Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has hired arbitration specialist Sophie Lamb KC from Latham & Watkins to strengthen its London litigation group.
Lamb joins as a partner, bringing more than 25 years of litigation experience before international tribunals and courts. She was formerly global co-chair of Latham’s international arbitration group.
She is Skadden’s second high-profile hire in Europe this week following the arrival of former Freshfields co-managing partner Rafique Bachour in Brussels on Wednesday (14 January).
Lamb regularly advises clients in ‘bet-the-company’ arbitrations and complex litigation. Her expertise spans corporate and commercial arrangements, international investment law, public law, climate litigation and class actions. She has appeared as an advocate in the UK Supreme Court and sits on the London Court of Arbitration.
Jeremy London, Skadden’s executive partner, said: “Sophie is an exciting addition to our market-leading international arbitration and litigation team, which we are continuing to invest in, particularly in the London market. Her experience, deep international networks and proven track record guiding high-value, cross-border matters strengthen our ability to provide clients with world-class representation in complex, high-stakes disputes across jurisdictions.”
Lamb arrives after just under a decade at Latham, having previously been a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton. She is also a Bencher at Gray’s Inn and was the UK’s representative on the ICC Court of Arbitration until 2022.
Ryan Junck, global head of Skadden’s litigation and controversy practices, said: “Sophie is an exceptional lawyer whose elite-level expertise makes her an outstanding addition to our global international litigation and arbitration group. Sophie’s experience with LCIA and before international tribunals will be an immediate asset to our clients in their most sensitive matters.”
Lamb is ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners and lauded as a ‘Hall of Fame’ practitioner by the Legal 500 UK.
She said: “Skadden’s global platform, its stellar reputation and breadth of experience provide an exceptional opportunity to further support clients navigating challenging international disputes. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues across the firm.”
Other firms have also been expanding their global litigation teams this year. Also this week, Paul Hastings landed New York litigation powerhouse John Buretta as a partner and co-chair of its litigation department from Cravath Swaine & Moore. While earlier this month, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan hired litigation partner William Charles from Milbank in London.
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