Lucia Raimanova
Image of Lucia Raimanova

Lucia Raimanova

Partner

Email

lucia.raimanova@aoshearman.com

Phone

+421 2 5920 2470

Offices

Bratislava

V-CARD
Lucia is Co-Managing Partner of Bratislava.

She is a triple qualified (England and Wales, Ireland, Slovakia) disputes lawyer with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes investment treaty and commercial arbitration as well as cross-border litigation around the world. Lucia practiced with the firm in London and Hong Kong before relocating to her native Bratislava to lead the firm’s arbitration practice in the CEE. She has acted in over 45 arbitration and litigation proceedings, with a combined value exceeding USD 25 billion. She has been repeatedly named a Thought Leader in Arbitration by Lexology: Arbitration (formerly, Who’s Who Legal).
 
Lucia regularly appears for corporate clients and States in investment treaty and commercial arbitration proceedings seated in both civil and common law jurisdictions (e.g. Geneva, London, Paris, Vienna) and under all the major arbitration rules (e.g. CIArb, ICC, ICSID, LCIA, SCC, SRIA, UNCITRAL, VIAC).
 
Lucia has experience in litigation in the English, Slovak and Indian courts, having secured a number of judgments in favor of her clients, including successfully challenging awards and securing injunctions. She also represented clients before the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
 
Lucia currently serves on the Board of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (‘VIAC’) and the Board of the Arbitration Association of Central and Eastern Europe (of which she is also a founding member). She is also a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR and sits as arbitrator.
 
Lucia is fluent in English, German, Slovak and Czech and can read Russian.

Expertise

Industries

Experience

Representative matters

Representative investment treaty matters
  • Republic of Lithuania in an ongoing London-seated ad hoc arbitration brought by Hasenberg AG under the Switzerland-Lithuania BIT in relation to termination of a contract for the transport, storage and transshipment of chemical products based on national security grounds and EU sanctions.
  • Ukraine in an ongoing Stockholm-seated arbitration under the SCC Rules in a claim brought by Modus Energy International B.V. for alleged breaches of the Energy Charter Treaty.
  • Republic of Albania in an ongoing Amsterdam-seated UNCITRAL arbitration brought by Ms Ndroqi for an alleged expropriation under the Albania-Bulgaria BIT.
  • Canepa Green Energy Opportunities I, S.á r.l. and Canepa Green Energy Opportunities II, S.á r.l. in ICSID arbitration proceedings under the Energy Charter Treaty against Spain. The claim relates to Canepa’s renewable energy investments in Spain. Annulment proceedings brought by Spain against an award in favor of our clients are ongoing.
  • A European financial institution and its CEE subsidiary in an ICSID claim against Croatia, relating to legislation allowing borrowers to convert Swiss Franc-denominated/indexed loans into Euro loans at historic exchange rates. The claim was settled following a final merits hearing.Islamic Republic of Pakistan in two London-seated UNCITRAL arbitrations (and related court proceedings) valued at over USD500m brought by investors under the UK-Pakistan BIT and Mauritius-Pakistan BIT, respectively. Disputes concerned a failed LPG and LNG business. All claims were dismissed and Pakistan awarded 90% of its costs.
  • Republic of Azerbaijan in two separate ICSID arbitrations brought by Fondel Metal Participations B.V. and Azpetrol International Holdings B.V. and others, respectively. Both cases settled without payment or admission of liability by the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Representative commercial and construction arbitration matters
  • Zero Bypass (a consortium comprising Cintra, Porr and Macquarie Capital) in a Vienna-seated ICC arbitration against Slovakia. Slovakia was found liable for delays in issuing certain construction permits and ordered to pay EUR 38.5 million in damages plus interest. A further arbitration concerning new compensation events is pending.
  • Three CEE-based energy companies in three separate Geneva-seated ICC arbitrations for under-deliveries of gas by Gazprom export, leading to the award of significant damages in favor of our clients.
  • A CIS State in two separate Paris-seated ICC arbitration proceedings brought by an Azerbaijani company for breach of a contract modelled on World Bank’s standard terms for small works and a 2017 FIDIC contract concerning the construction of an irrigation system. We prevailed on liability in one arbitration and the other arbitration is pending.
  • Reliance Industries Limited and BG Exploration and Production India Limited (now Shell) in London-seated UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings against the Union of India in connection with two Production Sharing Contracts. The combined value of the claims and counterclaims is in excess of USD10bn. The arbitration is pending.
  • A Georgian company in London-seated ICC proceedings and related anti-suit injunction proceedings before the English courts brought by a gaming conglomerate to establish interest in certain IP rights. The arbitration settled on favorable terms to our client.
  • A Dutch conglomerate in a Vienna-seated ICC arbitration brought by an insolvency trustee in respect of termination of a trademarks transfer agreement. The arbitration settled on favorable terms to our client.
  • An Australian employer in a multi-billion dollar Singapore-seated ICC arbitration relating to works at one of the world’s largest ever LNG projects. The dispute was successfully settled.
  • A Romanian distributor of gas against an Austrian supplier in a London-seated LCIA arbitration relating to failed supply of gas. Our client was awarded all damages and legal costs sought.
  • A Dutch company in a London-seated ICC arbitration against a multinational company concerning the termination of a licensing agreement. Our client prevailed on liability and was awarded significant damages.
  • A FTSE 100 company in a multi-billion dollar London-seated LCIA arbitration concerning a bespoke insurance cover. The dispute settled on terms favorable to our client.
Arbitrator matters
  • Sole arbitrator in a Stockholm-seated SCC arbitration concerning a contractual penalty for late delivery of goods (CISG).
  • Co-arbitrator in a Vienna-seated VIAC arbitration brought by an Austrian company against a Macau company in respect of unpaid consultancy fees.
  • Sole arbitrator in a Warsaw-seated UNCITRAL arbitration arising out of a non-payment under a guarantee.
Slovak litigation matters
  • A bank against claims brought by the former minority as well as in preliminary ruling proceedings before the CJEU concerning the jurisdiction of the Slovak courts.
  • A Slovak subsidiary of an international IT company in civil and commercial proceedings before the Slovak courts against a former contractor arising from his unauthorized retention of confidential materials and trade secrets.
  • A Slovak energy company in an unfair dismissal case before the Slovak courts.
  • A global pharmaceutical and healthcare company in a landmark patent litigation against nine generic pharmaceutical manufacturers.
  • The Slovak Bar Association in administrative proceedings concerning the status of the Arbitration Court of the Slovak Bar Association.

