Kevin’s practice focuses on public international law, commercial and treaty arbitration, and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in advocacy before international and domestic courts and tribunals, as well as in arbitration.
Kevin is described in the legal directories as “an exceptionally talented and skilled barrister” with a “towering intellect”, “keen eye for details” and “razor-sharp memory”. He is also identified as “an outstanding lawyer” with a “ferocious strategic mind”, who “possesses a knack for seeing the bigger picture with a strategic lens” and whose “ability to think laterally and strategically is a great strength”. Frequently sought after for advocacy mandates, Kevin is described as someone who “delivers persuasive arguments seamlessly and strategically”, is “eloquent and clear in presenting his arguments” and “charming while on his feet” whilst being “able to convince even the toughest tribunal”. Beyond his legal skills, clients describe Kevin as a “wholehearted collaborator and team player” who is an “absolute delight” to work with, and “a very safe pair of hands to trust your disputes with”.
Across the legal directories, Kevin is recognised as a leading barrister in five practice areas: (1) Public International Law, (2) International Arbitration: Counsel, (3) Regional International Arbitration (Construction, Energy and Infrastructure), (4) Regional International Arbitration (Commercial), and (5) Middle East: The English Bar (Commercial).
He has acted as counsel before the International Court of Justice, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Permanent Court of Arbitration, UNCLOS Annex VII tribunals and in inter-State mediation. He is also regularly engaged on disputes involving public international law before the English courts and foreign domestic courts. These matters have involved issues relating to maritime and land boundaries, international investment law, cross-border energy trading and cooperation, climate change, law of the sea, international criminal law, human rights, treaty interpretation, and sovereign immunities.
In arbitration, Kevin is recognised by the directories as “an expert in commercial and international disputes”, and he is routinely instructed across the full spectrum of inter-State, investor-State and commercial arbitrations. He has acted on matters involving ICSID, PCA, HKIAC, SIAC, LCIA, DIAC, ICC, UNCITRAL, ECT and ad hoc arbitration rules, across a broad range of sectors including oil and gas, energy, mining, construction and infrastructure, commodities, banking and finance, manufacture and licensing, sale of goods, private equity, distribution and logistics, cryptocurrency, technology, and engineering.
In commercial litigation, Kevin has developed a particularly strong reputation for his advocacy and strategy experience in international commercial and multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is frequently instructed as counsel in both a trial and appellate setting. In addition to his rights of audience in England and Wales, he is called to the bar in Singapore and has appeared at all levels of the Singapore courts (including the appellate courts and Singapore International Commercial Court). He is also registered to appear in the DIFC and ADGM courts of the United Arab Emirates.
Alongside his work as counsel, Kevin is a distinguished Global Fellow at the NUS Centre of International Law. Before joining Twenty Essex, Kevin was also a Partner in a GAR 100 law firm. He has taught law and arbitration at Zhejiang University, Panthéon-Assas Université International, National University of Singapore, and University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”.
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Public international law
Inter-State Cases
- ICJ: Counsel to the United Arab Emirates in Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Sudan (Sudan v. United Arab Emirates) before the International Court of Justice.
- ICJ: Counsel to the United Arab Emirates in Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change before the International Court of Justice.
- ICJ: Counsel to the United Arab Emirates in Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalembefore the International Court of Justice.
- ITLOS: Counsel to Italy in ITLOS Case No. 24:The “Enrica Lexie” Incident (Italy v India), (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea).
- PCA: Counsel to Italy in The Enrica Lexie Arbitration (Italy v. India) (UNCLOS Annex VII dispute in the Permanent Court of Arbitration).
- PCA: The Bay of Bengal Maritime Boundary Arbitration (Bangladesh v. India) (Permanent Court of Arbitration): UNCLOS Annex VII arbitration concerning the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and India. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA: The Indus Waters Kishenganga Arbitration (Pakistan v. India) (Permanent Court of Arbitration): Treaty dispute concerning the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty and the Kishenganga hydroelectric power plant. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- Counsel to a State mediating a maritime boundary dispute.
- Legal adviser to a State on a territorial dispute.
