Davina Given

Prior to joining Skadden, Mr. Gal led the strategic development of the Middle Eastern litigation practice of another major U.S. law firm. Over the course of the last 20 years, he has represented some of the world’s leading companies in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and finance, infrastructure, energy, construction and technology under a variety of different rules including ICC, ICSID, LCIA, UNCITRAL, AAA and ad hoc arbitrations. He served, until recently, as one of Austral...

Franz Schwarz focuses on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. He has extensive experience with arbitral practice, procedure and advocacy both in civil and common law systems. Mr. Schwarz has been involved in more than 250 arbitrations as counsel and arbitrator, both ad-hoc and before all major arbitral institutions (including ICC, LCIA, Vienna and Stockholm), at multiple seats and governed by a broad variety of substantive and procedural laws. He has a particular focus on joint venture, M&a...

Vincent Zabielski focuses on international nuclear energy matters, including providing strategic advice related to new-build EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, operation and maintenance, fuel supply chain, liability issues, and export controls. Prior to joining Pillsbury, Vincent was Senior Nuclear Counsel for the UAE nuclear new build program, where he was responsible for integration of nuclear licensing strategy with the largest-ever public financing of a public works project. During...

Deborah Ruff leads Pillsbury’s Arbitration - U.S. & International practice. She has extensive experience in multi-jurisdiction disputes, with a focus on high-value and complex international arbitration in the energy, infrastructure and construction, telecommunications and financial sectors. Deborah conducts international arbitration disputes often over JOAs, the construction of and off-take from refineries and petrochemical plants, as well as rig, energy trading and transport, and c...

John McElroy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of International Arbitration. John, who practices law in London, United Kingdom, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Morag Peberdy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Life Sciences Law. Morag, who practices law in London, United Kingdom, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Morag is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aymen Mahmoud is the co-head of the London Finance, Restructuring and Special Situations Group. He focuses his practice on complex debt financing transactions for private equity funds and their portfolio companies, hedge funds, corporate borrowers and issuers and other financial institutions including banks, direct lenders, family offices and other alternative sophisticated capital. His experience includes acting in respect of direct lending, leveraged buyouts, domestic and cross-border syndi...

Peter Castellon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Capital Markets Law. Peter, who practices law in London, United Kingdom, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Arvin Abraham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of FinTech. Arvin, who practices law in London, United Kingdom, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Arvin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven Davis is a partner in the Corporate Department, co-head of our global Private Equity and M&A Group and co-head of the London office.Steven’s practice focuses on buyouts, buy-ins, and strategic mergers & acquisitions. He has considerable industry knowledge in the consumer, retail, financial, business services, sports and healthcare sectors, and has advised a broad range of clients, including private equity sponsors, management teams, financial institutions and public and p...