Nathan Eastwood

Nathan is a Partner in Watson Farley & Williams’ Dispute Resolution Group and is the Global Lead of the firm’s Public International Law Practice and Deputy Global Head of Mining. Nathan specialises in cross border disputes and international arbitration, particularly claims under investment treaties and free trade agreements. He has extensive experience advising and representing States and investors in commercial and investor-state arbitrations, including in PCA administered arbitrations and arbitrations under the UNCITRAL, ICSID, HKIAC, ICC, LICA, SCC and SIAC rules. He has extensive expertise on advising mining and resource companies on overseas projects in uncertain regulatory settings, supporting companies to minimise sovereign risk, ensure their investments are appropriately protected, and quickly resolving issues as they arise through informed negotiations and (if needed) dispute settlement. Nathan is also a world leader on advising on regulatory frameworks in emerging mining and energy sectors, particularly in relation to deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction. He is a recognized expert on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the work of the International Seabed Authority. Nathan regularly advises contractors, applicant contractors, investors, technical partners and Sponsoring States on all aspects of deep seabed mining. Nathan is recognised as a leader in international arbitration and public international law by several legal directories and at the 2024 Australian ADR Awards, he was a finalist for 'International Practitioner of the Year' and his team was awarded “ADR Practice Group of the Year”.