- Legal adviser in a dispute concerning several treaties between two South Asian States on energy cooperation and the joint implementation and construction of 10 hydroelectric powerplants.
- Legal adviser to SAARC on public international law, arbitration, and dispute settlement matters for the South Asian States (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka).
- Legal Adviser to ASEAN on arbitration and dispute resolution matters for the ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
English Courts
- Counsel to a State in proceedings before the English Courts concerning the application of sovereign immunities in an IP dispute. Total quantum in dispute in excess of GBP 3 billion.
- Counsel to a State in proceedings before the English Courts concerning allegations of torture and the application of sovereign immunities.
- Counsel to a State in proceedings before the English Courts concerning allegations of trafficking and trespass to person and the application of sovereign immunities.
- Counsel to a State in proceedings before the Employment Tribunal concerning allegations of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination by an Embassy, and the application of sovereign and diplomatic immunities.
- Counsel to a State in proceedings before the English Courts on the territorial tort exception to State immunity involving allegations of spyware use.
Foreign Domestic Courts
- United Investor Community, Inc and Others v. the United Arab Emirates and Others (Southern District of Miami, Case no. 1:24-cv-23359-KMW (S.D. Fla.): Legal adviser to the United Arab Emirates in proceedings concerning allegations of conspiracy, fraud, racketeering, unjust enrichment, and the application of sovereign immunities. Quantum in dispute is USD 250 billion.
- Hazim Nada and Lord Energy SA v. the United Arab Emirates and Others (Washington DC, Case No. 24-CV-00206): Legal adviser to the United Arab Emirates in proceedings concerning allegations of conspiracy, fraud, racketeering and the application of sovereign immunities. Quantum in dispute is USD 2.8 billion.
- Counsel in proceedings before the Singapore Courts concerning the interpretation and application of a Singapore-China memorandum of understanding.
- Counsel in a matter concerning the financing of terrorism and human rights violations by a military regime.
- Counsel in 8 domestic litigation proceedings before the Indian Supreme Court concerning immunities of State armed forces.
Advisory
- Legal adviser to SAARC on public international law, arbitration, and dispute settlement matters for the South Asian States (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka).
- Legal adviser to ASEAN on the harmonisation of international law and competition policy in ASEAN Member States.
- Legal adviser to International Trade Centre (a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization) and ASEAN regarding the ASEAN Capacity Building Roadmap 2030.
- Advising several States on treaty issues pertaining to energy sharing and cooperation, and regional electricity trading.
- Developing and drafting a model treaty / dispute settlement mechanism between several States for cross-border energy cooperation.
- Legal adviser on matters of international criminal law, Interpol red notices and diffusions, extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance obligations in respect of the Republic of Singapore and the Russian Federation.
- Legal adviser on matters under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.
- Appointed to the Roster of Experts by the Commonwealth Secretariat for its Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources Advisory Directorate.
- Appointed to the Roster of Experts by the Energy Community Secretariat on Trade Law, Arbitration and Dispute Settlement for the Energy Community States of the European Union.
Investment treaty arbitration
- Advising on investment treaty matters under the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.
- Advising a billionaire and his energy company on an investment treaty dispute against a CIS State.
- ICSID Case No. ARB/24/15: Spentech Engineering Limited v. United Arab Emirates: Counsel to the Respondent in an investment treaty dispute arising out of the construction and infrastructure industry.
- ICSID Case No. ARB/19/14: Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A. v. Kingdom of Morocco: Counsel to the Claimant in an investment treaty dispute arising out of the construction and infrastructure industry.
- ICSID Case No. ARB/16/24: ČEZ, a.s. v. Republic of Bulgaria. Investment treaty dispute under the Energy Charter Treaty arising out of the electricity generation, energy and mining sectors (assisting Lord Verdirame KC).
- Counsel to a State in an investor-State dispute under the OIC Investment Agreement (confidential).
- Counsel to a State in an investor-State dispute with global investors (confidential). Construction and infrastructure industry.
- Counsel to a State in an investor-State dispute with a Southeast Asian company (confidential).
- Counsel to an investor in an investor-State dispute with an Asian State (confidential). Manufacturing and production industry.
- Counsel to a State in an investor-State dispute with a Jersey company (confidential). Medical industry.
