African disputes and international arbitration expert Duncan Bagshaw begins new role at Norton Rose Fulbright

The addition of leading barrister and international arbitration expert Duncan Bagshaw as a partner will greatly enhance Norton Rose Fulbright’s offering to clients, given the breadth and depth of his experience in key sectors and jurisdictions, said Patrick Bourke, the firm’s Head of Dispute Resolution and Litigation EMEA.

After revealing in May that he would be taking up a partnership at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), after a few years as Head of International Arbitration at Howard Kennedy LLP, Bagshaw began work in NRF’s London office this week. 

“The firm’s extensive experience in emerging markets and the energy sector is highly attractive and provides a great platform to support clients on their most challenging disputes,” said Bagshaw, who has a particular focus on the energy sector and Africa-related disputes, when his move was revealed last month. 

“Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong history in advising on some of the most complex international arbitration cases around the world, with the experience to assist clients from the onset of a dispute, through to enforcement of an award.”

After being called to the bar in 2003, Baghaw practised as a barrister until 2012 when he became the first Registrar of the LCIA-MIAC Arbitration Centre in Mauritius, working to establish that nation as an emerging centre for dispute resolution and to promote international arbitration practice in Africa. 

He has extensive experience in Africa, having lived and worked in the region and handled many disputes arising from African projects. He has worked on many cases involving African law and African seats of arbitration, and where there are simultaneous proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. Bagshaw has acted in long-running oil disputes in Nigeria, appeared in LCIA proceedings on behalf of Kenyan investors in Nairobi property development, and appeared in DIFC-LCIA arbitrations arising out of a major joint venture to develop hotels in East Africa.

He acts for clients in arbitrations conducted under the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), DIFC and other rules, and before all courts of England and Wales, including the Supreme Court. He is a vice-chair of the ICC UK Arbitration and ADR Committee as well as a member of the ICC Global Commission and Registrar of the Scottish Arbitration Centre.

“We are excited to welcome Duncan to our leading global international arbitration team,” said Ruth Cowley, NRF’s Global Co-Head of International Arbitration. “He will undoubtedly enhance the quality services we provide to our clients around the world, many of which operate across Africa. He has advised on some of the highest profile commercial disputes and international arbitration cases of recent years, including those in relation to fast-growing emerging markets which fits neatly with the cross border and strategic cases that our team advises on.”