Public International Law

Why Cooley

Areas of Practice

Sovereign immunity

Cooley was involved in the UK litigation that led to the passing of the State Immunity Act in 1978, and our lawyers have extensive experience litigating in the UK under that act.

Boundary disputes

Cooley advised Nigeria in the boundary dispute with Cameroon before the International Court of Justice. We also assisted Nigeria in its negotiation of maritime boundary treaties with Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé e Príncipe and Benin and continue to advise on a number of national and international boundaries relating both to Nigeria and other parts of the world.

In addition, our experience includes representing Botswana before the International Court of Justice in its island/river boundary dispute with Namibia.

Oil and gas issues

We advise governments and oil companies on issues that arise when hydrocarbon deposits straddle international boundaries, notably in the Middle East and in the Far East.

Self-determination

Cooley advised on a number of self-determination situations for would-be breakaway states.

Anti-corruption and asset recovery

We act for governments on complex anti-corruption and asset-tracing issues. Our lawyers represent states seeking to trace, freeze and recover the proceeds of corruption or compensation for corrupt acts. The group is currently acting for several governments and anti-corruption commissions recovering assets looted by former heads of state and their families and high-ranking government officials.