- Counsel to a State in an investor-State dispute with a consortium of investors under multiple bilateral investment treaties (confidential).
- PCA: Surfeit Harvest Investment Holdings v. Taiwan, Republic of China (UNCITRAL rules): Counsel to the Claimant in an investment treaty dispute in the banking and finance sector.
- PCA Case No. 2012-12: Philip Morris Asia Limited (Hong Kong) v. The Commonwealth of Australia (UNCITRAL rules): Dispute arising from Australia’s enactment of tobacco plain packaging legislation and intellectual property rights in Australia. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA Case No. 2012-16: Murphy Exploration & Production Company – International v. The Republic of Ecuador (UNCITRAL arbitration). Dispute arising from the oil & gas and energy industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA: An investment treaty dispute between an investment company and an ASEAN State in the gaming industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA Case No. 2013-23: Tenoch Holdings Limited & Ors v. The Republic of India (UNCITRAL rules). Dispute arising from the withdrawal of licence approvals in the telecommunications industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA: Two investment treaty disputes pursuant to the Energy Charter Treaty arising out of the oil industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- PCA: EDF International S.A. (France) v. Republic of Hungary (UNCITRAL rules): Dispute under the Energy Charter Treaty arising from the termination of long-term power purchase agreements relating to investments in the electricity generation sector. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
Commercial arbitration
- Legal adviser to the Council of Europe on reforms to the arbitration regime of Armenia.
- Counsel to a Norwegian company and a family office in a SIAC arbitration against an Indian company in the manufacturing and franchise industry, concerning global intellectual property rights and 5 related litigation proceedings across India and UK.
- Counsel to a Chinese state-controlled entity in a SIAC arbitration commenced by a Thai List-co over a belt-and-road dispute relating to the construction of a billion-dollar highway project in Bangladesh.
- Counsel to a French energy company in a potential arbitration against a Korean company arising out of the construction of an oil refinery in Indonesia.
- Counsel to an Omani company in an HKIAC arbitration against a sanctioned Russian entity in a dispute concerning geological exploration of offshore oil and gas blocks in India.
- Counsel to a Singapore logistics company in a potential arbitration against a Vietnamese company arising out of the damage to a heavy crane deployed on a Wind Turbine project off the Mekong Delta.
- Counsel in an ad hoc arbitration between a Malaysian developer and a global consultancy company relating to expert services supplied in relation to a construction dispute involving two hotels, a carpark block, an office tower and a convention centre.
- Counsel in an SIAC arbitration between an Australian company and a NASDAQ-listed company in a technology dispute arising out of a SaaS contract.
- Counsel to an American company in a potential SIAC arbitration arising out of a technology dispute against one of the world’s largest payment software companies.
- Counsel to an Indonesian company in a potential SIAC arbitration arising out of a commodities dispute with a Singapore company.
- Counsel to a Dutch company in a potential SIAC arbitration arising out of a logistics dispute with a Vietnamese company.
- Counsel in an SIAC arbitration arising out of the telecommunications industry.
- Counsel in 6 SIAC arbitrations relating to a private equity investment dispute spanning US and Cambodia.
- Counsel to a Russian high net worth individual in a potential HKIAC arbitration arising out of a bitcoin gambling platform domiciled in Curaçao.
- Counsel to a Singapore manufacturing and textiles company in a potential LCIA arbitration against one of the world’s largest sports brands.
- Counsel to a Vietnam listed steel company in a potential SIAC arbitration against a subsidiary of one of India’s largest steel companies regarding the sale / trading of commodities.
- Acting for an international distributor in an SIAC arbitration arising from a contractual dispute against one of the world’s largest apparel brands.
- Counsel to a Taiwan-listed company in an SIAC arbitration in a wind turbine dispute spanning Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Luxembourg.
- Counsel to a Chinese manufacturer in a potential SIAC arbitration arising out of a logistics dispute with a German list-co.
- Arbitration arising out of a dispute between Italian and Indian parties in the construction sector, administered in accordance with ICC rules (As tribunal secretary to a leading arbitrator).
