Skadden is pleased to announce that Samuel Pape will join the firm’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in London as a partner, further enhancing Skadden’s capabilities in high-stakes cross-border arbitrations, investment treaty disputes and complex commercial litigation.
Mr. Pape brings over 15 years of experience as a leading arbitration and international litigation attorney. He has a well-established track record as a strategic adviser and advocate across commercial and investor-state arbitrations, as well as high-stakes multijurisdictional litigation, frequently handling disputes involving Francophone jurisdictions and Latin America.
His client base spans multinational corporations, private equity funds, financial institutions and state parties in disputes across a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, mining, banking and technology. His experience includes acting in M&A, shareholder, commercial and financial disputes, and he has been at the forefront of some of the most high-profile environmental class actions and parent company responsibility cases in recent years.
The addition of Mr. Pape follows the recent hire of Sophie Lamb KC, who joined Skadden as a partner. Ms. Lamb KC is also widely recognized for her powerful advocacy in “bet-the-company” arbitrations and complex litigation, with more than 25 years of experience litigating before international tribunals and courts. She has advised boards of public companies, sovereign states, private equity houses and major corporates across a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology and financial services.
“Samuel brings a wealth of experience to our global International Litigation and Arbitration Group, making him a tremendous asset to our team,” said Ryan Junck, a global head of Skadden’s litigation/controversy practices. “His experience in commercial and investor-state arbitration, together with Sophie’s substantial work before international tribunals and as an advocate in the U.K. Supreme Court, will further strengthen our offerings for clients across complex arbitrations and litigation.”
“London remains a key focus for our ongoing investment, as we continue to further strengthen our leading International Litigation and Arbitration Group,” said Rich Youle, head of Skadden’s London office. “Samuel’s arrival underscores our commitment to attracting top-tier talent and further strengthens our ability to serve clients in complex international matters.”
“Skadden is an ideal place to continue building my practice. I am excited to be joining such a distinguished firm and preeminent group of international arbitration and litigation lawyers. I look forward to working alongside Sophie and my new colleagues to best serve our clients,” said Mr. Pape.
Mr. Pape serves on the executive board of the Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA) and the editorial board of the European Investment Law and Arbitration Review. He is ranked as a Next Generation Partner — International Arbitration by The Legal 500 UK 2026 and a Future Leader in Arbitration by Who’s Who Legal/Lexology 2026, and he was recognized by Law360 as a Rising Star in international arbitration in 2025. Bilingual in English and French, Mr. Pape also speaks Spanish and Portuguese.