Pro bono

  • Acting for the Slovak Bar Association in administrative proceedings concerning the status of the Arbitration Court of the Slovak Bar Association.
  • Delivering training courses on various investment treaty topics to government lawyers and academics from various African countries in Johannesburg and London, organised by Africa International Legal Awareness.
  • Representing a professional body before a disciplinary committee in two professional misconduct cases brought against one of its members.
  • Advising an international organisation on aspects of English civil procedure and tortious liability.
  • Advising litigants in person at the Battersea Legal Advice Centre in London.

Published Work

  • Raimanová L., O’Dell Z., Pauley K. (2025), “Special Mechanisms for Obtaining Evidence”, Chapter in The Guide to Evidence in International Arbitration (Kläsner, Masser and Neuhaus (ed), 3rd edition), London: Law Business Research Ltd
  • Gaffney, Happ, Raimanova, Tamminen, Titi (ed), (2023), "National Courts as a Forum for the Resolution of Disputes under Article 26 Energy Charter Treaty", TDM Special Issue Vol 20 Issue 3
  • Masser A., Raimanová L., Pauley K., Plachý P. (2021), “Special Mechanisms for Obtaining Evidence”, Chapter in The Guide to Evidence in International Arbitration (Kläsner, Magál and Neuhaus (ed), 1st edition), London: Law Business Research Ltd
  • Plachý P., Raimanová L., Košalko M. (2021), “Efektívnosť dokazovania v medzinárodnej obchodnej arbitráži a pred slovenskými súdmi” (“The effectiveness of the Taking of Evidence in International Commercial Arbitration and before the Slovak Courts”), Bulletin slovenskej advokácie (9/2021), pp. 34-41, Bratislava: Slovenská advokátska komora
  • Raimanová L., Dulovičová L. (2018), “The Implications of Brexit for International Arbitration”, Chapter in Austrian Yearbook on International Arbitration 2018 (Klausegger et al. (ed)), pp.189-206, Vienna: MANZ’sche Verlags- und Universitätsbuchhandlung, Munich: Verlag C.H. Beck, Bern: Stämpfli Verlag
  • Stoyanov M., Sullivan J., Raimanová L. (2016 and 2017), “Multiparty Proceedings and Mass Claims”, Chapter in The Investment Treaty Arbitration Review (Barton Legum (ed)), London: Law Business Research Ltd
  • Raimanová L. (2009 and 2012), “Yukos and its Progeny”, Stockholm Arb. L. Rev. (2009:1), pp. 63-87 (also in Rubins N.D. (ed) “Investment Arbitration Decisions”, New York: Juris Publishing), Stockholm: Juris Net
  • Sinclair A., Raimanová L. (2009), “MFN Treatment and the Adjudication of Investment Disputes”, 21(2) Nat. L. Sch. Ind. L. Rev., Bangalore: NLSIU

