David Roney

David Roney is Co-Leader of Sidley Austin LLP's Global Arbitration, Trade and Advocacy practice. Based in Geneva and London, he has more than 30 years of experience as an advocate in a broad range of complex international disputes around the world. According to Who's Who Legal, clients report that David "provides that edge you are looking for at the top of the arbitration market; he is brilliant regarding commercially sensitive proceedings.
" David has extensive experience as lead counsel before international arbitral tribunals in commercial and investment disputes involving many different sectors and activities, including construction, infrastructure, energy and mining projects, life sciences and technology co-development and licensing agreements, manufacturing agreements, distribution and sales contracts, share purchase and asset purchase transactions, international joint ventures, and sports broadcasting and sponsorship arrangements . These disputes have involved a host of different applicable laws and places of arbitration ranging from London to Stockholm to Hong Kong. In addition, David maintains an active practice as presiding arbitrator, sole arbitrator and co-arbitrator in numerous international arbitrations under the ICC Rules, the LCIA Rules, the SCC Rules, the Swiss Rules and in ad hoc arbitration, including under the UNCITRAL Rules. 
David features prominently in the international arbitration rankings of the leading bar publications. According to Chambers, clients describe David as "highly experienced and an excellent strategist", and "his skill in cross-examination is also singled out for praise". Legal 500 reports that he is "an excellent advocate and counsel to clients, who thinks strategically and has strong leadership skills." In Who's Who Legal, sources commented: "His towering strength is the tactical preparation and execution of the hearing, including the examination of witnesses. He is able to understand the commercial and, more importantly, the complex technical background of the case extremely quickly". David has been named one of Lawdragon's "500 Leading Global Litigators" for 2025, as 2020 International Arbitration "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in Switzerland as well as a "Global Leader" for Arbitration by Lexology / Who's Who Legal every year since 2018. 
David is Co-Founder and President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA). In that capacity, he has provided training in the examination and cross-examination of fact and expert witnesses to hundreds of international arbitration practitioners around the world. He speaks and publishes regularly on international arbitration topics.