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Drew Holiner is a commercial barrister and international arbitrator with a global practice across the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East and Asia-Pacific (including Hong Kong and Singapore). He specialises in complex cross-border commercial disputes involving energy, infrastructure, finance, corporate matters, technology, sanctions and geopolitical risk.
Drew acts as arbitrator, counsel, advisory expert and expert witness in disputes seated in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and other major centres, as well as in US federal and state courts and arbitrations, including in New York and California. He is regularly instructed by international law firms, sovereign entities, financial institutions, multinational corporates and private parties.
Drew’s combination of qualifications and cross-system expertise in diverse legal systems uniquely places him to advise on the interaction between UK, US and EU sanctions and Russian countermeasures, and to assist tribunals and parties in disputes requiring deep knowledge of both common law and civil law traditions.
Drew sits as chair, sole and party-appointed arbitrator in commercial, energy, finance and technology disputes across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. His arbitrator experience includes matters seated in:
He is frequently appointed in matters involving sanctions, corporate governance, cross-border finance and regulatory issues, energy supply chains, and disputes involving corporate groups, state-related entities, private parties, financial institutions and investors. His experience in the additional roles of counsel and expert witness ensures a procedural, commercially focused approach valued by parties and co-arbitrators.
Drew has been recognised in the Legal500 for his work as arbitrator, with colleagues highlighting his impartiality, sound judgment and knowledge of arbitration procedure (see Directories section below).
Selected appointments
Drew is frequently instructed to act as lead or co-counsel in disputes involving parties from Europe, the US, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the CIS. His work regularly involves sanctions, foreign law issues, enforcement strategy and matters with multiple parallel proceedings. He has acted opposite King’s Counsel in several international arbitrations and frequently works alongside law firms in the UK, the US, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Drew has been recognised in leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and Legal500 for his work as counsel, with clients and colleagues highlighting his depth of analysis, clarity and effective advocacy, ability to navigate complex disputes and responsiveness (see Directories section below).
Selected instructions
Drew’s expertise in Russian and CIS legal systems supports his work as arbitrator and counsel, and he is recognised as one of the leading experts on Russian and CIS law in international arbitration and cross-border litigation. He has acted as expert in over 100 matters worldwide involving parties from the UK, US, Middle East and Asia-Pacific, including before:
Drew is also a trusted advisory expert on the laws of Russia and other CIS states in matters involving parties from the UK, US, Middle East, Europe and Asia-Pacific, and is regularly instructed by law firms in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and the EU in disputes involving sanctions, corporate governance, insolvency, foreign law issues and cross-border enforcement.
Drew is especially valued for his independence and ability to convey complex legal concepts across different legal systems. For more than 15 years, clients have consistently highlighted Drew’s clarity, accessibility and presentational skills as an expert witness in leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 (see Directories section below).
Selected instructions
Russian law
Kazakhstani law
Kyrgyz law
Ukrainian, Belarusian and other CIS law
Drew is also regularly instructed as an advisory expert and expert witness on the laws of common law jurisdictions in courts and tribunals in Russia and other CIS states, most recently on the laws of England and Hong Kong.
Download expert CV with extended case list
Drew has acted in more than 50 cases before the European Court of Human Rights and UN Human Rights Committee. While he does not maintain a standalone human rights practice, this background is valuable in commercial disputes that intersect with public international law, state conduct and individual rights issues, particularly in high-risk jurisdictions.
His experience in this area supports advisory work relating to sanctions, asset freezes, politically motivated prosecutions, bank de-risking, PEP-related concerns, cross-border regulatory exposure and parallel criminal–civil proceedings, including in complex matters involving high-net-worth individuals.
Selected instructions
Drew’s work spans all major international dispute hubs. His experience includes acting as arbitrator, counsel and expert witness in matters connected with the jurisdictions below.
