Mary Lavelle

Charlie Caher is a partner in the Firm's Litigation/Controversy Department, and a member of the International Arbitration Practice Group. He joined the Firm in 2008. Mr. Caher is based in the London office, where he practices International Arbitration and English High Court Litigation.

Simon Cook has experience in a wide variety of banking and finance transactions, including in particular in relation to structured trade finance, trade finance, project finance, invoice discounting facilities and borrowing-base facilities in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the CIS. His work in the structured trade area covers a range of pre-export and prepayment financings acting for both lenders and borrowers notably in oil, telecoms, soft commodities and metals sectors with particular exp...

Ali Nikpay is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Competition Law. Ali practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Ali Nikpay since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ali Nikpay is held by other lawyers.

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...

Josh Dambacher is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Investment Funds. Josh practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Josh Dambacher since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Josh Dambacher is held by other lawyers.

John McElroy is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of International Arbitration. John practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized John McElroy since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which John McElroy is held by other lawyers.

Nigel van Zyl specializes in advising asset managers, institutional investors and investment advisors across the full spectrum of investment fund matters. Praised for his keen business sense and practical approach, Nigel advises leading international fund managers on all aspects of their fund business, including the formation, raising, maintenance and ongoing operation and compliance of their investment funds. He also advises on internal governance, compliance and organization, carried intere...

Andrew Harrow is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Life Sciences Law. Andrew practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew Harrow since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Andrew Harrow is held by other lawyers.

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...

Robert Spano is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Human Rights Law and Public International Law. Robert practices law in London, United Kingdom Best Lawyers has recognized Robert Spano since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robert Spano is held by other lawyers.