Complex cross-border challenges

In complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, where cases are often lengthy and stakeholder interests are diverse, DRD understands the need for strategic, well-timed and precise communications.

Our approach ensures that all communications activity aligns with the legal strategy across multiple jurisdictions while supporting the client’s broader commercial goals. This includes abiding by relevant confidentiality requirements as well as clients’ preferences for discreet and nuanced engagement.

Build trust and mitigate uncertainty: the key to helping clients maintain control and protect their interests.

Our specialist international disputes offering

DRD specialises in managing the reputational complexities inherent in international disputes. With a deep understanding of the legal landscape and the most complex stakeholder environments, we work closely with claimants, defendants and other interested parties to shape and safeguard their reputations throughout the legal process, regardless of jurisdiction.

Our team’s experience spans a diverse range of sectors and cases, from commercial disputes and state-investor arbitrations to complex, multi-party actions. Public and private entities, institutional investors, governments and high-net-worth individuals trust us to communicate their positions effectively and protect their interests in highly contentious and scrutinised international environments.

Our approach goes beyond traditional communications, anticipating challenges through detailed scenario planning and proactive risk management.

We develop tailored strategies that address the reputational challenges of cross-border disputes, mitigating risks such as confidentiality breaches and misinformation campaigns. Our support helps clients maintain control of their narrative throughout the dispute and manage the impacts of events in one jurisdiction across all relevant markets. Where arbitrations run alongside parallel proceedings, DRD develops unified, cross-platform approaches and narratives to ensure that stakeholders receive consistent messaging, minimising the reputational impact across all forums. DRD has extensive experience engaging with international media and institutions to manage complex regulatory, political, and public interest elements in investor-state arbitrations.

DRD advises on high-stakes disputes and reputational matters across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a track record spanning commercial and investor-state arbitrations, politically sensitive litigation and complex cross-border proceedings. Our experience covers West, East, Central and Southern Africa, including mandates involving Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, as well as jurisdictions such as Djibouti, Seychelles, Somaliland and Western Sahara.

We understand the legal, political and reputational dynamics that shape outcomes across the region – from regulatory and stakeholder pressure to intense media scrutiny. Working in close partnership with a trusted network of local advisors, we help clients navigate sensitive disputes and protect their positions across multiple markets. Whether supporting proceedings with an African dimension or managing pan-regional reputational risk, we ensure communications are aligned with legal strategy and focused on preserving long-term value.