Judith Sawang

Dr. Judith Sawang is a partner in our dispute resolution practice in Frankfurt with a particular focus on international arbitration. Judith's practice covers a broad spectrum of national and international arbitration and (cross-border) commercial litigation. Judith has conducted arbitration proceedings as counsel and arbitrator (co-arbitrator, presiding arbitrator, sole arbitrator) under the auspices of various institutions (ICC, SCC, DIS) and in ad-hoc arbitrations. The focus of her practice is on disputes in the fields of corporate and commercial law including post M&A, distribution, construction and finance. She also advises clients on international recognition and enforcement matters. Judith's work includes advising clients across a broad range of industry sectors including banks/financial institutions, investors, insurance, health science, commodities, telecommunications and the automotive industry.

 Judith has been recognized by Who's Who Legal as Future Leader Arbitration 2021, as an "outstanding disputes lawyer" dedicated to her clients' cause, with interviewees commenting, "Her commitment to client service is second to none." She was also recognized by Handelsblatt and Best LawyersTM as one of the best lawyers in Germany for Litigation and International Arbitration as part of the Germany's Best Lawyers 2021 ranking. In the JUVE Handbooks 2021/2022, 2020/2021 and 2018/2019, Judith is "frequently recommended" in the field of dispute resolution. She is praised for her "reliable, high quality work" and described as "very good in conducting litigation proceedings." Competitors say "impresses me more and more, absolutely international format", "excellent counsel, very committed and very good in cross-examination". She was also recognised by WirtschaftsWoche as TOP Lawyer 2021 in arbitration. 

Judith studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg, Melbourne, Auckland (LL.M.) and Marburg (Dr. iur.). She held several scholarships by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation and was awarded a scholarship prize by the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) for her Ph.D. thesis on the protection of business secrets and the right to be heard in arbitral proceedings.

Judith has published in the area of arbitral law and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. Judith is a co-author in the forthcoming edition of the practice commentary by Nedden/Herzberg/Kopetzki on the rules of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS). Judith is a member of several professional associations including the German Institution of Arbitration (DIS), HK45, and the IBA.

Judith has been admitted to the bar in 2006. Prior to joining Ashurst, she was with a boutique law firm and with Hengeler Mueller