Arnold & Porter Counsel Álvaro Nistal Named a 2024 Law360 ‘MVP’ for International Arbitration
Arnold & Porter International Arbitration counsel Álvaro Nistal was selected as an “MVP” in International Arbitration by Law360. Law360 MVPs are an annually selected list of attorneys who have “distinguished themselves from their peers by securing hard-earned successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals.”
Law360 selected Nistal in recognition of the key role he has played in the firm’s successful representation of multiple sovereign clients in investment arbitrations. Nistal was instrumental in the successful representation of Peru in an arbitration initiated by U.S. gold trader Kaloti. Kaloti claimed more than US$154 million in compensation for the alleged expropriation of gold shipments that had been seized by customs authorities based on evidence of illegal mining and money laundering. On May 14, 2024, the tribunal rejected the entirety of Kaloti’s claims and ordered it to reimburse Peru for 100% of its legal fees and arbitral costs.
Nistal also played an important role in the team that successfully represented Peru in an arbitration brought by U.S. energy companies Latam Hydro and CH Mamacocha. The claimants sought almost US$46 million in compensation for State measures concerning environmental protection. On December 20, 2023, the tribunal rejected the entirety of claimants’ claims and ordered them to reimburse 100% of Peru’s arbitration costs.
Likewise, Nistal represented Costa Rica in an annulment proceeding concerning measures to protect the environment and local communities from the harmful effects of open-pit mining, for which claimant sought US$400 million in compensation. After the firm submitted Costa Rica’s final written submission, claimant withdrew its annulment claims. Accordingly, on July 15, 2024, the annulment committee discontinued the proceeding with prejudice.
Nistal is a lawyer trained in both civil and common law, who is fluent in Spanish, French and English. He focuses on investment arbitration and other public international law areas, including sovereign and diplomatic immunity, land and maritime delimitation, and international human rights and humanitarian law. Nistal has advised clients on nearly 20 investment arbitrations, almost a dozen International Court of Justice proceedings, and multiple disputes litigated before international human rights courts, various United Nations bodies, and national courts.
