Public international law and investment treaty law

Public international law governs the relationship of states with one another. However, it may also directly affect multinational companies and even private individuals.

Public international law covers areas such as international human rights law, international environmental law, the interpretation and application of treaties and other international agreements, as well as customary international law, international trade disputes, the protection of foreign investment and international criminal law.

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Our members have experience in advising on a wide range of public international law issues, including the drafting and interpretation of treaties. Our members have particular experience in the interpretation of the new generation of free trade agreements, such as the China-New Zealand FTA. Some of our members are also experienced in acting as counsel or arbitrator in investment-treaty arbitrations arising out state action taken against foreign investors. Members have appeared before the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, ICSID tribunals and the Peace Palace in The Hague.