Rachael D. Kent

• Represented a global pharmaceutical company in an ICC arbitration seated in Singapore arising under a license agreement, with claims and counterclaims exceeding $500 million in dispute.
• Represented a global clean energy company in an ICC arbitration seated in California involving warranty claims under a supply agreement for a critical component in an energy storage product.
• Represented a UK investor in an UNCITRAL arbitration against the People’s Republic of China arising out of the expropriation of land use rights and unfair treatment of the claimant’s investment and in related enforcement proceedings to confirm the favorable award.
• Represented a global pharmaceutical company in an ICC arbitration seated in London, using expedited procedures, arising out of a joint venture agreement and IP license agreement.
• Represented a global energy services company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris related to disputes under contracts for oil drilling services.
• Represented a global consumer technology company in an ICC arbitration seated in New York arising under an IP license agreement for standard essential patents.
• Represented the Ministry of Public Works of a Middle Eastern state in a SIAC arbitration seated in Singapore arising out of a $400 million construction project in the transportation sector.
• Represented a global pharmaceutical company in an investment arbitration against a Latin American state involving claims for denial of justice arising from a national court judgment and in related set-aside proceedings, which confirmed the favorable award.
• Represented an aerospace and defense technology company in a dispute under a long-term development and supply agreement related to the supply of military aircraft.
• Represented a global medical device company in a AAA arbitration seated in New York arising under an IP license agreement.
• Represented a major consumer health products company in a JAMS arbitration seated in Chicago arising under an IP license agreement.
• Represented a global pharmaceutical company in an ICDR arbitration seated in New York arising out of an IP license agreement and involving claims related to licensed patents and know-how.
• Represented a state party in an LCIA arbitration seated in London involving disputes related to the development of a substantial oil and gas field and the construction of gas processing facilities, with more than $30 billion in dispute.
• Represented a global technology company in an ICDR arbitration seated in New York involving disputes under a patent license agreement related to the semiconductor industry.
• Represented a global pharmaceutical company in a WIPO arbitration seated in Switzerland arising under an IP license agreement and involving claims with a value exceeding $2 billion.
• Represented a leading global retail company in an HKIAC arbitration seated in Hong Kong arising out of the acquisition of a subsidiary in China.
• Represented a leading defense technology company in an ICC arbitration seated in Brussels involving disputes under a software development agreement related to a military aircraft program.
• Represented a leading mining company in an ICSID arbitration against an Asian state involving claims related to violation of a stabilization clause.
• Represented a major global manufacturing company in an HKIAC arbitration seated in Hong Kong involving disputes arising out of the acquisition of a computer business in Taiwan.
• Represented a leading financial services company in multiple ad hoc arbitrations seated in Bermuda under excess coverage professional liability insurance policies.
• Represented a major US financial services company in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris arising out of an M&A agreement, with claims for breach of representations and warranties and fraud.
• Represented a major global manufacturing company in an ICC arbitration seated in Zurich involving disputes related to a services contract for the design of consumer electronics products.
• Represented a major European telecommunications company in multiple VIAC arbitrations seated in Vienna involving the ownership of an Eastern European joint venture company.

Rachael Kent helps clients navigate high-stakes international disputes, leading teams in complex commercial and investment arbitrations across industries and jurisdictions. She guides clients through every stage of the dispute process, delivering pragmatic strategy and tenacious advocacy to resolve disputes and protect critical business and investment interests.

With more than 25 years of experience, Rachael advises companies, investors, and sovereign entities on high-stakes commercial and investment disputes worldwide. She has represented clients in complex arbitrations under the rules of all major arbitral institutions, including the ICC, ICSID, AAA/ICDR, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, VIAC, and WIPO. 

Rachael steers clients through all stages of the dispute process, formulating strategy, navigating complex procedural issues, and delivering strong advocacy to protect critical investments and commercial interests. She has been described by clients and peers as “one of the best arbitration advocates in international arbitration worldwide,” with “impeccable judgment and strategic acumen.”

Her matters involve disputes with significant financial exposure and technical complexity, often arising from long-term contracts, collaboration and joint venture agreements, and agreements involving intellectual property rights. Rachael has particular experience representing life sciences and technology companies in high-value arbitrations arising under joint venture, co-development, and IP license agreements. She also works closely with clients in sectors such as energy, aerospace, and construction, where disputes frequently combine legal, technical, and commercial considerations. She distills complex issues into practical guidance, helping clients achieve their commercial objectives.