An Innovative Disputes Practice
Vail Dispute Resolution is an independent disputes practice recognised by Chambers, Who’s Who Legal and Legal 500. It is led by London arbitration lawyer Tomas Vail, a native speaker of Russian and English.
Vail Dispute Resolution advises on all aspects of investor-state arbitration and commercial arbitration. We offer expertise, experience and significant efficiencies arising from our position as a boutique law firm.
We work without unnecessary costs and overheads. As a result, we offer greater flexibility and bespoke solutions for each matter. This includes offering fixed or alternative fee arrangements where appropriate. Our structure also suits efficient collaboration with other legal teams and litigation funders.
Clients say (Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration):
- “He is excellent in CIS investor-state disputes and fantastically bright.”
- “He’s a fine legal mind and I have no doubt he will continue to excel.”
- “He has deep knowledge of investor-state arbitration and Russian regional knowledge.”
- “Tomas is an impressive lawyer, a very bright individual and talented advocate.”
Peers say (Global Arbitration Review):
- “smart, diligent and skilled in international law… he is resourceful and always a pleasure to work with”
- “someone with unflappable poise and ability”
Put simply, Vail Dispute Resolution offers counsel of both excellent quality and excellent value.
Recent Work Highlights
- Representing an investor in an investment treaty claim (ICSID) against Belarus under the Lithuania-Belarus BIT regarding construction of a hotel/infrastructure project.
- Representing an investor in an investment treaty claim against Ukraine under the Energy Charter Treaty in the photovoltaic (solar) industry.
- Acting as Sole Arbitrator in a commercial arbitration in the energy industry under the SCC Rules involving a state-owned entity.
World-Class Experience in International Arbitration
From 2010 to 2016, Tomas was part of the international arbitration group at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London. From 2016 to 2019, he was a member of the international arbitration team at White & Case in London. At these times, each team was ranked “Number 1” in the Global Arbitration Review’s list of the world’s top international arbitration practices.
Tomas is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). He is listed in the arbitrator panels/databases of the LCIA, ICC (US and UK), SCC, SIAC, KCAB, VIAC and the Russian Arbitration Center and has served as arbitrator in over a dozen disputes. He has also been appointed to the CIArb’s Arbitrator Panel for its Business Arbitration Scheme and is a trained mediator.
Tomas regularly publishes and speaks on international arbitration. His recent writing includes a chapter in a book on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. He has also served in the leadership of several arbitration organisations and initiatives. He is also a proud supporter of the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge.
Tomas obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington College of Law. Tomas also completed graduate studies in international arbitration at Université Paris X – Nanterre. He completed his undergraduate studies in political science at Macalester College. Tomas is a member of the bar in New York and is a Solicitor of England and Wales. In addition to Russian and English, Tomas is fluent in French.
Get in touch with Tomas Vail, London arbitration lawyer, here.