Fabian Zetina handles international arbitration and international litigation matters in English and Spanish in several jurisdictions across the globe, with a focus in Latin America. He represents sovereigns, their instrumentalities and corporations in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations in a variety of industries that include mining, construction and oil and gas. His training and background in common law and civil law jurisdictions allow him to bring a multicultural approach to his practice.
Fabian has represented clients before a variety of arbitral tribunals and under different arbitration rules, including the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Center for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the London Court of Arbitration (LCIA) and in ad hoc arbitrations under the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
Fabian has served as an assistant to arbitrators in commercial disputes. His broader experience includes cross-border insolvency proceedings, asset recovery strategies and transactions in M&As. He also previously advised corporations, associations and governmental agencies in constitutional matters and argued cases before the highest courts in Guatemala.
Fabian has participated actively in academia as a guest lecturer in investment arbitration and human rights subjects, assistant professor of civil contracts, foreign investment in Guatemala and transnational corporate law at his former law school, Universidad Francisco Marroquin; and he coached teams in different national and international moot court competitions. He regularly publishes and speaks on international arbitration matters.
* Not admitted in the District of Columbia, admitted in New York. Practicing pursuant to D.C. Rule 49(c)(8) under the direct supervision of Mark Cymrot during pendency of application for admission to the District of Columbia.
International Arbitration
- Representing the Republic of Nicaragua in an ICSID treaty dispute under the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) arising out of an investment in the agricultural sector.
- Representing the Republic of Nicaragua in a Spanish-language commercial arbitration under the UNCITRAL rules currently pending at the PCA for a breach of contract in the construction sector.
Litigation
- Representing a Mexican company in a cross-border dispute pending in the U.S. and Mexico.