Charlie Lightfoot
About Charlie
Charlie is the chair of Cooley’s international arbitration practice. He represents companies and governments in complex, high-value international disputes across a broad range of sectors. Charlie’s knowledge and experience encompasses both commercial disputes and disputes under public international law. He is an advocate before arbitral tribunals and the English High Court, as well as a speaker and author concerning matters of international arbitration and private and public international law.
Passions
My family
Cricket, golf and almost any other sport
I believe in bringing the highest quality of representation to every case, for every client – devising and executing solutions to their most complex and important problems.
Rankings and accolades
Chambers UK: International Arbitration – UK-wide (2020 – 2026)
The Legal 500 UK: Leading Lawyer in Dispute Resolution – International Arbitration (2019, 2026)
Lexology Index: Highly Recommended – Arbitration (2025)
Lawdragon 500: Leading Global Litigators (2023)
Lawdragon 500: Global Litigation Lawyers (2021)
Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, Future Leader (2017, 2018, 2020)
Best Lawyers: International Arbitration (2020, 2023)
A well-known and effective advocate endorsed for his brilliant strategic mind and masterful advocacy