Commercial litigation
- Kevin practises in London as a barrister at Twenty Essex (regulated by the Bar Standards Board), and in Singapore from the sole proprietorship Kevin SY Lee (UEN No. 53460481A). He has full rights of audience before all levels of the English and Singapore courts. He is also registered to appear before the DIFC and ADGM courts of the United Arab Emirates.
- Counsel to a Singapore-listed Property Developer in a dispute concerning the construction and sale of a USD 200 million condominium.
- Counsel to a Hong Kong MNC in a dispute concerning allegations of fraud relating to the procurement of performance bonds.
- Legal adviser to a financial advisory company in a dispute concerning investments in four property development projects in Australia.
- Counsel to one of the world’s largest dye companies in a dispute concerning the breach of an international supply agreement.
- Counsel in an equity and trust dispute over the legal and beneficial ownership of 122 gold bars and the enforcement of judgment in Singapore and Hong Kong.
- Counsel to a Chinese investor in a dispute concerning misrepresentation and breach of contract arising out of a private equity investment in the healthcare industry.
- Counsel in a joint venture dispute (parties from Brazil, Singapore, and Indonesia) arising out of a real estate investment.
- Counsel to a Hong Kong insurance broker in a fraud and misrepresentation dispute.
- Counsel to a Canadian company in a dispute arising out of the aviation industry concerning conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duties and inducement of breach of contract.
- Counsel in a civil fraud and asset tracing claim concerning the fraudulent transfer of assets and properties.
- Counsel to a Chinese high net worth individual in a dispute concerning minority oppression, breach of contract and breach of a joint venture agreement in the manufacturing industry.
- Counsel to one of Asia’s largest financial advisory companies in an investment advisory, professional negligence, and vicarious liability dispute.
- Counsel in a contractual dispute arising out of an aborted infrastructure project concerning the construction of 2 hotels, a shopping centre, a convention centre and an office tower in Malaysia.
- Counsel to a Dutch logistics company in a dispute against a Vietnamese company arising out of the damage to heavy machinery at sea while being deployed on a Wind Turbine project off the Mekong Delta.
- Legal adviser in a cross-border investment fraud investigation (Germany, Singapore, Korea) concerning issues of breach of contract, equity and trust, conspiracy, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duties, and breach of financial regulations.
Civil fraud
- United Investor Community, Inc and Others v. the United Arab Emirates and Others (Southern District of Miami, Case no. 1:24-cv-23359-KMW (S.D. Fla.): Legal adviser to the United Arab Emirates in proceedings concerning allegations of conspiracy, fraud, racketeering, unjust enrichment, and the application of sovereign immunities. Quantum in dispute is USD 250 billion.
- Hazim Nada and Lord Energy SA v. the United Arab Emirates and Others (Washington DC, Case No. 24-CV-00206): Legal adviser to the United Arab Emirates in proceedings concerning allegations of conspiracy, fraud, racketeering and the application of sovereign immunities. Quantum in dispute is USD 2.8 billion.
- Counsel in 6 SIAC arbitrations relating to civil fraud in a private equity investment dispute spanning US and Cambodia.
- Counsel to a Russian high net worth individual in a potential HKIAC arbitration involving civil fraud in the use of a bitcoin gambling platform domiciled in Curaçao.
- Counsel to a Hong Kong insurance broker in a dispute concerning civil fraud relating to the procurement of performance bonds.
- Counsel to a Chinese investor in a dispute concerning fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract arising out of a private equity investment in the healthcare industry.
- Counsel in a civil fraud and asset tracing claim concerning the fraudulent transfer of assets and properties.
- Legal adviser in a cross-border investment fraud investigation (Germany, Singapore, Korea) concerning issues of breach of contract, equity and trust, conspiracy, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duties, and breach of financial regulations.
Construction and infrastructure
- Counsel to a Chinese state-controlled entity in an SIAC arbitration commenced by a Thai List-co over a belt-and-road dispute relating to the construction of a billion-dollar highway project in Bangladesh.
- Counsel to a French energy company in a potential arbitration against a Korean company arising out of the construction of an oil refinery in Indonesia.
- Counsel to an Omani company in an HKIAC arbitration against a sanctioned Russian entity in a dispute concerning geological exploration of offshore oil and gas blocks in India.
