Luis O'Naghten

Partner

2 South Biscayne Blvd.
21st Floor
Miami, FL 33131

T 305.373.9413

luis.onaghten@nelsonmullins.com

Pulse aquí si desea leer mí biografía en español.

With more than 30 years as a practicing international arbitration and commercial litigation attorney, Luis has vast experience serving as both party counsel and as an arbitrator throughout the United States, Latin America, and in Europe. Luis’ international arbitration practice includes both commercial arbitrations and investor-state arbitrations, representing both sovereigns and investors. He has represented parties before courts in the United States and before international arbitration panels under ICSID, ICC, AAA/ICDR, and UNCITRAL rules. His practice is focused in the areas of energy, construction, telecom, infrastructure, international financial fraud, and corporate commercial disputes. His breadth of experience involves complex, multi-million-dollar disputes, including representation in both his native Spanish and English languages, domestically and abroad.

Luis actively serves as an arbitrator for international commercial and investment disputes, and has been appointed to arbitral tribunals as sole arbitrator, chair, and party appointee, including appointments by the ICC, AAA/ICDR, and under UNCITRAL rules. He has served as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration, the ICC Task Force for the Revision of the ICC rules, and as chair of the USCIB's Arbitration Florida Sub-Committee.

Luis has been recognized in several noted international law directories and publications, including Latin America Chambers Global, Who's Who legal: Global Leaders, and The Legal 500 for both the United States and Latin America regions. He has been annually ranked among the world’s leading international arbitration practitioners and he travels across the globe to present scholarly lectures to peers, corporate counsel, and executives. Luis has also served as Chair of the Miami International Arbitration Society and serves as Conference Co-Chair of MIAS’ Annual LatAm Investor State Arbitration Conference.

representing both sovereigns and investors. He has represented parties before courts in the United States and before international arbitration panels under ICSID, ICC, AAA/ICDR, and UNCITRAL rules. His practice is focused in the areas of energy, construction, telecom, infrastructure, international financial fraud, and corporate commercial disputes. His breadth of experience involves complex, multi-million-dollar disputes, including representation in both his native Spanish and English languages, domestically and abroad.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Representative Matters

Luis provides counsel and arbitrator services and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Luis has represented the interest of entities from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Luis’ investment arbitration practice includes the representation of sovereigns as well as parties adverse to sovereigns.
Has been involved in international arbitration matters involving International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) rules, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules, The Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) rules, American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, and more.
In a $30 million dispute against a Mexican cell phone distributor that required obtaining discovery in the United States pursuant to 28 USC sec. 1782 and coordinating litigation efforts with Mexican counsel, Luis represented a Korean electronics company.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules regarding the expropriation of an investment in six hydroelectric plants, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Peru.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules, Luis represented an investor against the Republic of Panama regarding the expropriation of an investment in ethanol production.
In a process under the modality of an Emergency Arbitrator according to ICC rules, Luis represented a construction company against a Salvadoran entity.
In an ICC arbitration against a Mexican contractor dealing with the breach of contract in a major southern port, Luis represented a leading port and cargo provider.
In a Spanish-language arbitration involving IACAC/CIAC rules dealing with Peru’s largest oil and gas field, Luis represented a Peruvian state entity.
In an action to confirm an UNCITRAL award rendered in an investor-state dispute in D.C. Federal Court, Luis represented the government of Canada.
In a matter concerning the construction and rehabilitation of four asphalt plants in an ICSID claim, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Panama.
In two separate Spanish-language ICC arbitrations involving over $100 million and the construction and financing of a series of healthcare public works projects in Panama, Luis represented a multinational integrated project developer against the Republic of Panama.
In a multijurisdictional dispute involving over $90 million in claims with cases filed in London High Court, Geneva, Switzerland, and Miami, Luis represented and acted as lead counsel to a prestigious Venezuelan businessman and several companies against a Russia-based companies.
In an AAA arbitration proceeding involving fraud and public corruption laws against the shareholders of an Ecuadorian company that was acquired by an Australian company, Luis represented the Australian company.
In an ICC arbitration dealing with allegations of breach of contract, defamation, and other business torts concerning the construction of an energy plant in Colombia, Luis served as arbitrator.
In Spanish language ICC arbitration matter in Madrid, Spain that alleged $155 million in damages in regard to the repair of two submarines, Luis represented a foreign affiliate of a Fortune 100 company and defense contractor against an agency of Venezuela.
In an ICDR arbitration against a Brazilian promotor claiming $20 million resulting from the termination of development and power purchase agreements, Luis represented a gas company.
In litigation concerning negligence and failure to deliver warrants and bonds filed in the Federal District court in New York, Luis represented a purchaser of over $46 million in Nigerian oil bonds.
In an arbitration involving a $27 million line of credit dispute in Miami, Luis served as sole arbitrator.
In an arbitration concerning the sale of software administered by the ICDR, Luis represented a software company.
In a federal court lawsuit against an agency of the Venezuelan government alleging over $70 million in damages for breach of contract in the Southern District of Florida, Luis represented a global manufacturer.
In a claim against a Central American bank resulting in over $100 million resulting from the termination of the banking relationship in federal court and in an arbitration governed by UNCITRAL rules, Luis represented an American warehouse chain.
In an ICDR arbitration against a provider of gambling equipment, Luis represented the principal shareholder of the Hipodromo de las Americas in Panama.
In an arbitration under ICDR rules regarding a claim of force majeure arising from the Covid pandemic, Luis acted as President of the arbitral tribunal.
In an arbitration under the ICC expedited rules regarding breach of a distributorship agreement in El Salvador, Luis acted as sole arbitrator.
In an investment dispute under UNCITRAL rules administered by the PCA involving allegations of expropriation by the Ecuadorian government, Luis served as arbitrator.
In an action to confirm an arbitration award from Canada, Luis represented a Canadian franchisor of an Israeli coffee café concept.

