In an increasingly globalised economy, businesses are turning to international arbitration as their preferred method of dispute resolution. Arbitration offers confidentiality, enforceability, and neutrality when resolving cross border commercial disputes. At Fenecas Law LLP, we specialise in representing clients in complex international arbitrations, providing strategic legal support from initial dispute to award enforcement.
Ireland’s strong common law tradition, modern arbitration legislation under the Arbitration Act 2010 (incorporating the UNCITRAL Model Law), and membership of the New York Convention make Dublin a leading forum for international arbitration. Our team works on disputes seated in Ireland and abroad, representing Irish and international clients across a variety of sectors including technology, construction, energy, finance, and investment.
Why Arbitration?
International arbitration has become the default dispute mechanism in many cross border contracts because it offers:
- Neutrality – Parties are not bound to resolve disputes in the courts of either side’s home state.
- Confidentiality – Sensitive commercial disputes can be resolved privately, outside of public courts.
- Expert decision makers – Parties often choose arbitrators with sector specific expertise.
- Flexibility – Arbitration allows procedures tailored to the dispute.
- Global enforceability – Awards are recognised under the New York Convention in over 160 jurisdictions.
At Fenecas Law LLP, we guide clients in drafting arbitration agreements and, when disputes arise, provide full contentious representation.
Types of International Arbitration Disputes We Handle
Our practice covers a wide range of cross border disputes, including:
- Commercial contract disputes – Joint ventures, distribution agreements, supply contracts, and M&A disputes.
- Construction and infrastructure arbitration – Contentious matters under FIDIC, NEC, and bespoke contracts.
- Energy and natural resources disputes – Issues involving exploration, production, and renewable energy projects.
- Investment and shareholder disputes – Claims under bilateral investment treaties (BITs) or shareholder agreements.
- Banking and finance arbitration – Disputes involving facility agreements, derivatives, and structured finance.
- Technology and IP disputes – Disputes involving software licensing, cross border data, and IP rights.
- Insurance and reinsurance arbitration – High value policy and reinsurance contract disputes.
These disputes often involve complex contracts, multiple jurisdictions, and high financial exposure.
Institutional & Ad Hoc Arbitration
We represent clients in arbitrations under all leading institutions, including:
- ICC – International Chamber of Commerce
- LCIA – London Court of International Arbitration
- UNCITRAL – Ad hoc arbitrations under the UNCITRAL Rules
- DIAC, SIAC, HKIAC, AAA/ICDR and other regional institutions as relevant.
We also act in investment treaty arbitrations under ICSID and UNCITRAL frameworks. Our team adapts seamlessly to different institutional rules and cultural approaches, ensuring tailored strategies for each dispute.
Our Arbitration Services
We provide end to end arbitration services, including:
- Drafting arbitration agreements – Ensuring robust provisions at the contracting stage.
- Early strategic advice – Assessing arbitration clauses and jurisdictional challenges.
- Full representation – Acting in hearings, case management conferences, and evidential hearings.
- Expert coordination – Working with technical experts, accountants, and industry specialists.
- Award enforcement – Enforcing arbitral awards in Ireland, the EU, and internationally.
- Challenging awards – Bringing or defending applications to set aside or resist enforcement.
Our litigation background ensures cases are prepared rigorously with trial ready evidence and advocacy.
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards
One of the most powerful advantages of international arbitration is the enforceability of awards. Ireland, as a signatory to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, provides a clear process for enforcement.
We act for:
- Award creditors seeking recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards against Irish assets.
- Award debtors resisting enforcement or seeking to challenge awards on public policy or procedural grounds.
- Cross border enforcement in multiple jurisdictions where assets are located.
We coordinate with a network of international firms to achieve seamless enforcement worldwide.
Advantages of Ireland as an Arbitration Seat
Ireland is increasingly chosen as a neutral seat for international disputes because:
- The Arbitration Act 2010 fully adopts the UNCITRAL Model Law, aligning with international standards.
- Irish courts adopt a pro arbitration stance, intervening only where strictly necessary.
- Dublin is geographically and commercially well placed between Europe and North America.
- Ireland offers a common law system, English language proceedings, and political neutrality.
Fenecas Law LLP is well placed to guide parties using Ireland as an arbitration hub.
Strategic Considerations in International Arbitration
Arbitration requires specialist contentious expertise. Our approach emphasises:
- Jurisdictional challenges – Testing validity and scope of arbitration agreements.
- Case management – Ensuring efficient timetables and effective use of procedural tools.
- Evidence and experts – Building cases with strong factual and technical foundations.
- Settlement leverage – Using arbitration pressure points to achieve commercial settlements.
- Cross border awareness – Anticipating enforcement and parallel court issues.
This strategic blend ensures clients receive both legal strength and commercial practicality.
Why Choose Fenecas Law LLP?
- Specialist arbitration expertise – Acting under leading arbitral rules worldwide.
- Litigation pedigree – Strong courtroom skills brought into arbitration advocacy.
- Cross sector knowledge – Experience across construction, finance, energy, and technology.
- International outlook – Coordination with leading firms across Europe, the US, and Asia.
- Commercial focus – Strategies aligned with client priorities, whether enforcement, settlement, or reputation management.
Contact Us
If your business is faced with an international arbitration or needs advice on enforcing or resisting an arbitral award, Fenecas Law LLP can provide the specialist, strategic support you need. Contact us today for clear, pragmatic advice and robust representation in arbitration matters in Ireland and worldwide.