United Kingdom & Europe
United States
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand)
Drew sits on the panels of arbitrators of leading international and regional arbitral institutions worldwide:
Asia-Pacific
Middle East & Central Asia
Europe
* Do not maintain formal panels or lists, but has substantial experience
Americas
English (native), Russian (fluent), German (intermediate), Mandarin, Arabic (beginner)
Arbitrator
Counsel
Expert
General
Extended directory quotes below
“A fantastic asset to have when you’re faced with complex border disputes.” “Drew is a genius who, whilst being in chambers in London, is also qualified in Russian law. He’s very responsive, and he is very good at explaining things clearly.” – Chambers UK, 2026 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
“It is a pleasure to have Drew Holiner as a representative in the arbitration. He is extremely smart and has an unprecedentedly high ability to quickly absorb and understand matters.” – Chambers UK, 2026 – International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance
Legal 500, 2026– Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
Legal 500, 2026– Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Arbitrator
“Drew is an absolute expert in Russian law. He probably knows more about the area than anyone else in the UK Bar.” “Drew is responsive, razor-sharp, business-oriented and provides concise and practical advice. He has an incredible background for working on CIS-related matters.” “Drew has fantastic language skills. He doesn’t overburden you with details. All his comments are economical but always on point.” – Chambers Global, 2025 – International Arbitration – The English Bar
“Drew is responsive and business-orientated, and provides concise and practical advice that is straight to the point.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2025 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
“Drew is responsive, razor-sharp, business-oriented and provides concise and practical advice. He has an incredible background for working on CIS-related matters.” “Drew has fantastic language skills. He doesn’t overburden with details. All his comments are economical but always on point.” “Drew is an absolute expert in Russian law. He probably knows more about the area than anyone else in the UK Bar.” – Chambers UK, 2025 – International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance
“Highly responsible. Impressive expertise and knowledge of procedural nuances of international commercial arbitration. Takes care of the client’s practical needs. Flawless choice for a CIS-related matter.” – Legal 500, 2025– Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Drew is an excellent arbitrator. Drew is a wise and impartial arbitrator who is respected by both sides.” – Legal 500, 2025– Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Arbitrator
“Drew Holiner is adept at putting complex foreign law concepts into terms a judge can easily understand.”– Chambers UK, 2024 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
“Solicitors appreciate his technical knowledge, team-work and responsiveness.” – Legal 500, 2024– Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“His knowledge and his advocacy are very beneficial to the parties involved in a case.” “He knows how to present, what judges want to hear and which buttons to press.”– Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2023 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
Legal 500, 2023 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Extremely approachable, very reactive and highly logical. He is very good on his feet and clear when giving expert testimony”– Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2022 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
“It is a huge advantage to have an expert in Russian law that is also UK-qualified and fluent in English. Drew is an excellent expert. He produces clear, concise and convincing expert reports with great efficiency.” – Legal 500, 2022 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
London-based Drew Holiner is a Russian-qualified advocate, a US-qualified lawyer and admitted to the UK Bar. He regularly represents Russian clients in complex cross-border disputes involving Cyprus and UK jurisdictions. He acts as counsel and Russian law expert as well as arbitrator. “He’s excellent at the mechanics of arbitration,” a source says. He is fluent in Russian. Chambers Global 2021 – Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) – Russia
“Very clever and a strong lateral thinker.” “Extremely responsive and helpful, he has a real depth and understanding of the Russian system.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global 2021 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
‘‘As counsel, he has superb instincts and great knowledge of Russian and English law.’’ – Legal 500, 2021 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Very good at giving incisive advice which gets to the point. He’s helpful and user-friendly and he has a great turnaround time.” “Drew Holiner is a good resource at the Bar, as he is dual-qualified in English and Russian law.” – Chambers Global 2020 – Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK
