Practice Areas
LEGAL & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Iain provides senior, independent legal advice across international trade and investment law, arbitration and mediation, and public international law. Working with governments, international organisations, and commercial clients worldwide, he offers clear, strategic guidance on complex matters, including disputes, regulatory challenges, and cross-border risk.
International Trade & Investment Law
Iain advises governments, international organisations, trade associations and multinational enterprises on the full spectrum of international trade and investment law. His work ranges from advising States on treaty implementation, domestic law reform and international disputes, through to advising enterprises on European and UK sanctions, trade remedy proceedings, cross-border commercial contracts and regulatory matters affecting cross-border trade and investment.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Drafting and negotiating distribution agreements, IP licensing agreements, international sale of goods agreements and other cross-border commercial arrangements, including to protect client interests against unanticipated tariff and trade policy changes.
Representing WTO Members in various disputes spanning intellectual property rights, customs valuation, critical minerals, technology, agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade remedies, services, and general and security defences.
Advising government clients in connection with negotiating and implementing international agreements, including WTO accession and free trade agreements. Coordinating submissions for clients in connection with USTR's 'Special 301' and 'Notorious Markets' processes and the EU's international IP enforcement exercises, targeting tightening of enforcement in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Advising clients in the agricultural chemicals and healthcare industries on compliance and advocacy strategies in connection with new and more stringent environmental and health regulations.
Representing a media industry client in an investment treaty arbitration under UNCITRAL Rules (London seat).
Advising a State in connection with a dispute raised by an investor under the ICSID framework.
Advising a mining industry association on prospective investment treaty claims arising from a proposed tax measure.
Led compliance, due diligence, and internal investigation projects on anti-corruption, sanctions, and responsible business conduct in high-risk markets.
Iain is a qualified legal expert approved by the WTO’s technical cooperation services to assist developing country WTO Members in respect of dispute settlement. Under Article 27.2 of the DSU, costs are met by the Secretariat for up to two days work. Members interested in using this service should contact Iain’s practice manager at ks@isandford.com or the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation at the WTO Secretariat.
Arbitration & Mediation
Iain focuses on acting as an independent arbitrator and mediator in commercial and treaty disputes. He is appointed by law firms and parties seeking an independent decision-maker and by leading international institutions. He brings experience as counsel as a neutral in arbitral and mediated proceedings across a range of forums and rules.
REPRESENTITIVE EXPERIENCE
Mediated a commercial dispute between the owner of port facilities and its users regarding terms of access.
Served as WTO dispute settlement panelist in United States — Shrimp (Viet Nam) (DS404).
As a WTO Legal Officer, supported six Appellate Body divisions and two WTO arbitrators in conducting appeals and arbitrations between Members.
Counsel on arbitral and mediated dispute resolution under the rules of the International Air Transport Association (Australian seat, Australian law).
Counsel in a novel facilitated dispute resolution procedure between two States in the context of a long-standing WTO dispute.
Counsel in international arbitration proceedings under UNCITRAL rules (London seat) and the rules of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (Swedish seat, English law)
Serving on the Professional Conduct Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
Parties considering Iain for appointment as an arbitrator or mediator can request an up-to-date CV from Iain’s practice manager at ks@isandford.com.
Public International Law
Iain advises and represents States and international organisations in proceedings before major international tribunals on matters of public international law, with particular expertise in the law of the sea, international environmental law, and climate change.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Representing a State and a regional International Organization in advisory opinion proceedings on climate change before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Representing a State in advisory proceedings on climate change before the International Court of Justice.
Advising a State in proceedings under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Advising a State on all aspects of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) negotiations, including labour, environmental practices, and fair economic practices.
Preparing a report for the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (pro bono) on existing export control regimes as input for proposals for a new international convention.
As a government official, advising on all aspects of treaty law, including negotiations, signature and credentialling, registration under the UN Charter and treaty implementation.
Iain welcomes enquiries from counsel and prospective clients on matters within his areas of expertise
CONTACT
T: +41 79 277 4059
E: is@isandford.com
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Based in Geneva, Switzerland, working with clients worldwide.
