercial Arbitration Committee.
Mr. Friedman is a member of the editorial board of Dispute Resolution International. Mr. Friedman regularly speaks and publishes on international arbitration topics.
As Chambers has reported, Mr. Friedman is considered by clients and peers as “one of the most talented guys in the international arbitration field” with an “uncanny ability to focus on the details without losing the big picture.” He is recognized for his “great legal mind” and as “an excellent advocate with brilliant legal skills.” Others have added that he is “a terrific advocate” who “writes beautifully” and “is strong in both written work and on his feet.”
One reviewer praised him as “one of the most intelligent lawyers I have ever met.” He “can handle anything” and can “translate a vast sea of facts into concise arguments.” Who’s Who Legal which names him as a Thought Leader in Arbitration, reports that he is “one of the best counsel there is,” “hugely impressive” and “has earned his reputation in every respect.”
It has called him a “lawyer who really does it all, with the ability to clearly, concisely and persuasively assert a client’s position and achieve results that are spectacular in every case.” Mr. Friedman was a member of Global Arbitration Review’s original “45 Under 45” class and was twice named Benchmark Litigation’s International Arbitration Attorney of the Year.
Mr. Friedman received his B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts in 1988 and his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1991. He is admitted to the Bars of New York and Massachusetts and in various U.S. Federal Courts.
Experience:
- International Arbitration
- Claimant Tethyan Copper Company (jointly owned by Barrick Gold and Antofagasta Minerals) in an ICSID arbitration against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and an ICC arbitration against the Pakistani province of Balochistan in disputes regarding a copper and gold mining project in the west of Pakistan.
- Norilsk Nickel and Interros International Investments in a dispute with United Company Rusal, including LCIA arbitration proceedings and related court litigation in the United States, England, Russia, Switzerland, St. Kitts & Nevis and The Netherlands.
- Perenco Ecuador in its BIT and contract claims against the Republic of Ecuador.
- An African state defending against damages claims asserted by an Asian investor under an investment treaty.
- An oil and gas company in its successful protection of its ownership interest in a Latin American oil and gas joint venture.
- A private equity fund in its successful assertion of put rights to exit a Far Eastern telecommunications company following breaches of its rights under a shareholders’ agreement.
- A European durable products manufacturer in alleged patent infringement and breaches of its supply obligations under a supply agreement with two U.S. companies.
- A European manufacturer in allegations by a U.S. supplier that its products were defective.
- An Asian EPC power plant contractor relating to responsibility for damages resulting from a massive earthquake in Latin America.
- A multinational EPC power plant contractor consortium relating to responsibility for a collapsing hillside in an Asian project.
- A Russian natural resources company in asserting claims against a defaulting purchaser.
- A European media company asserting claims against local business partners who had sold interests in an Eastern European company in violation of shareholder agreements.
- A European media company defending against claims that it wrongfully terminated a sales contract with a vendor.
- An Asian sales agent whose contract had been wrongfully terminated by a European arms manufacturer under false allegations of corruption.
- Central European Media Enterprises in its successful investment treaty arbitration against the Czech Republic, which resulted in a $360 million recovery for the client.
- Compliance and Investigations
- Siemens’ Audit Committee in a worldwide investigation into possible corrupt payments to government officials leading to an early settlement with the U.S. and German authorities.
- A European insurance company investigating allegations that it had improperly recorded reserves.
- A pharmaceutical company in allegations that a subsidiary had violated anti-corruption laws.
- A consumable products manufacturer investigating allegations that it had violated trade restrictions imposed by the Office of Foreign Asset Control.
Education:
- Yale Law School, 1991, J.D.
- University of Massachusetts, 1988, B.A.
Bar Admissions:
- Massachusetts
- New York
Cost
Rate : $$$