Sophia is an Associate in Dispute Resolution.
Her practice focuses on complex international arbitration (investment and commercial) and high stakes commercial litigation across a variety of jurisdictions, with a particular focus on the emerging markets. Sophia also has broad experience in challenges to arbitration awards, international legal conflicts, sovereign debt, civil fraud and state advisory work. She has participated in arbitration proceedings conducted before major arbitral institutions including ICSID, UNCITRAL, the ICC and LCIA. Her work often includes a political angle.
She is dual-qualified in England & Wales and South Africa.
Key Experience
- Representing the Government of Nigeria in challenging a $11 billion arbitral award in favour of a BVI company arising from a failed gas deal.
- Representing a private investor in a UNCITRAL arbitration against the government of a Central European State in relation to the expropriation of mining assets.
- Representing a Russian investor in an ICC arbitration against another Russian investor and an offshore company in relation to the unlawful sale of space technology to a competitor.
- Representing the third intervener (CIArb) in Halliburton Company (Appelant) v Chubb Bermuda Insurance Ltd (formerly known as Ace Bermuda Insurance Ltd) [2020] UKSC 48
- Representing a Swedish company in an SCC arbitration against an offshore company in relation to the construction of retail development.
- Representing The Gambia in an ICSID arbitration brought by Dutch investors relating to claims arising out of the alleged wrongful termination of licenses for exploration of two off-shore oil blocks (African Petroleum Gambia Limited and APCL Gambia B.V. v. Republic of The Gambia, ICSID Case No. ARB/17/38).
- Representing Montenegro in an ICSID arbitration brought by an Austrian investor relating to exchange rate controls legislation (Addiko Bank AG v. Montenegro, ICSID Case No. ARB/17/35).
- Representing a BVI entity in an ICC arbitration under English law against high-profile European construction companies relating to shareholders' agreement and Ghanaian port privatisation and operation.
- Advising an African State in relation to peace negotiations with a European State and its broader international relations strategy.
- Advising a South African company on matters relating to extradition proceedings from Germany to Russia, including claims at the European Court of Human Rights.
Career History
Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Associate, Omnia Strategy LLP
Stellenbosch University, BA LLB
BPP University GDL (Commendation)
Articles and Publications
- “Comment on Foreign Direct Investment under South Africa’s Investment Protection Regime” – Africa Arbitration Blog (2018)
- “Commentary on ICSID’s New Rule Proposals” – Africa Arbitration Blog, Co-Authored with Cherie Blair CBE QC (2018)