Educational Activities

Adjunct Professor, University of Miami School of Law (2009-Present)
Coach, University of Miami School of Law, Spanish language MootMadrid Arbitration Team (2008-present)
Adjunct Professor, Universidad Panamericana (Mexico City and Guadalajara, 2008-Present)

Education

Georgetown University, BS, Finance
Columbia Law School, JD

Admissions

Florida
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Practice Areas

Industries

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Representative Matters

Luis provides counsel and arbitrator services and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Luis has represented the interest of entities from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Luis’ investment arbitration practice includes the representation of sovereigns as well as parties adverse to sovereigns.
Has been involved in international arbitration matters involving International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) rules, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules, The Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) rules, American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, and more.
In a $30 million dispute against a Mexican cell phone distributor that required obtaining discovery in the United States pursuant to 28 USC sec. 1782 and coordinating litigation efforts with Mexican counsel, Luis represented a Korean electronics company.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules regarding the expropriation of an investment in six hydroelectric plants, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Peru.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules, Luis represented an investor against the Republic of Panama regarding the expropriation of an investment in ethanol production.
In a process under the modality of an Emergency Arbitrator according to ICC rules, Luis represented a construction company against a Salvadoran entity.
In an ICC arbitration against a Mexican contractor dealing with the breach of contract in a major southern port, Luis represented a leading port and cargo provider.
In a Spanish-language arbitration involving IACAC/CIAC rules dealing with Peru’s largest oil and gas field, Luis represented a Peruvian state entity.
In an action to confirm an UNCITRAL award rendered in an investor-state dispute in D.C. Federal Court, Luis represented the government of Canada.
In a matter concerning the construction and rehabilitation of four asphalt plants in an ICSID claim, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Panama.
In two separate Spanish-language ICC arbitrations involving over $100 million and the construction and financing of a series of healthcare public works projects in Panama, Luis represented a multinational integrated project developer against the Republic of Panama.
In a multijurisdictional dispute involving over $90 million in claims with cases filed in London High Court, Geneva, Switzerland, and Miami, Luis represented and acted as lead counsel to a prestigious Venezuelan businessman and several companies against a Russia-based companies.
In an AAA arbitration proceeding involving fraud and public corruption laws against the shareholders of an Ecuadorian company that was acquired by an Australian company, Luis represented the Australian company.
In an ICC arbitration dealing with allegations of breach of contract, defamation, and other business torts concerning the construction of an energy plant in Colombia, Luis served as arbitrator.
In Spanish language ICC arbitration matter in Madrid, Spain that alleged $155 million in damages in regard to the repair of two submarines, Luis represented a foreign affiliate of a Fortune 100 company and defense contractor against an agency of Venezuela.
In an ICDR arbitration against a Brazilian promotor claiming $20 million resulting from the termination of development and power purchase agreements, Luis represented a gas company.
In litigation concerning negligence and failure to deliver warrants and bonds filed in the Federal District court in New York, Luis represented a purchaser of over $46 million in Nigerian oil bonds.
In an arbitration involving a $27 million line of credit dispute in Miami, Luis served as sole arbitrator.
In an arbitration concerning the sale of software administered by the ICDR, Luis represented a software company.
In a federal court lawsuit against an agency of the Venezuelan government alleging over $70 million in damages for breach of contract in the Southern District of Florida, Luis represented a global manufacturer.
In a claim against a Central American bank resulting in over $100 million resulting from the termination of the banking relationship in federal court and in an arbitration governed by UNCITRAL rules, Luis represented an American warehouse chain.
In an ICDR arbitration against a provider of gambling equipment, Luis represented the principal shareholder of the Hipodromo de las Americas in Panama.
In an arbitration under ICDR rules regarding a claim of force majeure arising from the Covid pandemic, Luis acted as President of the arbitral tribunal.
In an arbitration under the ICC expedited rules regarding breach of a distributorship agreement in El Salvador, Luis acted as sole arbitrator.
In an investment dispute under UNCITRAL rules administered by the PCA involving allegations of expropriation by the Ecuadorian government, Luis served as arbitrator.
In an action to confirm an arbitration award from Canada, Luis represented a Canadian franchisor of an Israeli coffee café concept.