- Counsel in an ad hocarbitration between a Malaysian construction developer and a global consultancy company.
- Counsel to a Singapore-listed Property Developer in a dispute concerning the construction and sale of a condominium.
- Counsel in a contractual dispute arising out of an aborted infrastructure project concerning the construction of 2 hotels, a shopping centre, a convention centre and an office tower in Malaysia.
- Legal adviser in a dispute arising out of the construction of an infrastructure and transport project (underground train stations).
- Legal adviser in a dispute arising out of the construction of an infrastructure and healthcare project.
- Legal adviser in a dispute arising out of the construction of an inter-State hydroelectric project in South Asia.
- Legal adviser to a State-owned entity in a matter concerning a waste treatment and waste disposal facility.
- Legal adviser in a joint venture dispute arising out of an oil and gas refinery project in an ASEAN State.
- Arbitration arising out of a dispute between Italian and Indian parties in the construction sector, administered in accordance with ICC rules (As tribunal secretary to a leading arbitrator).
- ICSID Case No. ARB/24/15: Spentech Engineering Limited v. United Arab Emirates: Counsel to the Respondent in a dispute in the construction and infrastructure sector
- ICSID Case No. ARB/19/14: Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A. v. Kingdom of Morocco: Counsel to the Claimant in a dispute in the construction and infrastructure sector
- Advising a State in an investor-State dispute with investors (confidential). Construction and infrastructure industry.
- Advising a State in an investor-State dispute with a Southeast Asian company (confidential). Construction and infrastructure industry.
- Legal adviser in a dispute concerning several treaties between two South Asian States on energy cooperation and the joint implementation and construction of 10 hydroelectric powerplants.
- Legal adviser in State debarment proceedings before the Standing Committee for Debarment in respect of an infrastructure project in Singapore.
Energy and natural resources
- Counsel to the United Arab Emirates in Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change before the International Court of Justice.
- Legal adviser in a dispute concerning several treaties between two South Asian States on energy cooperation and the joint implementation and construction of 10 hydroelectric powerplants.
- Counsel to a French energy company in a potential arbitration against a Korean company arising out of the construction of an oil refinery in Indonesia.
- Counsel to an Omani company in an HKIAC arbitration against a sanctioned Russian entity in a dispute concerning geological exploration of offshore oil and gas blocks in India.
- The Indus Waters Kishenganga Arbitration (Pakistan v. India) (Permanent Court of Arbitration): Treaty dispute concerning the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty and the Kishenganga hydroelectric power plant. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- Advising several States on treaty issues pertaining to energy sharing and cooperation, and in particular in regional electricity trading.
- Developing and drafting a model treaty / dispute settlement mechanism between several States for cross-border energy cooperation.
- Appointed to the Roster of Experts by the Commonwealth Secretariat for its Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources Advisory Directorate.
- Appointed to the Roster of Experts by the Energy Community Secretariat on Trade Law, Arbitration and Dispute Settlement for the Energy Community States of the European Union.
- ICSID Case No. ARB/16/24: ČEZ, a.s. v. Republic of Bulgaria. Investment treaty dispute arising out of the electricity generation and energy industry (assisting Lord Verdirame KC).
- PCA Case No. 2012-16: Murphy Exploration & Production Company – International v. The Republic of Ecuador(UNCITRAL arbitration). Dispute arising from the oil & gas and energy industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- Two investment treaty disputes pursuant to the Energy Charter Treaty arising out of the oil industry. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- EDF International S.A. (France) v. Republic of Hungary(UNCITRAL rules): Dispute arising from the termination of long-term power purchase agreements relating to investments in the electricity generation sector. (As assistant to the tribunal at the PCA).
- Counsel to a Taiwan-listed company in an SIAC arbitration in a wind turbine dispute spanning Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Luxembourg.
- Legal adviser to a State-owned entity in a matter concerning a waste treatment and waste disposal facility.
- Legal adviser in a joint venture dispute arising out of an oil and gas refinery project in an ASEAN State.
- Legal adviser in a shareholder / joint venture dispute arising out of an inter-State hydroelectric project in South Asia.
