Public International Law
A rare pedigree in the world of public international law
LALIVE’s expertise in public international law began in the 1950s with the firm’s pioneering founders, Jean-Flavien and Pierre Lalive, and remains notable to this day. We are trusted by States, international organisations, corporations and individuals to handle their most complex and critical public international law matters.
Breadth and depth of specialist expertise
Our expertise encompasses treaty interpretation, State contracts, State responsibility, international trade regulations and sanctions, as well as human rights.
Geneva being a hub for international organisations, we routinely advise UN agencies and other international bodies in relation to the law of international organisations, privileges and immunities, governance and compliance matters, and represent them in commercial disputes, in litigation and international arbitration.
The firm’s specialism includes acting for States and non-governmental entities in international criminal law proceedings on war crimes, terrorism, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Leading roles in public international law
Our lawyers have represented clients before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), World Trade Organization (WTO) and various UN commissions and international claims tribunals relating to World War II and to conflicts in the Middle East, the Balkans and Africa.
One of our experts served as legal adviser at the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal and as deputy chief of the Legal Service of the United Nations Compensation Commission. Another has rights of audience before the International Criminal Court and co-founded the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.
Experience
Our team
