Energy & Natural Resources
- Acting for an Indian corporate group in an international ad-hoc arbitration claim against a UK counterparty concerning breach of a long-term commodity supply agreement.
- Advised a US energy group in relation to LCIA arbitration proceedings (and related English High Court matters) arising out of an investment into a petrochemicals project.
- Advised a Russian-owned mining group in relation to LCIA arbitration proceedings (and related southern African litigation) arising out of a failed disposal of a metal mining asset, including complex evidence on real-options cash flow valuation methodologies.
- Advised the purchaser of a Central Asian energy business in an LCIA arbitration claim against the seller for breach of accounting warranties.
Selected Cases
View full profile »Awards
- LSE Hughes Parry Prize – Law of Obligations (2001)
- CIMA Leverhulme Prize – Management Accounting Applications (1997)
News
- Donny Surtani becomes an approved DIAC Arbitrator
- Donny Surtani speaks on Decision Analysis in Fraud Disputes to International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators
Articles
Qualifications
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional examinations all stages
- LLB (Hons), London School of Economics
- LPC, BPP Law School
- Solicitor, England & Wales
- Solicitor-Advocate, England & Wales
- Accredited Mediator, Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Recent Publications
- Guide to Effective Conflict Management – International Chamber of Commerce, July 2023 (contributing author)
- Durable as gold: Canada’s 1989 investment treaty with the USSR is binding on Kazakhstan (2022) 3:1 Can J Comm Arb 137-143
- Arbitration – 2021 in review: reasons (for claimants) to be cheerful – New Law Journal, 2022, 17
- What is the investment value of a dispute? (with M.L. McGrath) – Thomson Reuters Westlaw, October 2021
- Setting aside arbitral awards: warnings from the common law courts – Lexis Middle East Journal, August/September 2021
Recommendations
“Donny has a very crisp style in both his written and oral advocacy. He cuts to the core of the issues in dispute and presents them in a concise yet persuasive manner.”
Leading International Arbitration Silk
“He really excels in dealing with financial matters for which he has a natural aptitude far beyond the reach of most lawyers.”
Leading International Arbitration Silk
“A first rate advocate with a modern, solutions-oriented outlook: clever, responsive and commercial in his approach.”
Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
“An extremely bright and able lawyer: always in control even in the most difficult cases, Donny’s calm and measured approach always inspires confidence.”
Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
“… an excellent junior … He is exceptionally bright and hard-working … He has the ability to take a case and analyse the issues clearly, succinctly and with insight and judgment. He is particularly strong on matters where his numeracy and analytical skills can be brought to bear. I would not hesitate to recommend him as junior counsel on a matter.”
Partner, Stewarts
“Donny is that rare breed of advocate who can jump seamlessly between big picture strategy and key technical detail whilst always having an eye on damages/quantum and client objectives. Donny is also great to work with.”
Managing Partners, Global Litigation Funder
