Haynes Boone expands global capabilities with addition of Louise Woods as chair of international disputes
Haynes Boone has welcomed Partner Louise Woods as Chair of International Disputes in its London office, broadening the firm’s international arbitration and energy disputes capabilities. Woods joins from Vinson & Elkins, where she practiced for 13 years and served as European Co-Head of International Disputes.
Woods advises clients on complex international commercial disputes, with a particular focus on international arbitration in the energy sector. She represents clients in disputes involving upstream oil and gas matters, including joint operating agreements, production-sharing agreements and other energy-sector contracts. Her practice also includes investor-state arbitration and commercial litigation, with experience across the energy, banking and financial services, construction, infrastructure, technology and real estate sectors.
“Louise brings a strong international arbitration practice and deep experience in energy disputes that will complement our growing capabilities in London and existing preeminent U.S. team,” said London Office Managing Partner Nick Davis. “Her experience across complex international matters and her connections throughout the international arbitration community will be valuable to our clients and our team. We are delighted to welcome Louise to the firm.”
Woods is the fifth partner to join Haynes Boone’s London office in 2026, following International Arbitration Partner Philipp Kurek, Real Estate Partner Angus Ford, Fund Finance Partner Jeremy Cross and Tax Partner Alexandra Ueno-Park.
Woods will also bring Associate Elena Guillet to Haynes Boone. Their arrival follows that of Kurek, who joined the firm in May to further strengthen its international and investor-state arbitration capabilities, including in the energy, mining and metals sectors. Woods, Kurek and Guillet will work closely together on cross-border matters.
“Haynes Boone’s culture really spoke to me, as did the enthusiasm I felt about growing the London office and expanding its energy disputes practice,” Woods said. “It felt like the right time for a new challenge, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients navigate their most challenging disputes.”
Woods has represented investors in investor-state arbitrations, including a precedent-setting case involving a Saudi investor and the Republic of Indonesia. She has particular experience with disputes involving Francophone Africa and Latin America. Woods is also admitted as a solicitor-advocate in England and Wales and regularly appears as an advocate before international arbitration tribunals.
Woods is a former president of ArbitralWomen, a global nonprofit focused on supporting and promoting women in international dispute resolution, and she remains involved with the organization as a member of its advisory council. She also co-founded Women in Energy Connect, a London-based network for professional women working in the energy sector.
Haynes Boone’s London office continues to build momentum following its relocation to a larger space in the City of London at the end of 2025 to support continued growth. Now in its second decade, the office has expanded both headcount and capabilities while driving increased deal activity across key practice areas, including real estate, finance and energy.