Blogs:

  • Raimanová L. (2020) “Termination of BITs: Where does this leave Slovakia?”, International Law Office, London: Law Business Research
  • Raimanová L., Plachý P. (2017), “Current investor-state dispute settlement has reached its zenith, but where next?”, Practical Law Arbitration Blog, London: Thomson Reuters
  • Raimanová L. (2016), “Arbitrator conflicts in a global era: some reflections on the challenges in ConocoPhillips v Venezuela, as the quantum phase of the case nears its conclusion”, Practical Law Arbitration Blog, London: Thomson Reuters

Speaking Engagements

  • Panelist, “Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit in der Unternehmenspraxis“, Austrian Business Circle, Bratislava, 09/25/2025
  • Opening remarks, Richard Dewitt Arbitration Conference 2025, Bratislava, 06/12/2025
  • Opening remarks, “Comparing the Austrian and Slovak Approaches in Delivering Justice through Arbitration – Views from Experts”, SR SAK, PCA and the VIAC, Bratislava, 05/21/2025
  • Panelist, “Practice as arbitrator in a large firm and as independent practitioner in a boutique firm – conflict of interest and other challenges”, Prague Arbitration Day 2025, Prague, 03/06/2025
  • Panelist, “Sanctioned Parties and Awards: Cause for Concern?”, Vilnius Arbitration Day 2024, 09/13/2024
  • Panelist, “What lessons can be learnt from the application of the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence to enhance efficiency of arbitration and litigation?”, IBA Workshop: IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence, Vilnius, 09/12/2024
  • Panelist and Drummer, “Tailoring the proceedings to the parties’ needs”, Art of Arbitration, Vilnius, 09/11/2024
  • Moderator, “Rapid Fire Round on hot topics in arbitration: "VIAC in the Eternal City!”, Italian Arbitration Day, Rome, 06/14/2024
  • Opening remarks, “FDI in times of geopolitical uncertainty: A comment from an EU energy perspective”, 9th EFILA Annual Conference, Frankfurt, 04/25/2024
  • Panelist, “Energy transition in the CEE: Green Deal, energy security, sanctions and other constraints”, PAW 2024, Pairs, 03/20/2024
  • Panelist, “New Trends in Investment Arbitration – what role can the Vienna Rules play in the region?”, VIAC CAN Congress, Vienna, 02/09/2024
  • Panelist, “A Deep Dive into Reducing Duration and Costs in Investment Arbitration”, Signing of the VIAC-ICSID Cooperation Agreement, Vienna, 01/23/2023
  • Panelist, “Documentary Evidence”, 31st Croatian Arbitration Days, Zagreb, 12/07/2023
  • Panelist, “Unique Challenges of Disputes Involving States and State Parties”, India ADR Week 2023, Mumbai, 10/10/2023
  • Moderator, “What would you do?” session on the topic “Do we need a uniform standard for independence and impartiality for experts in international arbitration? How diverging is the approach and how dangerous is it to the integrity of the proceedings?”, GAR Live Vienna, 10/13/2023
  • Discussion Moderator, “Written phase of the arbitration”, Bucharest ArbCEE Arbitration Retreat, 09/30/2023
  • Opening remarks, “Standards of Judicial Review in the Arbitration Context: The Austrian and Slovak Approaches Compared”, Joint event of the Arbitration Court of the Slovak Bar Association and VIAC, Bratislava, 09/19/2023
  • Lead organizer, ArbCEE Launch Event, Bratislava, 06/07/2023
  • Moderator, “Investment protection in Europe at crossroads”, LIDW 2023, London, 05/15/2023
  • Panelist, “Sanctions and other contemporary challenges in international arbitration”, Prague Arbitration Day 2023, Prague, 05/11/2023
  • Moderator, “Investment Protection in Times of War and International Sanctions”, 12th Investment Treaty Arbitration Conference, Prague, 10/20/2022
