Isabel
Fernandez de la Cuesta

Isabel has substantial experience in complex, multi-jurisdiction disputes in Latin America, Africa, and Asia in a variety of sectors, including energy (oil and gas, LNG, electricity, and mining, construction, and telecommunications. Her practice covers every stage of an international dispute, from drafting arbitration agreements and pre-dispute advice, to representing parties in the arbitration proceedings and counseling through the final phases of award recognition, enforcement, and set-aside. 

Isabel also negotiates settlement agreements for complex international disputes and advises on international structuring of projects and corporations to maximize protection of investments under international law. Her practice includes seating as arbitrator.

Isabel holds a law degree (JD equivalent) from Universidad Complutense of Madrid (Spain) and another law degree (JD equivalent) from Universitè Paris I Panthèon-Sorbonne (France). She also obtained a Master in Corporate Law from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain.  Isabel is fluent in Spanish, English and French.

Isabel is a member of the Madrid Bar.  She is admitted only in Spain.  She is registered as a Foreign Legal Consultant in the State of New York.

Memberships

• Chair of the Translation Committee of the ICDR.
   
• Member of the International Law Committee of the City Bar of New York.
   
• Appointed to the Roster of Neutrals of the ICDR.
   
• Member of the International Center for Dispute Resolution, Young & International.
   
• Member of the London Court of International Arbitration, Young International Arbitration Group.

Publications

• “A Defense of the IBA Guidelines on Party Representation”, in Contemporary Issues in International Arbitration and Mediation: The Fordham Papers 2014 (with R. Doak Bishop),  Edited by Arthur W. Rovine (Brill Nijhof, 2015).
   
• “Fair and Equitable Treatment - Evolution or Revolution?” in Investment Treaty Arbitration and International Law, Vol. 2 (Juris Publishing, 2009).
   
• “The Registration of an ICSID Arbitration Request” (Cameron May Publications, 2007). Paper for the Conference Commercial and Investment Arbitration in Latin America: New Challenges for Governments, Corporations and Practitioners, Quito, Ecuador, November 2007.

Speaking Engagements

• “Drafting Dispute Resolution Clauses: Practices and Trends:” reporter of ICDR and ICDR Y&I Tertulia Sessions at 2015 AAA/ICDR International Arbitration Conference, Miami, Florida, January 2015.
   
• “Selecting the Best Mechanism for Resolution of Disputes in Commercial Contracts,” speaker at the CANACO-ICDR-UANL Practical Session on Mechanisms for Dispute Resolution,  Monterrey, Mexico, February 2011.
   
• "How to Protect the Deal — What Corporate Lawyers Need to Know About Arbitration," panelist at the ABA Section of International Law Fall Meeting, Paris, France, November 2010.
   
• "How to Protect the International Deal: Tailoring the Arbitration Clause and Arbitration Procedure — Discovery,” panelist at the State Bar of Texas International Law Section 22nd Annual Institute, Houston, Texas, March 2010.
   
• “Witness and Expert Evidence in International Arbitration” Panelist at the International Arbitration Practical Sessions of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce (CANACO), Mexico City,  Mexico, June 2009.
   
• “Advocacy in International Arbitration” Panelist at the USCIB Young Arbitrators Forum Seminar, Houston, Texas, June 2008.
   
• “Fair and Equitable Treatment - Evolution or Revolution?” Speaker at the Second Annual Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference: A Debate and Discussion, Washington DC, April 2008.
   
• “The Initiation of an Investment Arbitration: How to Get Off to a Good Start” Panelist at the Conference Commercial and Investment Arbitration in Latin America: New Challenges for Governments, Corporations and Practitioners, Quito, Ecuador, November 2007.
   
• “Jurisdiction and the Internet: It’s a Small World After All (EU Law Perspective)” Speaker at the 27th Annual Conference of the National Association of Women Judges, Houston, October 2005.