WilmerHale LLP

Franz Schwarz is a partner in the firm's litigation/controversy department, and a vice chair of the international arbitration practice group. He focuses on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and has extensive experience with arbitral practice, procedure and advocacy both in civil and common law systems.

Mr Schwarz has been involved in over 70 arbitrations, as counsel or as arbitrator. He has represented clients in numerous ad-hoc arbitrations and before all major arbitral institutions (including ICC, LCIA, Vienna and Stockholm), at multiple seats and governed by a broad variety of substantive and procedural laws. He has a particular focus on joint venture, M&A, financial services, project finance, as well as commercial and corporate disputes.

Mr Schwarz regularly counsels clients on conflict of laws issues and international enforcement of arbitration awards and judgments, including against state entities, and frequently advises parties on the protection of foreign investments under bilateral investment treaties and similar instruments.

Mr Schwarz frequently serves as arbitrator, including as chairman of arbitral tribunals, and is included on the roster of several major arbitral institutions.

Mr Schwarz lectures at Vienna University, Zurich University, and Johns Hopkins in Bologna. He is the author of several books and numerous articles in the field, including the co-author of The Vienna Rules - A Commentary on International Arbitration in Austria (Kluwer International, 2009).