  • Judge, ICC YAAF DebateFest, Bratislava, 08/09/2022
  • Panelist, “The Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard: Update and Perspectives” (virtual), Paris Arbitration Week, 30/06/2022
  • Panelist, “CEE you in London?”, presenting on “Costs, damages and duration in investor-State arbitration in the CEE region” (virtual), London International Disputes Week, 05/09/2022
  • Panelist, “Res Judicata & Lis Pendens”, Vienna Arbitration Days 2022, 02/25/2022
  • Panelist, “Practical Tips for Drafting Arbitration Agreements”, Inaugural Event of the European Chinese Arbitrators Association, Vienna, 09/14/2021
  • Guest speaker, “The EU Member States Have Terminated Their BITs on 5 May 2020 – What Now?”, “Mute-Off on Thursdays” (virtual), 06/18/2020
  • Panelist, “The Future of Intra-EU Arbitration”, ICC YAP (virtual), 06/09/2020
  • Guest Speaker, “Selected aspects of international commercial arbitration” (focus on sanctions), “Pravo” Litigation Conference, Moscow, 10/25/2019
  • Panelist, “Enforcement experiences and trends – is the final award now the new starting point?”, 5th Annual GAR Live Energy Disputes, London, 07/02/2019
  • Panelist, “Innovation in Dispute Resolution: Sci-Fi or Future Reality?”, Innovative Legal Services Forum, Prague, 05/30/2019
  • Keynote Speaker, “Walking the tightrope between legitimate regulatory measures and expropriation”, 8th Warsaw Investment Arbitration Debate, “The Evolving Boundaries of the Right to Regulate”, Warsaw, 10/26/2018
  • Panelist, “The consequences of the CJEU’s Achmea judgment for investment treaty arbitration”, DAA Investment Arbitration Conference, Amsterdam, 06/15/2018
  • Panelist (Oxford-style debate), “The noble goals of the new institutional rules on expedited proceedings will be foiled by due process paranoia”, 10th ICC YAF-YAAP Joint Conference, Vienna, 03/24/2018
  • Guest Speaker, “Proving Corruption in Investment Treaty Arbitration”, AmCham and Comenius University Arbitration Conference, Bratislava, 04/27/2017
  • Guest Speaker, “Brexit and Arbitration”, Vienna Arbitration Days 2017, 02/24/2017
  • Panelist, “What Next in Investment Arbitration”, ICC YAF Conference, Paris, 02/20/2017
  • Guest Speaker, “Decisions on costs in investment treaty arbitrations: prevailing practice and comparison with commercial arbitration”, Vilnius Arbitration Day 2016, Vilnius, 10/07/2016
  • Panelist, “Managing the practical aspects of increased transparency and corruption allegations in Investment Treaty Arbitration”, 5th Investment Treaty Conference, Prague, 10/22/2015

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Board of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre
  • Member, ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR
  • Member, The Law Society
  • Member, The Law Society of Ireland
  • Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London

Recognition

“Thought Leader”
Lexology Index: Arbitration
“Next Generation Partners”
Legal 500, 2025

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, Ireland, 2019

EU registered lawyer, 2016

Admitted as solicitor-advocate, England and Wales, 2011

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2006

Academic

Diploma in International Arbitration, Distinction, Queen Mary College, University of London, 2011

LPC, Distinction, BPP Law School, London, 2003

Post Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation, The College of Law, London, 2002

Master, Law, University of Vienna, 2000

General Course, Law, London School of Economics and Political Science, 1999

Languages

Czech, English, German, Slovak
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.