Experience 

A member of the International Commercial Disputes group, Philippa Charles focuses on international arbitration.  Her international litigation practice particularly emphasizes client representation in disputes arising out of cross-border contracts. She regularly advises clients on all aspects of arbitration practice and procedure.

Philippa has arbitration experience in cases under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, ICSID, and LMAA Rules, as well as in ad hoc arbitrations. Philippa also brings and defends warranty claims in relation to a variety of corporate transactions, including claims involving oil and gas industry support services, the food packaging industry and a web-based trading platform. Her experience with distribution agreement disputes includes both bringing and defending claims arising out of manufacturer/distributor relationships, usually involving parties in different countries. She also has experience with both domestic and international joint venture agreement disputes and is fluent in French. She is a Solicitor Advocate with rights of audience in all Higher Courts in England and Wales, and she qualified as a CEDR Accredited Mediator in July 2007.

Philippa is singled out as a "good strategic thinker with very strong written advocacy, which makes her an easy go-to lawyer" notes Legal 500, 2009.  The 2007 edition stated that she "has always brought common sense and leadership to her cases".

Notable Engagements 

• Advising the Argentine Republic in ICSID arbitration involving alleged breaches of bilateral investment treaties.
• (1) Michael Anthony Powell (2) William Graham (3) Hg Investment Managers Limited v. General Electric Company, 2005, concerning the proper construction of escrow provisions in a share sale agreement.
• MRW Technologies Ltd v. (1) Cecil Holdings Ltd (2) Charter PLC, 2001, an authority on certain aspects of the Civil Procedure Rules.
• United Pan-Europe Communications N.V. v. Deutsche Bank AG, 2000, a leading case concerning the inter-relationship between constructive trusts, fiduciary duties and the use of confidential information.
• ICC arbitration in Paris concerning land reclamation works in a Middle Eastern state.
• ICC arbitration in London concerning a credit card franchise agreement.
• LCIA arbitrations in London in relation to political risk insurance policy coverage, and in relation to a sub-contractor's liability for allegedly inadequate design.
• UNCITRAL arbitration in London regarding payments due to sub-contractor arising out of refinery construction project.
• ICC arbitration in relation to the conduct of parties to a Joint Venture Agreement with regard to property developments in the Middle East and America.
• Advising a participant in a Joint Venture in the Middle East related to the oil and gas industry on issues relating to termination rights and claims arising out of the performance of the Joint Venture Agreement worth in excess of $100 million.
• UNCITRAL arbitration in Belgium relating to disputed termination of a distribution agreement.
• Ad Hoc arbitration in London concerning a disputed supply contract and involving contested jurisdiction, as well as issues in relation to enforcement in a non-EU jurisdiction.

Education 

Oxford Institute of Legal Practice, Diploma in Legal Practice (Distinction), 1996 • University of Oxford, BA (Jurisprudence), 1995

Admitted

• Solicitor Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience (Civil and Criminal), 2005
• England and Wales, 1999