Pinsent Masons expands global arbitration offering with strategic partner hire in London

17 Feb 2026 | 10:03 am | 1 min. read

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has strengthened its international arbitration practice with the appointment of Cem Kalelioglu as a partner in London, reinforcing the firm's growing presence in high-value investor-state and commercial disputes.

Cem joins the firm from Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr where he last held the position of Counsel. He has a particular expertise in complex, high-stakes investor-state and commercial arbitrations, advising clients across the energy, construction, aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.

Triple-qualified in England & Wales, Ireland and Turkey, Cem combines technical expertise with a deep knowledge of the different arbitration frameworks across Turkey, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and francophone Africa.

Sylvia Tonova, Co-head of International Arbitration and Investor–State Dispute Settlement, said, “Cem has a very impressive skillset and international network. In light of the widespread legislative reform across the major international arbitration seats, our clients need advisers who can combine technical expertise with regional knowledge to navigate the global pivot towards reduced formalism and greater procedural flexibility. Cem is the perfect hire to enhance our capabilities in this area.”

Cem added, “Pinsent Masons’ global reach, sector expertise and comprehensive offering provide a strong platform from which I can continue to grow my practice. Geopolitical instability, stricter environmental regulations, and the globalisation of arbitration hubs are combining to increase arbitration usage. I look forward to working with the Pinsent Masons team to meet this growing demand among governments, international corporations, and foreign investors.”

This appointment follows former Closer Brothers litigation head Jessica Wicker joining Pinsent Masons’ disputes team in London in January and the firm ranking for the first time in The Lawyer’s prestigious Global Litigation 50, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in its global disputes capabilities.

Key Contacts

Sylvia Tonova

Sylvia Tonova

Partner, Co-head of International Arbitration and ISDS

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