Isabelle Wenger
Associate
Isabelle is an international arbitration associate, skilled at delivering practical solutions to complex disputes for clients from diverse jurisdictions.
Associate
Isabelle is an international arbitration associate, skilled at delivering practical solutions to complex disputes for clients from diverse jurisdictions.
Languages - English, German
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Isabelle represents States, State-owned entities, and multinational corporations in high-value, complex disputes across the energy, construction, infrastructure, and banking sectors. Her practice spans Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where she draws on her Kenyan heritage and secondment experience in Dubai to deliver commercially focused, culturally informed solutions to cross-border disputes.
Her expertise covers a wide range of arbitral rules, including ICSID, LCIA, and Swiss Arbitration Centre proceedings, as well as English Court litigation. Notably, she has successfully resisted the enforcement of an arbitral award for over two years. Isabelle also played a key role in securing a settlement exceeding US$600 million for a major African energy and infrastructure conglomerate in a high-stakes arbitration against a southern African government, which required close collaboration with counsel across four jurisdictions and skilful management of the complexities of sovereign disputes.
In addition to her counsel work, Isabelle has served as tribunal secretary in an LCIA arbitration between two East African special purpose vehicles concerning a hotel project. She was also called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2019.
Isabelle's blend of cultural insight, legal expertise, and strategic acumen ensures clients receive thoughtful, effective representation throughout every stage of their dispute.
LNG dispute
Acted for GAIL (India) Limited, the Indian state-owned gas company, in a LCIA arbitration relating to claims of US$1.8 billion arising from a dispute over the non-delivery of LNG supplies. We achieved a successful outcome for the client by way of an amicable settlement shortly before the hearing.
African energy conglomerate
Advised a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate based in Africa on an arbitration against a southern African government in relation to the failure to pay more than US$600 million for the supply and delivery of gasoline products.
Ministry of Electricity of a Middle Eastern state
Acting for a Middle Eastern government in an LCIA arbitration concerning the termination of an EPC contract. We successfully defended a US$218 million claim brought by the contractor and are pursuing a US$600 million counterclaim for non-performance.
Infrastructure project
Representing a large African conglomerate in a LCIA arbitration arising from delay related claims of approximately US$150 million concerning a major infrastructure project.
Nigerian bank
Advised a Nigerian bank in respect of protecting its interests in assets in England in connection with proceedings in Nigeria relating to an outstanding debt of over US$100 million.
Shareholder dispute in banking sector
Advising one of Africa's largest banking groups in a London-seated LCIA arbitration concerning the exercise of a put option. The dispute is in excess of US$50 million.
Resisting enforcement of ICC award
Advising an African client and associated entities in respect of resisting the enforcement of a London-seated ICC arbitration award valued at over US$50 million. This involves raising challenges under the applicable sections of the English Arbitration Act 1996.
Subsidiary of Middle Eastern state-owned oil company
Acting for a subsidiary of a Middle Eastern state-owned oil company in a US$4 million tort claim before the Nigerian court against a major African bank for alleged negligence in advising a letter of credit.
East African SPVs
Appointed as tribunal secretary in a LCIA arbitration between two East African SPVs established to develop and operate a hotel, addressing disputes over project timelines and penalties exceeding US$1.6 million.
Nigerian oil and gas trader
Acting for a Nigerian oil and gas trader in defending against three arbitrations (two consolidated ad hoc and one discontinued LCIA arbitration) regarding a US$1.5 million shipping dispute.
