Philippa Charles is an arbitrator at Twenty Essex, specialising in complex, high-value cross-border arbitration disputes. She has accepted appointments as arbitrator for over ten years and has sat as sole arbitrator, chair and party-appointed arbitrator in ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIAC, SCC, FAI, CI-MAC, BVI-IAC, AAA-ICDR and ad hoc arbitrations.
Philippa has particular experience as arbitrator in energy, technology, sports and general commercial disputes. Her recent appointments include disputes involving sponsorship arrangements, banking transactions, gaming and cryptocurrency, oil pipeline materials, commodities supply, petroleum products, construction services, shareholder disputes, franchise termination, solar panel distribution and fintech projects.
Before joining Twenty Essex in February 2023, Philippa was Head of International Arbitration at Stewarts in London, the UK’s largest disputes-only practice. She was a law firm partner for 15 years.
As solicitor and solicitor-advocate, Philippa has acted for clients including sovereigns, state-owned entities, major global corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Her sector experience includes aviation, pharmaceuticals, power, sports, oil and gas, automotive, forestry, manufacturing, shipping, defence, mining, technology and telecommunications.
Philippa has 24 years’ experience of proceedings before the major arbitral institutions. She also has experience in mediation and other ADR formats, as well as High Court and appellate proceedings in jurisdictions including England, the United States, France, Sweden, the UAE and Nigeria.
Philippa is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales and as a solicitor-advocate in the Higher Courts of England and Wales.