Karel Daele specialises in international arbitration, focusing on both investor-state arbitration (ICSID, PCA, ad hoc) and commercial arbitration (LCIA, ICC, CEPINA, UNCITRAL). His broad expertise covers sectors such as oil and gas, mining, energy, public infrastructure works (water distribution, ports, border post operations), real estate and construction, technology and telecoms.
Since 2012, Karel has been consistently ranked in all the major legal directories including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, GAR 100, Who's Who Commercial Arbitration and Expert Guides Commercial Arbitration. Most recently he was profiled on Who's Who legal 2022 as a global leader in international arbitration. He is dual qualified, trilingual and accepts appointments as arbitrator and adjudicator.
Leading partner
International Arbitration (commercial arbitration) - Band 6: “Karel Daele masters all the aspects of the case. He knows all the documentary evidence by heart, he presents very effective written and oral arguments and he always has the big picture in mind in order to achieve the best results for his clients.” “He did a phenomenal job in vigorously representing the interests of the parties. He really is very efficient and intelligent.”
International arbitration: "Top-class practice that is able to go toe to toe with anyone on the full range of disputes." "Ready to go the extra mile, expanding existing knowledge with completely new issues and sector specifics."
International Arbitration (commercial arbitration) - Band 6: Karel Daele of Taylor Wessing has a broad practice, straddling both investor-state and commercial international arbitrations. He acts on behalf of claimants and respondents in disputes, often arising out of Africa. "Karel is a brilliant legal strategist with strong commercial sensibilities. He's also adept at handling complex international arbitration matters." "He has the ability to absorb all the specific information on the case and translate it into strong legal submissions."
Africa wide, dispute - Band 2: "Karel Daele is well versed in investor-state disputes and regularly acts for clients from the energy and mining sectors. He has expertise in ICSID, ICC, LCIA and PCA proceedings. He is based in London." "Karel Daele has a lot of Africa-related work."
International Arbitration - Recommended
"He's a heavyweight for sure. You've got some people who dedicate their life to Africa - Karel is one of them, he is devoted to it and is a busy guy." "He has a lot of experience and knows the market and its major players well."
International arbitration: "The practice, which is headed up by Karel Daele, works across the banking and finance, telecoms, power, commodities, real estate and natural resources sectors, among others"
International arbitration: Commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration: "He demonstrated an excellent understanding of the issues arising from litigation with African countries and was first class to work with"
"Karel Daele has the ability to take complex matters and to present them in a simple and direct way. Great understanding for the business. Ability to lead case-strategy and case-management. Very efficient in the deliverables thus reducing on costs. Highly experienced in International Arbitration with both private and government entities’"
Listed in the Private Practice Powerlist: Africa specialists
"London-based Karel Daele is widely renowned for his work in investor-state disputes, with notable experience in contentious matters concerning the infrastructure and energy sectors. His litigious prowess attracts praise from interviewees"
"Highly regarded for his experience in international arbitration matters, with particular aptitude in investor-state disputes in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Commentators acknowledge that he is a real "talent" and is doing "some big and important litigation" in this space"
"Karel Daele is superb'; 'fantastic to work with"
Acting for the Kingdom of Belgium in an investor-state arbitration (ICSID) concerning the freezing and seizing of multi-billion funds of the Libyan Investment Authority, held at Euroclear.
Representing a leading nuclear engineering company in an ICC arbitration regarding the construction of nuclear fuel and waste management facilities at Chernobyl.
Acting as sole arbitrator in an ICC emergency arbitration between a sports brand and a professional football club.
Acting for the claimant in an UNCITRAL arbitration over carried interests and success fees.
Acting for Kingdom of Belgium in an investor-state arbitration (ICSID) concerning a container terminal concession.
Acting for the claimant in treaty arbitration against Rep. North Macedonia.
by Karel Daele and Jess Thomas
Recent investment treaty developments for the UK and Jersey
by Elizabeth Montpetit and Karel Daele
European parliament calls for EU to exit the Energy Charter Treaty
by multiple authors
by Loes Joosten and Charlotte Posthuma
by multiple authors
by Paul Orij and Andrei Babiy
by Toon Rummens
by multiple authors
by Lorraine Smith and Kerry Buckenham
by multiple authors
by Jan Seebass and Dr. Benedikt Rohrßen