Claudio Salas

• Represented Brazilian shareholder in five consolidated LCIA arbitrations and related court actions in a multi-jurisdiction shareholder dispute regarding companies in the finance and real estate industries
• Represented pulp and paper company in ICC arbitrations and court actions in multiple jurisdictions arising from a failed M&A transaction in Brazil
• Represented pharmaceutical company in an ICC arbitration involving a licensing dispute and the use of commercially reasonable efforts
• Represented pharmaceutical company in an UNCITRAL treaty arbitration involving denial of justice claim against Ecuador and advised client in subsequent set-aside proceeding

Investment Treaty Arbitration and International Law

• Represented oil company against Ecuador in an ICSID arbitration regarding oil field concession agreement, expropriation and violations of the fair and equitable treatment standard
• Represented oil company in an ICSID arbitration against Peru concerning expropriation and violations of the fair and equitable treatment standard
• Represented mining company in an ICSID arbitration against Indonesia relating to FET issues
• Advised telecommunications company regarding potential treaty claims as a result of its exclusion by a Latin American state from broadband spectrum auction
• Advised financial institution regarding potential treaty claims in connection with a foreign court judgment in Latin America
• Advised oil company regarding public international law issues in connection with an offshore oil field
• Advised pulp and paper company in connection with the Case Concerning Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay (Argentina v. Uruguay) in the International Court of Justice

International Commercial Arbitration

• Represented natural gas company in an ICC arbitration arising from a price review clause in an LNG supply agreement
• Represented hydro-electric company in an ICC arbitration arising from a post M&A dispute in Peru
• Represented an oil and gas service provider against state-owned company in an ICC arbitration concerning services provided in Argentina
• Represent chemical company in an UNCITRAL arbitration arising from a natural gas supply agreement with a state entity and claims of force majeure
• Represented cell phone manufacturer in connection with an ICC arbitration regarding a licensing agreement
• Represented financial institution in an ICC arbitration relating to post M&A dispute in Latin America regarding tax liabilities
• Represented chemical company in an ICC arbitration regarding a joint venture and the appropriation of trade secrets
• Represented airline company in an ICDR arbitration regarding the validity of an arbitration agreement concerning liabilities in Brazil
• Represented insurance company in an ad hoc UNCITRAL arbitration regarding reinsurance liability
• Represented medical device manufacturer in an ICDR arbitration arising from a patent infringement settlement
• Advised clothing manufacturer on potential arbitration claims in connection with a multi-party agreement concerning manufacturing plants in Asia
• Represented financial institution in a series of related FINRA arbitrations arising from the sale of Puerto Rico bonds

US Courts and Investigations

• Advised financial institution regarding defenses against enforcement of a foreign judgment in US courts
• Advised financial institution regarding FSIA and potential attachment of foreign assets held in its accounts
• Advised energy company in a litigation in the state courts of Virginia including on preserving the right to arbitrate
• Represented hedge fund against Argentina in New York federal courts in connection with sovereign debt default
• Represented airline company in connection with an FCPA investigation arising from events in Latin America and subsequently in monitorship and self-monitoring phases of a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA)
• Represented financial institution in an investigation by the Federal Reserve of New York regarding the filing of suspicious activity reports

Claudio Salas helps companies and investors navigate high-stakes disputes arising from cross-border investments, major corporate transactions and complex commercial relationships. A native Spanish speaker with extensive experience across Latin America, Claudio advises global clients on shareholder, post-M&A, joint venture, licensing, and treaty disputes, often involving multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.

Claudio has counseled clients through some of the most consequential international commercial and investment arbitrations involving Latin America, including multi-billion dollar disputes. His matters frequently involve parallel proceedings, different legal systems and overlapping stakeholder interests, requiring close coordination across business teams, experts, local counsel, and other advisors. Claudio is valued for his ability to communicate complex issues clearly and keep disputes aligned with the client's broader commercial objectives.

In addition to arbitration, Claudio advises clients on international litigation and government investigations, including matters involving cross-border enforcement issues and FCPA-related concerns. He helps clients address sensitive matters while minimizing business disruption and managing reputational considerations.

Claudio has experience across a range of industries, including energy, natural resources, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, aviation, and financial services. This cross-sectoral experience in disputes arising from investments, acquisitions, joint ventures and other commercial arrangements enables him to quickly identify the business drivers behind a dispute and focus on the client’s most significant business priorities.

Claudio speaks and publishes regularly on issues relating to international disputes and has taught international commercial arbitration at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.