Paula Hodges KC is an independent arbitrator based in London. Paula has sat as an arbitrator in a variety of cases since 2008.
Paula headed Herbert Smith Freehills' Global Arbitration Practice for almost two decades and has over 30 years' experience of advising on international disputes, particularly in the energy, telecommunications and technology sectors. She has acted as counsel in many jurisdictions (including London, Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Stockholm, the US, Canada, Dubai, Africa, Asia, Russia and the CIS) in ad hoc arbitration and proceedings under the auspices of the major arbitral institutions.
Paula has also been closely involved in several high profile cases before the High Court in London, and has also appeared before the Court of Appeal and House of Lords (now the Supreme Court).
Paula studied law at the University of Cambridge and graduated in 1986 with an M.A. in Law.
Paula was appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 2014 and President of the LCIA Court in May 2019.
Accolades
• “Paula Hodges KC is “is very bright and efficient.”; “She is a real star. She is excellent.” Chambers UK 2024 – International Arbitration: Arbitrators – UK-wide (Band 1)
• "Paula is a class act." Chambers UK 2023 – International Arbitration: Arbitrators – UK-wide (Band 1)
• Paula Hodges KC "is a very highly thought-of arbitrator and advocate. She has experience in complex commercial transactions, and this gives her a strength too. She is outstanding." Chambers UK 2022 – International Arbitration: Arbitrators – UK-wide (Band 1)
• "Paula Hodges KC is "one of the leading arbitrators globally" Chambers UK 2021 – International Arbitration: Arbitrators – UK-wide (Band 1)
• The 'superb' Paula Hodges KC "is a legend of the market" and a "very knowledgeable arbitrator". Who's Who Legal Arbitration 2020