Educational Activities

Adjunct Professor, University of Miami School of Law (2009-Present)
Coach, University of Miami School of Law, Spanish language MootMadrid Arbitration Team (2008-present)
Adjunct Professor, Universidad Panamericana (Mexico City and Guadalajara, 2008-Present)

Media

Visit Insights

Recognitions

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration - Commercial (2025)
Recommended in Arbitration, Who's Who Legal: Global Leaders (2022-2023)
Recommended in International Arbitration (International Firms),The Legal 500 Latin America (2021, 2022)
Recommended in Dispute Resolution (Litigation): International Arbitration, The Legal 500 United States (2020-2022)
Recognized in "Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers" by Latinvex (2019-2023)
Recognized in the category of "Leaders in their Field" for International Arbitration: Latin America, Chambers Global (2014-2020)
Classified in International Arbitration: Latin America, Chambers Latin America (2014-2020)
Recommended in International Litigation and International Arbitration, The Legal 500 United States (2017)
Recognized for International Arbitration (Foreign Expertise) USA: Latin America-wide, Chambers Global (2017)
Winner, Most Effective Lawyer in Arbitration and Mediation, Daily Business Review, (2013)
Recipient, Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and designated a Fellow (2011)

Professional Activities

International Chamber of Commerce - Commission on Arbitration and ADR, 2008-2022
Former Chair, Miami International Arbitration Society
Conference Chair, MIAS’ Annual LatAm Investor-State Arbitration Conference
Member, International Chamber of Commerce, Task Force on the "Revision of the ICC Rules"
Member, United States Council for International Business, Florida Sub-Committee
Member, International Bar Association, Sections on International Litigation and International Arbitration
Volunteer Arbitrator, FDI Moot (president of finals round); Volunteer Arbitrator, Moot Madrid

Community

Board Member, Order of Malta, Cuban Association
Volunteer, St. Hugh Catholic Church, Coconut Grove

Overview

Pulse aquí si desea leer mí biografía en español.

With more than 30 years as a practicing international arbitration and commercial litigation attorney, Luis has vast experience serving as both party counsel and as an arbitrator throughout the United States, Latin America, and in Europe. Luis’ international arbitration practice includes both commercial arbitrations and investor-state arbitrations,... representing both sovereigns and investors. He has represented parties before courts in the United States and before international arbitration panels under ICSID, ICC, AAA/ICDR, and UNCITRAL rules. His practice is focused in the areas of energy, construction, telecom, infrastructure, international financial fraud, and corporate commercial disputes. His breadth of experience involves complex, multi-million-dollar disputes, including representation in both his native Spanish and English languages, domestically and abroad.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Representative Matters

