Jonathan Brierley has emerged as one of the most respected names in the field of international arbitration, particularly in disputes centred on energy and infrastructure. Based in London, his reputation is built on handling complex, high-value cases that span continents and industries. After nearly sixteen years with White & Case, he joined Akin in 2025 as a partner in its global disputes and arbitration team. His transition to Akin was seen as a major development in the legal sector, further strengthening the firm’s presence in high-stakes arbitration.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Brierley studied at the University of Bristol, where he earned his undergraduate degree. His time at Bristol equipped him with the intellectual foundation and analytical skills needed for a career in law. He later pursued legal studies at BPP University Law School, completing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC). His educational path reflects both academic rigour and a clear dedication to building a career in the demanding world of commercial disputes.
From early on, his interest gravitated towards international arbitration, a field that requires mastery of both legal frameworks and commercial realities. This interest would later define his career and distinguish him as a leading disputes lawyer.
Career at White & Case
Jonathan Brierley spent nearly sixteen years at White & Case, one of the world’s largest international law firms. There he gained unparalleled experience in international arbitration, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and construction disputes. His work frequently involved cases of extraordinary complexity, often valued in the billions of dollars.
During his time at White & Case, he handled disputes across jurisdictions including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. The breadth of his cases reflected his ability to adapt to different legal systems, cultures, and industry practices. His colleagues and clients regarded him as a lawyer who could balance technical detail with strategic oversight.
Move to Akin
In 2025, Jonathan Brierley made a significant career move by joining Akin in London as a partner. This decision was considered a coup for Akin, which has been investing heavily in strengthening its international arbitration and energy disputes practice.
His move was part of a broader strategy by Akin to consolidate its standing in energy and infrastructure arbitration. His appointment complemented other notable hires, such as Mark Clarke, and signalled the firm’s ambition to compete at the very top of the disputes market. For Jonathan, the move provided a platform to expand his practice and bring his expertise to new clients and jurisdictions.
Areas of Specialisation
Jonathan Brierley specialises in international arbitration and complex commercial disputes. His expertise extends across a wide range of sectors, with particular strength in:
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Energy and Natural Resources: Oil, gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture projects.
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Infrastructure and Construction: Large-scale transport, utilities, and mixed-use developments.
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Power and Utilities: Disputes involving power purchase agreements, desalination projects, and integrated power and water plants.
His cases often involve highly technical issues, such as engineering and construction disputes under FIDIC contracts, joint venture disagreements, and investment disputes. The ability to grasp both the legal and technical dimensions of these conflicts is one of his defining strengths.
Representative Matters
Over the years, Jonathan Brierley has worked on some of the most challenging disputes in the sector. His representative matters include:
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Acting in a multi-billion-dollar ICC arbitration concerning an LNG project in Australia.
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Representing clients in a DIFC-LCIA arbitration related to the world’s largest 3D seismic survey.
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Advising on disputes over unitisation and operating agreements in oil and gas projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
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Handling disputes under FIDIC Silver Book turnkey contracts, including claims arising from terminations in railway projects in Turkey.
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Advising on arbitration related to desalination and power plant projects in the Middle East.
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Representing clients in disputes involving hydroelectric plants and large mixed-use developments in Chile and the Middle East.
These matters showcase the global scope of his work and his ability to navigate complex arbitration frameworks, technical engineering evidence, and cross-border commercial interests.
Recognition and Awards
Jonathan Brierley has been consistently recognised by industry rankings and legal directories. He has been named a Future Leader in International Arbitration by Who’s Who Legal and has appeared as “One to Watch” in Best Lawyers. His recognition as an executive leader in energy and accreditation as a master in renewable energy underline his broader industry influence beyond the courtroom.
Clients and peers highlight his strategic acumen, his ability to identify the crucial points in a dispute, and his skill in managing relationships across large organisations. He is often praised for formulating clear strategies in legally and factually dense claims.
Roles Beyond Advocacy
Beyond his role as an advocate, Jonathan Brierley has served as an arbitrator and mediator. He is listed as an arbitrator at the Energy Disputes Arbitration Centre (EDAC) and is an accredited mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).
He also provides training for energy companies on procurement, project and claims management, and dispute resolution practices. His contributions in these areas demonstrate a commitment to advancing best practices in the industry and sharing knowledge with the next generation of professionals.
Approach to Arbitration
Jonathan Brierley is known for his meticulous preparation, strategic clarity, and ability to handle both the legal and commercial aspects of disputes. His approach combines:
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Technical Understanding: Appreciating the engineering and financial details that underpin large projects.
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Strategic Oversight: Developing coherent strategies that guide clients through long and complex proceedings.
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Cross-Cultural Awareness: Navigating international disputes that involve multiple jurisdictions, languages, and business cultures.
His ability to bridge these aspects makes him a trusted advisor to clients facing some of the most critical disputes in their industries.
Influence in the Energy Transition
As the world shifts towards renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, disputes are evolving. Jonathan Brierley has positioned himself at the forefront of these changes by engaging with projects in hydrogen, renewables, and carbon capture. His accreditation in renewable energy and recognition by the Energy Institute reflect his active involvement in shaping how disputes in these emerging sectors are handled.
His expertise ensures that he is not only a lawyer for today’s energy projects but also a legal strategist for the future of global energy and infrastructure.
Contribution to the Legal Community
Jonathan Brierley contributes to the wider arbitration community through thought leadership, mentoring, and participation in professional networks. His involvement in training and professional accreditation highlights his role in nurturing talent and improving standards in arbitration. His recognition as a leader underlines his influence in shaping how arbitration is practised and perceived, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Jonathan Brierley’s career reflects a combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and international experience. From his formative years at White & Case to his partnership at Akin, he has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a leading arbitration lawyer. His work spans continents and industries, and his recognition as a future leader in arbitration confirms his standing as one of the foremost lawyers of his generation.
For businesses engaged in complex, high-value projects, Jonathan Brierley represents a trusted advisor who can navigate the intricacies of disputes while maintaining a clear strategic outlook. His career is a testament to the impact that skilled arbitration practitioners can have on the global stage.
