International Civil Litigation

Williams & Connolly is frequently retained to represent both foreign and U.S. clients in litigation in foreign countries as well as in litigation spanning two or more national jurisdictions. The firm manages all aspects of such proceedings to ensure a unified, consistent approach. For example, when a Bermuda company confronted a series of disputes over an investment it made in Chile with co-investors from Chile, Canada, and the United States, Williams & Connolly lawyers directed litigation strategy in each of the relevant countries with close attention to the legal regimes and customs of each country and careful oversight of how what was happening in one country would affect what was occurring in the others.

Foreign Sovereign Immunities

Williams & Connolly has considerable experience representing both foreign sovereigns that are the subject of suits in the United States and corporations and individuals bringing suits against foreign sovereigns in the United States. As such, the firm is experienced with the wide variety of issues that arise under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and equivalent statutes in foreign countries, the head of state immunity doctrine, the act of state doctrine, and the nature of enforcement proceedings against foreign sovereigns.

International Criminal Litigation

Williams & Connolly's well-known criminal defense practice extends beyond the borders of the United States. The firm has extensive experience in defending against extradition, corruption, import-export, environmental, securities, fraud, and tax cases brought by the United States and foreign governments. The firm's experience includes the defense of corporations and individuals caught up in multi-national, multi-agency investigations and prosecutions. We have also been retained to investigate suspected criminal conduct and to advise on the proper course of action in matters that involve governmental agencies here and abroad.

International Arbitration

See the International Arbitration section for a description of that practice.