Timothy C. Smyth | People | Arnold & Porter

Timothy Smyth advises sovereign states, multinational corporations, and high-net worth individuals in relation to international arbitration and public international law disputes. His experience includes representing clients in arbitrations under a wide range of arbitral rules, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, the LCIA, ICC, DIFC-LCIA, and before the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal. Timothy also has experience of cases before the International Court of Justice, General Court of the EU, and the High Court of Justice in London. Timothy has advised clients from all over the world in a variety of different sectors, including energy, mining, banking, hospitality, telecoms, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. Timothy has conducted oral advocacy in investment treaty arbitrations, commercial arbitrations, and before the High Court of Justice in London.

The Legal 500 UK (2021-2024) has recognised Mr. Smyth as a “Rising Star” in the field of Public International Law. He is also recognised as a “One to Watch” by BestLawyers.com for both International Arbitration and Energy & Natural Resources Law, and as a “Future Leader” in Arbitration by Who's Who Legal (2024), which describes him as “a rising star”, “well-versed in investor-state disputes” and “one to watch in the investment treaty space”.

Focus Areas

Experience

The Republic of Turkey in an investor-state arbitration brought by Akfel Commodities Pte. Ltd. and I-Systems Global B.V. (ICSID).
The Republic of Peru in an investor-State arbitration in the precious metals sector brought by a US commodities trading company (ICSID).
The Republic of Peru in an investor-State arbitration in the mining sector brought by a Canadian mining company (ICSID).
The Republic of Bulgaria in an Energy Charter Treaty arbitration in the electricity sector (ICSID).
The Kingdom of Thailand in an investor-state arbitration involving the mining sector brought by an Australian mining company (UNCITRAL).

The Republic of Bulgaria in the successful defence of investment treaty claims brought by a middle eastern sovereign wealth fund in relation to its investment in a major bank (ICSID).
The Republic of Costa Rica in the successful defence of an investor-State arbitration relating to gold mining rights (ICSID).
Middle Eastern State in an investor-State arbitration relating to a telecoms license (UNCITRAL).

Pharmaceutical company in an arbitration against a Malaysian company concerning a sales and supply agreement (LCIA, London).
Major US manufacturing company in claims in an ICC arbitration with respect to unpaid costs under a commercial agreement with a Latin American counterpart.
Hotel owner in defending claims brought by a hotel operator in a DIFC-LCIA arbitration under three hotel management contracts.
Consortium of major energy companies in defending claims in an ad hoc arbitration in relation to a natural gas pipeline.
British global aviation services company in relation to claims in an ICC arbitration brought by a Canadian aviation company under a share purchase agreement.

Hong Kong based clothing manufacturer in relation to a contractual dispute with Spanish, UAE and Saudi Arabian retail companies before the DIFC-LCIA.
Aircraft leasing company in relation to disputes under aircraft leasing agreements with a State-owned airline before the LCIA.
Russian individual with respect to LCIA claims in relation to a major property development.
Irish pharmaceuticals company in claims before the ICC in relation to the purchase of a large clinical services company.
Ukrainian Bank in obtaining worldwide freezing order from the High Court over 29 companies across multiple jurisdictions in support of LCIA arbitration proceedings.

Middle Eastern State in relation to several politically significant multi-billion dollar treaty arbitration claims in respect of high value military equipment.
Middle Eastern State in relation to enforcement proceedings worth over US$500 million, involving complex jurisdictional and State immunity issues.
Middle Eastern Energy company in successful challenge to EU sanctions before the General Court of the EU.

Louis Dreyfus Commodities in relation to High Court proceedings with respect to a mining project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
English company in relation to High Court claims against a Russian supermarket for breach of contract.
Major restaurant business in relation to claims before the High Court with respect to a joint venture.

“Timothy Smyth strongly impresses with his deep and precise analysis of the legal issues in every case, and his eloquent and effective advocacy.” — The Legal 500 UK 2025

"Tim Smyth is a very bright lawyer who can provide an accurate analysis of any complicated legal problem and develop the best possible legal arguments." — Chambers UK 2025