International disputes: arbitrations and cross border

As a firm founded in Liverpool we have a long history of serving the nation’s global trade past and present. International trade inevitably leads to international disputes over contracts, shipping, insurance and the ownership of goods.

We have supported importing and exporting businesses for decades. We have a wide range of experience of disputes involving trade, commodities and those of an international character. As a result we are experts in resolving disputes through arbitrations and the legal framework that supports those arbitrations.

Our litigators have direct experience arbitrating on LCIA, LMAA, ICC, LCDR and specialist commodity association rules. These institutional arbitrations are often excellent ways of resolving disputes quickly, inexpensively (compared to court litigation) and confidentially.

We are specialists in aspects of the national and international law of arbitration. This means we are well placed to assist our clients with a wide range of supporting actions, including:

The appeal of arbitration awards under ss. 67, 68 and 69 Arbitration Act 1996
Anti-suit injunction relief in cases where a party to an arbitration agreement is failing to honour that commitment.
Freezing orders to preserve assets pending outcome of arbitration.
Arrest of vessels
Specialist applications to Court for appointment / removal of arbitrators and directions.
Direct recognition of Arbitration awards under the New York Convention 1958.
Enforcement of international awards in England and Wales and court related matters required for foreign enforcement of English awards.

The specialist team are also highly experienced in the recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments in the Courts of England and Wales in the post-Brexit landscape. We are well placed to assist you with reciprocal recognition abroad of judgments made in this jurisdiction and in taking the necessary steps for service of enforceable judgments. As a member of the Legalink network we have access and first rate experience of working with foreign lawyers to achieve great outcomes for our clients.

Finally, we offer support services for foreign lawyers requiring the taking of evidence in the United Kingdom and recognition of letters of request made by foreign courts.

Key cases

Appealing a multi-million pound commodities arbitration award under the exceedingly rare s.68 AA 1996 ground (serious irregularity).
Acting for guarantor international bank in relation to anti-suit injunctions arising from shipping contracts.
Supporting US law firm in deposition evidence for use in New York proceedings.

Our other commercial litigation services

Accolades

The team we work with always keeps us fully informed on the progression of cases they are working on on our behalf. They are always available to us for any additional information required by ourselves and respond promptly.
Legal 500 2025
I have always found Weightmans to be very professional and provide regular updates on the cases they are progressing. The team are very approachable and able to provide expertise in their area of work and reply to your emails promptly. By using Weightmans, we have recovered a number of debts that otherwise may have had to be considered for write-off.
Legal 500 2025
The friendly and knowledgeable team are always a pleasure to work with.
Legal 500 2025
A superb and proactive team who endeavour to fulfil every client requirement within its instructions, and the whole team communicate externally and internally at a top level. All individuals know their jobs and roles excellently well and respond to queries and questions quickly and efficiently.
Legal 500 2025
They are open, honest and also down to earth whilst maintaining a very professional standard.
Legal 500 2025
The team work very well together to give an overall result. They know their strengths and play to them very well.
Legal 500 2025
Excellent service, professionalism and results.
Legal 500 2025