Luis provides counsel and arbitrator services and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Luis has represented the interest of entities from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Luis’ investment arbitration practice includes the representation of sovereigns as well as parties adverse to sovereigns.
Has been involved in international arbitration matters involving International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) rules, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules, The Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) rules, American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules, and more.
In a $30 million dispute against a Mexican cell phone distributor that required obtaining discovery in the United States pursuant to 28 USC sec. 1782 and coordinating litigation efforts with Mexican counsel, Luis represented a Korean electronics company.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules regarding the expropriation of an investment in six hydroelectric plants, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Peru.
In an arbitration under ICSID rules, Luis represented an investor against the Republic of Panama regarding the expropriation of an investment in ethanol production.
In a process under the modality of an Emergency Arbitrator according to ICC rules, Luis represented a construction company against a Salvadoran entity.
In an ICC arbitration against a Mexican contractor dealing with the breach of contract in a major southern port, Luis represented a leading port and cargo provider.
In a Spanish-language arbitration involving IACAC/CIAC rules dealing with Peru’s largest oil and gas field, Luis represented a Peruvian state entity.
In an action to confirm an UNCITRAL award rendered in an investor-state dispute in D.C. Federal Court, Luis represented the government of Canada.
In a matter concerning the construction and rehabilitation of four asphalt plants in an ICSID claim, Luis represented a contractor against the Republic of Panama.
In two separate Spanish-language ICC arbitrations involving over $100 million and the construction and financing of a series of healthcare public works projects in Panama, Luis represented a multinational integrated project developer against the Republic of Panama.
In a multijurisdictional dispute involving over $90 million in claims with cases filed in London High Court, Geneva, Switzerland, and Miami, Luis represented and acted as lead counsel to a prestigious Venezuelan businessman and several companies against a Russia-based companies.
In an AAA arbitration proceeding involving fraud and public corruption laws against the shareholders of an Ecuadorian company that was acquired by an Australian company, Luis represented the Australian company.
In an ICC arbitration dealing with allegations of breach of contract, defamation, and other business torts concerning the construction of an energy plant in Colombia, Luis served as arbitrator.
In Spanish language ICC arbitration matter in Madrid, Spain that alleged $155 million in damages in regard to the repair of two submarines, Luis represented a foreign affiliate of a Fortune 100 company and defense contractor against an agency of Venezuela.
In an ICDR arbitration against a Brazilian promotor claiming $20 million resulting from the termination of development and power purchase agreements, Luis represented a gas company.
In litigation concerning negligence and failure to deliver warrants and bonds filed in the Federal District court in New York, Luis represented a purchaser of over $46 million in Nigerian oil bonds.
In an arbitration involving a $27 million line of credit dispute in Miami, Luis served as sole arbitrator.
In an arbitration concerning the sale of software administered by the ICDR, Luis represented a software company.
In a federal court lawsuit against an agency of the Venezuelan government alleging over $70 million in damages for breach of contract in the Southern District of Florida, Luis represented a global manufacturer.
In a claim against a Central American bank resulting in over $100 million resulting from the termination of the banking relationship in federal court and in an arbitration governed by UNCITRAL rules, Luis represented an American warehouse chain.
In an ICDR arbitration against a provider of gambling equipment, Luis represented the principal shareholder of the Hipodromo de las Americas in Panama.
In an arbitration under ICDR rules regarding a claim of force majeure arising from the Covid pandemic, Luis acted as President of the arbitral tribunal.
In an arbitration under the ICC expedited rules regarding breach of a distributorship agreement in El Salvador, Luis acted as sole arbitrator.
In an investment dispute under UNCITRAL rules administered by the PCA involving allegations of expropriation by the Ecuadorian government, Luis served as arbitrator.
In an action to confirm an arbitration award from Canada, Luis represented a Canadian franchisor of an Israeli coffee café concept.

Educational Activities

Adjunct Professor, University of Miami School of Law (2009-Present)
Coach, University of Miami School of Law, Spanish language MootMadrid Arbitration Team (2008-present)
Adjunct Professor, Universidad Panamericana (Mexico City and Guadalajara, 2008-Present)

Education

Georgetown University, BS, Finance
Columbia Law School, JD

Admissions

Florida
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Practice Areas

Industries

Articles & Speeches

Visit Insights

Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration - Commercial (2025)
Recommended in Arbitration, Who's Who Legal: Global Leaders (2022-2023)
Recommended in International Arbitration (International Firms),The Legal 500 Latin America (2021, 2022)
Recommended in Dispute Resolution (Litigation): International Arbitration, The Legal 500 United States (2020-2022)
Recognized in "Latin America's Top 100 Lawyers" by Latinvex (2019-2023)
Recognized in the category of "Leaders in their Field" for International Arbitration: Latin America, Chambers Global (2014-2020)
Classified in International Arbitration: Latin America, Chambers Latin America (2014-2020)
Recommended in International Litigation and International Arbitration, The Legal 500 United States (2017)
Recognized for International Arbitration (Foreign Expertise) USA: Latin America-wide, Chambers Global (2017)
Winner, Most Effective Lawyer in Arbitration and Mediation, Daily Business Review, (2013)
Recipient, Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and designated a Fellow (2011)

Professional Activities

International Chamber of Commerce - Commission on Arbitration and ADR, 2008-2022
Former Chair, Miami International Arbitration Society
Conference Chair, MIAS’ Annual LatAm Investor-State Arbitration Conference
Member, International Chamber of Commerce, Task Force on the "Revision of the ICC Rules"
Member, United States Council for International Business, Florida Sub-Committee
Member, International Bar Association, Sections on International Litigation and International Arbitration
Volunteer Arbitrator, FDI Moot (president of finals round); Volunteer Arbitrator, Moot Madrid

Community

Board Member, Order of Malta, Cuban Association
Volunteer, St. Hugh Catholic Church, Coconut Grove

Luis O'Naghten

Partner

Experience

Representative Matters

Educational Activities

Education

Admissions

Practice Areas

Industries

Representative Matters

Educational Activities

Media

Recognitions

Professional Activities

Community

Overview

Experience

Representative Matters

Educational Activities

Education

Admissions

Practice Areas

Industries

Articles & Speeches

Recognitions

Professional Activities

Community

Highlights from the Firm’s Insights