People
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.
J.D., Duke University School of Law, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
B.A., Georgetown University
District of Columbia
England and Wales (Registered Foreign Lawyer)
Maryland
Institute for Transnational Arbitration, Senior Vice Chair
Taught courses on international arbitration at the Georgetown University Law Center, the Duke University School of Law, the University of Michigan Law School, and Pepperdine Law School
WIPO Mediation and Arbitration Advisory Committee
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.
See moreRepresented 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.
See moreJ.D., Duke University School of Law, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
B.A., Georgetown University
District of Columbia
England and Wales (Registered Foreign Lawyer)
Maryland
Institute for Transnational Arbitration, Senior Vice Chair
Taught courses on international arbitration at the Georgetown University Law Center, the Duke University School of Law, the University of Michigan Law School, and Pepperdine Law School
WIPO Mediation and Arbitration Advisory Committee