Winston & Strawn Grows International Arbitration Practice with Addition of Michael Stepek in London

LONDON – Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that Michael Stepek will join the firm as a partner in its International Arbitration Practice in London. Mr. Stepek, who focuses on international commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration, comes to Winston from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

Renowned as a top-tier practitioner by leading legal directories, Mr. Stepek concentrates his practice in complex, high-value disputes involving foreign direct investment, major infrastructure projects, and joint ventures in the energy, mining, telecommunications, and transportation industries.

“Winston is committed to developing our leading International Arbitration Practice,” said Tom Fitzgerald, the firm’s managing partner. “With the addition of Michael to the team, we are broadening our market-leading practice and continuing to grow our capabilities across Europe.”

“Michael has established himself among the most distinguished practitioners in the field. His global perspective and experience in energy and infrastructure projects brings a desirable dimension that few can match,” added Steve D’Amore, co-chair of Winston’s Litigation Department.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Mr. Stepek represents clients before numerous international forums in arbitrations conducted pursuant to all the major institutional rules, including ICSID, ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, SCC, UNCITRAL, and various substantive laws.

“In making this move to Winston & Strawn, I saw a perfect complement between the firm’s International Arbitration Practice, its strong global platform, and my practice,” said Mr. Stepek. “Combined with its very strong litigation, energy, and project finance brands, it was clear to me that joining Winston was an opportunity to contribute to an established platform and I’m very excited to be here.”

“Michael is recognized as a top-tier attorney in our field of practice,” said Ricardo Ugarte, chair of Winston’s International Arbitration Practice. “The integration of his capabilities and extensive experience arbitrating cases in various international tribunals will significantly expand the reach of our existing practice.”

The firm’s London office has been bolstered significantly through a string of recent strategic lateral acquisitions, including Chris Boresjo in April 2016; Paul Amiss, Rebecca Finn, and Jason Parker in November 2015; and James Simpson and a team of lawyers in March 2015.