Cross-Border Arbitration Enforcement Attorney in Chicago
An arbitral award is only as valuable as your ability to enforce it. At Liberum Law, our cross-border enforcement attorneys in Chicago help clients enforce international arbitral awards under the New York Convention and defend against enforcement actions in U.S. courts.
Our cross-border enforcement practice covers recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention, confirmation of domestic arbitral awards under the Federal Arbitration Act, challenges to arbitral awards on grounds of excess of authority, procedural irregularity, or public policy, attachment and execution of assets to satisfy awards, and coordination with foreign counsel for multi-jurisdictional enforcement.
The New York Convention, to which over 170 countries are party, provides a powerful framework for enforcing international arbitral awards. Our attorneys navigate the recognition process in U.S. federal courts, addressing defenses and objections that respondents may raise.
Contact our cross-border enforcement attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are arbitration awards enforced across borders?
Primary tool: New York Convention (170+ signatory countries). Award holder petitions a court in the enforcement country for recognition and enforcement. Limited defenses available to the resisting party (procedural defects, public policy). Generally easier than enforcing foreign court judgments.
What is the New York Convention?
1958 Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards — requires signatory countries to recognize and enforce foreign arbitral awards under narrow grounds for refusal. Cornerstone of international arbitration. 170+ countries are parties.
Can the loser block enforcement?
Only on narrow grounds under the New York Convention: invalid arbitration agreement, lack of notice, exceeded scope, procedural defects, award not final, or public policy of enforcement country. Most challenges fail. Strategic resistance is possible but rarely changes outcome on substance.
Where can I enforce an award against a foreign company?
Anywhere the losing party has assets — bank accounts, real estate, subsidiaries, accounts receivable. Asset tracing is often necessary for sophisticated debtors. We coordinate cross-border enforcement with local counsel in target jurisdictions.
How long does enforcement take?
Best case (uncontested): 3–6 months. Contested enforcement: 1–3 years. Strategic challenges can extend timelines further. Even if eventually successful, delays affect actual recovery — interest accrual, asset dissipation, and currency fluctuations all matter.
