Michael J. Maxtone-Smith

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...

Ceyda Knoebel is an English-Turkish dual-qualified solicitor and Of Counsel in the London office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. She is a member of the firm’s Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration Groups. Ms. Knoebel advises on a wide range of disputes involving public international law and general commercial matters in common and civil law jurisdictions. She has experience in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration proceedings under the UNCITRAL, ICSID, ICC, VIAC a...

Sandy Bhogal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Sandy, 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 Sandy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pawel Szaja is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Capital Markets Law. Pawel, 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 Pawel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick Doris is a partner in Gibson Dunn’s Dispute Resolution Group in London, where he specialises in global white-collar investigations, commercial litigation and complex compliance advisory matters. Mr. Doris’ practice covers a wide range of disputes, including white-collar crime, internal and regulatory investigations, transnational litigation, class actions, contentious antitrust matters and administrative law challenges against governmental decision-making. Mr. Doris handle...

Richard Obank is a partner and the practice group leader of the Firm's Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring Practice Group in the U.K. Richard practices in the area of corporate restructuring with particular experience acting for boards of directors in financially distressed situations. He advises regularly on distressed M&A transactions, debt and capital restructuring and work out situations, often involving significant cross-border issues, where the objective is to ensure the best o...

Ingrid Gubbay is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Ingrid, 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 Ingrid is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sandro de Bernardini is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Sandro, 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 Sandro is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Naomi Feinstein has more than 30 years of experience dealing with all aspects of employment law, both contentious and noncontentious, including transactional work. She has particular experience advising on employment issues arising from mergers and acquisitions (including coordinating employment advice on cross-border sales and acquisitions) and on the employment aspects of business restructurings and reorganisations. Naomi provides day-to-day employment advice to clients across a wide-range ...