Sarah Lane is a Partner and head of the International Disputes practice in London. She specializes in complex commercial litigation and international arbitration, representing multinational corporations in high-stakes disputes across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Sarah has particular expertise in disputes arising from M&A transactions, joint ventures, and long-term commercial contracts. She has acted as lead counsel in proceedings before the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and HKIAC, as well as before the English High Court and Court of Appeal.
She is ranked as a leading disputes lawyer by The Legal 500 UK, and has been recognized by Chambers UK as a "Star Individual" in international arbitration for three consecutive years.
Experience
Experience
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Lead counsel in a $2.1 billion ICC arbitration arising from a failed joint venture in the energy sector
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Represented a global pharmaceutical company in LCIA proceedings against a former distribution partner
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Acted for a European sovereign in investment treaty arbitration proceedings under ICSID rules
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Led the successful defense of a major bank in a £900 million Commercial Court claim for alleged mis-selling
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Advised a technology conglomerate on parallel litigation and regulatory investigations across five jurisdictions
Insights
Education
- LL.M.University of CambridgeDistinction
- LL.B.University of OxfordFirst Class Honours
Prior experience
- Visiting Lecturer, International Arbitration, University College London, 2018–2022
- Associate, Frankfurt office, 2009–2012
Qualifications and admissions
- England and Wales
- State of New York
Languages
- English
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
Recognition
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Chambers UK – International Arbitration, Star Individual (2022–2025)
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Legal 500 UK – International Arbitration, Hall of Fame
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Global Arbitration Review – "45 Under 45" list
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Who's Who Legal – Arbitration, Leading Individual