Skadden has hired disputes lawyer Samuel Pape as a partner in London from Latham & Watkins, further bolstering its international arbitration and litigation team.
Pape brings more than 15 years of experience working on commercial and investor-state arbitrations and cross-border litigation, often related to disputes in Francophone jurisdictions and Latin America.
His clients include global corporations, private equity funds, financial institutions and states, advising on M&A, shareholder, commercial and financial disputes. He has also been involved in high-profile environmental class actions and parent company responsibility cases.
Ryan Junck, global head of Skadden’s litigation and controversy practices, said: “Samuel brings a wealth of expertise to our global international litigation and arbitration group, making him a tremendous asset to our team.”
Pape joins after almost a decade at Latham, becoming a partner in 2023. Prior to that he spent six years at Debevoise & Plimpton, which he initially joined as a trainee.
Rich Youle, head of Skadden’s London office, said: “London remains a key focus for our ongoing investment, as we continue to strengthen our international arbitration and litigation practice. Samuel’s arrival underscores our commitment to attracting top-tier talent and strengthens our ability to serve clients in complex international matters.”
Pape’s arrival follows last month’s hire of Sophie Lamb KC, also from Latham. Lamb brings more than 25 years of experience in ‘bet-the-company’ arbitrations and complex litigation before international tribunals and courts. She was formerly global co-chair of Latham’s international arbitration group.
Pape said: “Skadden is an ideal place to continue building my practice. I am excited to be joining such a distinguished firm and pre-eminent group of international arbitration and litigation lawyers. I look forward to working alongside Sophie and my new colleagues to best serve our clients.”
Other firms have been bulking up their London litigation benches in recent weeks. In January, Quinn Emanuel hired William Charles as a partner from Milbank, bringing experience in commercial litigation and regulatory investigations. Also in January, London disputes boutique Humphries Kerstetter hired Matthew Scully as a partner from Clifford Chance.
Meanwhile, back in November, Gibson Dunn hired employment disputes specialist Robbie Sinclair as a partner from A&O Shearman.
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