Mayer Brown has expanded its International Trade practice with the addition of Pablo Bentes as a partner in Brussels, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in trade dispute resolution and matters involving sovereign states.
Bentes joins Mayer Brown with his team from Baker McKenzie, where he led the firm’s global international economic disputes resolution practice.
He brings more than 20 years of experience representing sovereign states, governments, private clients and trade associations in trade negotiations, investigations and disputes between states.
His addition is intended to strengthen Mayer Brown’s sovereign-state capabilities as governments and companies navigate increasingly complex international trade, geopolitical and economic disputes.
Bentes has significant experience before the World Trade Organization and Free Trade Agreement tribunals.
Mayer Brown said he is one of a small number of practitioners to have successfully represented sovereign states at every stage of WTO and FTA proceedings, including serving as lead counsel in oral pleadings before WTO panels, the WTO Appellate Body and FTA arbitral tribunals.
His practice complements Mayer Brown’s existing work across trade disputes, trade remedies, national security matters and investor-state arbitration.
The appointment also expands the firm’s Brussels platform at a time when governments and multinational companies are facing an increasingly complicated international trade environment.
Bentes’ arrival follows Mayer Brown’s recent expansion of its global International Trade practice, including the addition of Thea Kendler and Aiysha Hussain as partners in Washington, D.C. during 2025.
KEY QUOTES:
“Pablo’s sovereign-state practice, combined with Mayer Brown’s disputes platform, strengthens our ability to help clients navigate high-stakes conflicts between states. His experience before World Trade Organisation (WTO) panels and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) tribunals complements our work in trade disputes, trade remedies, national security and investor-State arbitration. We are delighted to welcome him to Mayer Brown.”
Nikolay Mizulin, Partner and Co-Leader of International Trade at Mayer Brown
“Mayer Brown’s global platform and deep expertise in arbitration and government advisory make it a natural home for my practice. The firm’s reach and client relationships will help me build on my work for governments and businesses as demand for practical solutions to complex trade conflicts grows.”
Pablo Bentes, Partner at Mayer Brown
“Pablo is a market leader in trade litigation and is deeply connected to the governments and institutions at the centre of today’s most significant trade disputes. His arrival adds tremendous depth to our Brussels offering and I am very pleased to welcome him to Mayer Brown.”
Jean-Philippe Montfort, Managing Partner of Mayer Brown Brussels