Haynes and Boone

Haynes and Boone LLP has bolstered its international dispute resolution practice with the addition of a four-lawyer team in its London office. All four members have joined the firm from Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP (now Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP following its merger with Hunton & Williams in April).

Melanie Willems (pictured), formerly Andrew Kurth’s London managing partner, has joined as partner and head of international arbitration. She is highly experienced in arbitrating complex cases involving European, African and Asian companies under international arbitration rules. She also sits as an arbitrator, and represents clients in the English courts.

Markus Esly also joins as a partner from Hunton Andrew Kurth. He also focuses his practice on handling international arbitration matters, particular complex cases concerning the energy and construction industries. He also has expertise in bilateral investment treaty disputes and ICSID arbitrations.

As well as partners Melanie and Markus, the Haynes and Boone team will also include Robert Blackett as counsel, who specialises in representing energy, engineering and construction clients in international arbitration cases, and litigation associate Ryan Deane.

William Cecil, head of the dispute resolution practice in London, commented: ‘Melanie, Markus, Robert and Ryan have extensive experience in international arbitration, litigation and all forms of alternative dispute resolution across a range of sectors, which will greatly benefit our clients across the globe.’

Managing partner Tim Powers added: ‘We are excited to add such wonderful colleagues and to continue our rapid expansion in the UK legal market. Many of our clients seek to resolve their cross-borders disputes before London courts or in major international arbitral forums. We are now able to offer our clients even more robust commercial dispute resolution capabilities in nearly every major financial centre around the world.’

Melanie Willems also stated: ‘Haynes and Boone’s growth in London and strength in the energy, finance and technology sectors perfectly complement our team’s practice. We look forward to helping the firm’s clients successfully resolve their international arbitration and litigation matters.’