Chaffetz Lindsey Nominated for Disputes “Deal of the Year” at 2026 Latin Lawyer Awards

May 2026– Chaffetz Lindsey has been shortlisted for Deal of the Year in the Disputes category at the 20^th Annual Latin Lawyer Awards, recognizing our role in one of the most significant and complex matters in the Latin American legal market.

Shortlisted with just two other cases, the nomination relates to the firm’s role in securing a landmark victory for The AES Corporation in a long-running investment arbitration against the Republic of Argentina. The dispute arose from Argentina’s sweeping regulatory changes to its electricity sector following the country’s 2001–2002 economic crisis, which undermined the legal and economic framework governing its investments.

After more than two decades of proceedings, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled decisively in AES’s favor, awarding over US$700 million in damages (now worth US$830 million). The tribunal found that Argentina’s measures—including tariff freezes, changes to remuneration systems, and mandatory reinvestment requirements—breached its obligations under the U.S.–Argentina bilateral investment treaty by fundamentally altering the conditions under which AES had invested. This outcome resulted in the largest investment award ever issued against Argentina. Read more about the deal and our co-counsel team here.

The Latin Lawyer Deal of the Year awards recognize matters that stand out for their complexity, strategic importance, and broader impact across the region. Chaffetz Lindsey’s inclusion on the 2026 shortlist highlights the firm’s strength in high-stakes, cross-border disputes and its longstanding leadership in international arbitration involving Latin America. No other U.S.-based boutique has the depth of experience in Latin America-related disputes.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in São Paulo on May 7, 2026. Learn more here.