Chiraag Shah
Overview
Chiraag Shah is a partner in Crowell's International Dispute Resolution practice, based in the London office. Chiraag has over 25 years of experience, 15 of which are as a partner in highly rated international law firms in London, advising clients in domestic and cross-border disputes around the world, including commercial and investor-state arbitrations, cross-border multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation and sanctions-related disputes Chiraag is recognized in the leading legal directories as a leading partner for International Arbitration and also sits as an arbitrator.
Dual-qualified in Kenya and England and Wales, Chiraag has a particular focus on Africa and the Middle East, having practiced in Kenya for several years before relocating to the United Kingdom, and brings a genuinely differentiated practice covering multiple geographies and industries, with deep expertise in disputes arising from investments into Africa, intra-African matters, and outbound investment-related work. Chiraag’s on-the-ground experience in Kenya and other African jurisdictions, combined with his London-based practice, makes him an ideal choice for disputes straddling both regions and he brings established referral networks across Africa and the Middle East to Crowell's global International Dispute Resolution and Transactional platforms.
Career & Education
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), B.B.A. Finance & B.A. Economics, Upper Second Class Honours, 1999
- Nottingham Law School, Bar Vocational Course, 2000
Very Competent - Kenya School of Law, Post Graduate Diploma in Law , 2002
- College of Law, London, Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test
- Solicitor, England and Wales
- Non-practicing Barrister, Middle Temple
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (elected 2025)
- Advocate of the High Court of Kenya (Inactive)
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member, Governing Council, Pro Bono Institute of Kenya
- Pro bono work on behalf of undocumented persons in the United Kingdom, primarily victims of human trafficking
- Statelessness Project, Asylum Aid
- Z2K Disability Benefits Project
- LCIA Arbitrator (first appointment received 2025; involvement limited to African markets)
- English
- Gujarati
- Kishwahili
Representative Matters
International Arbitration
- Advised a Mauritian state-owned entity in LCIA and LCIA-MIAC arbitrations relating to an investment in an African country, together with successful anti-suit proceedings before the English courts; English law applied, venues: London and Mauritius.
- Advised a European aviation engineering company in ICC Arbitration proceedings against a Middle Eastern state-owned entity relating to sanctions issues; English law applied, venue: London.
- Advised a French conglomerate in the mining and minerals industry in ICC arbitration proceedings arising out of an M&A transaction; English law applied, venue: London.
- Advised a Japanese technology company in ICC arbitration proceedings against a Swedish counterparty relating to a licensing dispute; Swiss law applied, venue: Geneva.
- Advised a Singapore-headquartered commodities trader in ICC Arbitration proceedings against one of its suppliers; English law applied, venue: London.
- Advised a Middle Eastern entity in a SIAC arbitration relating to a joint venture project involving a telecommunications investment in Myanmar; Singapore law applied, venue: Singapore.
- Advised an Indonesian power company in connection with a SIAC arbitration relating to a joint venture agreement with a foreign investor, including related regulatory proceedings in Singapore; Singapore law applied, venue: Singapore.
- Advised a North American Pension Fund in ICC and HKIAC arbitration proceedings against Chinese entities regarding breaches of a shareholders agreement.
- Advised a US aeronautics company in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings against Russian and Ukrainian state-owned parties; Swedish law applied, venue: Stockholm.
- Advised a Chinese investor in ICSID arbitration proceedings against a European state relating to the expropriation and nationalization of assets during the economic crisis.
- Advised a Middle Eastern company in an ICSID investment treaty arbitration against an Asian state relating to treaty breaches and the expropriation of investments.
- Advised an African food manufacturer in GAFTA arbitration proceedings against a supplier relating to supply-chain issues arising out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Commercial Litigation
- Advised a US-based AI company in a conspiracy claim advanced by a Middle Eastern counterparty before the English High Court.
- Advised a Canadian telecommunications company in a licensing dispute against an Indian counterparty before the English High Court.
- Advised a US-based cybersecurity company in relation to a licensing dispute with a UK partner.
- Advised a multinational technology company in multi-jurisdictional proceedings defending enforcement actions arising out of a Russian court judgment relating to sanctions issues.
- Advised a German aviation engineering company in multiple disputes relating to aircraft servicing contracts covering multiple jurisdictions across Africa and Europe.
- Advised one of the world's leading internet streaming providers in English High Court proceedings against an AI bot service provider.
- Advised the bondholder creditor committee in relation to various disputes in respect of the Steinhoff Group of companies.
- Advised a Qatari investor in expert determination proceedings in respect of a hotel development project in Egypt.
- Advised a Middle Eastern-headquartered entity in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to a customs project in an African state, including successful enforcement proceedings before the English courts.
Recognition
- Chambers UK: International Arbitration, UK-wide, Band 6, 2024–2026
- Legal 500 UK: Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation (Premium), Recommended, 2021–2026
- Legal 500 UK: Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration, Leading Partner, 2021–2026
- The Legal 500: Private Practice Arbitration Powerlist: UK, Recognized