“London-based Drew Holiner is a Russian-qualified advocate, US-qualified lawyer and UK-qualified barrister. “Having somebody who is a Western-trained lawyer but also with incredible expertise is unique,” a source says, adding: “I don’t have enough good things to say! He’s a unique asset and someone I enjoy working with.” Another source adds: “He can translate the concepts into English law and vice versa. That’s a real advantage to have on your side.” He regularly represents Russian clients in LCIA disputes and London-based litigation. Shareholder disputes and financial disputes are areas of experience.” – Chambers Global 2020 – Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) – Russia
“Very good at giving incisive advice which gets to the point. He’s helpful and user-friendly and he has a great turnaround time.” “Drew Holiner is a good resource at the Bar, as he is dual-qualified in English and Russian law.” – Chambers UK, 2020 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
‘‘An extremely smart and astute lawyer on matters of both English and Russian law.’’ – Legal 500, 2019/20 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“UK-qualified barrister Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers represents Russian clients in London-based arbitration and litigation cases. He regularly acts for shareholders and corporate clients in commercial disputes and corporate conflicts. Sources appreciate his insight and expertise, with one noting: “One of a very small pool of high-level Russian law experts who acquits himself well in difficult cases.”” – Chambers Global 2019 – Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) – Russia
“One of a very small pool of high-level Russian law experts who acquits himself well in difficult cases.” – Chambers UK, 2019 – Commercial Dispute Resolution
‘‘Highly recommended, particularly for Russia and CIS-related disputes.’’ – Legal 500, 2018 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is a Russian- and US-qualified lawyer as well as a UK-qualified barrister based in London. He regularly represents individuals from Russia and the former Soviet Union in London and British Virgin Islands-based litigation. He recently represented a former Russian MP in an application to discharge a USD240 million freezing order.” – Chambers Global 2018 – Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) – Russia
‘‘He brings strong preparation and depth of analysis.’’ – Legal 500, 2017 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is the only UK-qualified barrister who is also admitted to the Russian Bar, and he is also admitted to practice in the British Virgin Islands. Based in London, he is a well-regarded expert in varied Russia-related disputes. He speaks fluent Russian and represents corporate entities as well as individuals.” – Chambers Global 2017 – Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) – Russia
‘‘A sharp, quick-thinking, effective advocate, who handles complexity with ease.’’ – Legal 500, 2016 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration: Counsel
“Has extensive experience representing clients in high-stakes litigation and international arbitration proceedings concerning Russia and CIS countries. He is a member of the Russian Bar Association and is based in London.” – Chambers Global 2016 – Dispute Resolution (Experts Based Abroad) – Russia
“An absolutely first-class lawyer who is thorough and meticulous.“ Legal 500, 2015 – Leading Junior in International Arbitration
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is an English barrister who is also a member of the Russian Bar. He is well known for his long-standing experience in high-profile cross-border litigation and arbitration cases related to Russia. Highlights include his involvement in proceedings regarding YUKOS assets in a number of jurisdictions.” – Chambers Europe 2015 – Dispute Resolution (Experts Based Abroad) – Russia
‘An excellent advocate, whose knowledge of Russian law is unparalleled among non-Russians.’ – Legal 500 2014 – International Arbitration
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is a Russian-qualified English barrister with an extensive track record of commercial litigation and arbitration in Russia and the CIS.” – Chambers Global 2014 – Dispute Resolution – Lawyers Based Abroad – Russia
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is the only English barrister to be a qualified member of the Russian Bar, and he is well known for his work in Russia-related disputes. He has also advised on a large number of cases before the ECHR” – Chambers Global 2013 – Dispute Resolution – Lawyers Based Abroad – Russia
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers continues to be an active presence in the market, and benefits from his qualifications in both Russia and the UK” – Chambers Europe 2012 – Dispute Resolution – Lawyers Based Abroad – Russia
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers is the only barrister in England and Wales to also be admitted to the Russian Bar. He is fluent in both languages and handles a range of public and private international law cases relating to commercial, company, tax, property, human rights, regulatory and public law issues.” – Chambers Global Ranking 2011 – Dispute Resolution: Commercial: UK
“As a dual-qualified practitioner in Russia and the UK, Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers provides expert advice on Russia-related international disputes, with several sources commending his ability to operate seamlessly between English and Russian in court.” – Chambers Global 2011 – Dispute Resolution: Russia
“Drew Holiner of Monckton Chambers has extensive experience in Russian cases and is known for his long-standing involvement with YUKOS proceedings.” – Chambers Europe 2011 – Dispute Resolution: Russia
