Featured Lawyers
Viren Mascarenhas
Founding Partner
Viren Mascarenhas has been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for international commercial arbitration. This award highlights the top 5% of U.S. attorneys in their respective field and whose dedication and skill set the standard for excellence in the legal profession.
Mascarenhas Law has extensive experience advising or representing parties in commercial arbitration. The firm is especially well-suited to handling commercial arbitrations with a U.S. nexus, such as one of the parties being a U.S. party, the seat of arbitration being within the United States, or the governing laws of the agreement giving rise to the dispute being U.S. state or federal laws.
Mascarenhas Law is able to provide flexible pricing options to clients, including hourly or blended rates, capped or fixed fees, and contingent or success fees depending on the specific needs of the client. The firm is well-connected to litigation funders and insurance providers who can also provide support to clients seeking external financial support for their claims.
Viren is the Founding Partner of Mascarenhas Law PLLC, which is a disputes boutique headquartered in New York focusing on arbitration (commercial, construction, investment) and U.S. litigation, in particular relating to arbitration and non-U.S. proceedings. Members of the firm, which includes Margaret Artz and Lexi Menish, also serve as arbitrators and mediators.
Viren has been ranked by the leading directories in the field of international arbitration and public international law. Recognition of his expertise and achievements include:
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Chambers USA and Chambers Global: International Arbitration, 2020 to present. The feedback from Chambers and client testimonials include: “Sources regard him as ‘bright, capable and a really strong advocate;’” “he is someone who has a deep understanding of investment treaty arbitration and has vast experience in the field;” and Viren is “a lawyer you want in your corner.”
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Legal 500: International Arbitration, 2018 to 2024 (“he stands out for his additional specialization in public international law and human rights”)
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Lexology Index: Thought Leader in the categories of Arbitration, Mining and Energy, 2017 to present
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2024 Lexology Awards: North America 2024, Litigation and Arbitration Award
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2024 Lexology Client Choice Awards, Arbitration & ADR, United States: New York
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The Best Lawyers in America: International Arbitration - Commercial, 2024
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Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators, 2021 (inaugural list), 2023, 2024
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National South Asian Bar Association: Rising Star, 2019
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National LGBT Bar Association: Rising Star, 2019
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Euromoney Legal Media Awards: Rising Star in international commercial arbitration, 2019
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Latinvex (Rising star for disputes in Latin America), 2019
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Crain's New York Business: 40 under 40 List, 2019
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American Bar Association: Finalist for National Most Outstanding Young Lawyer, 2016
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Law360: Rising Star in Energy, 2015
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New York Law Journal: Rising Star, 2014
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Admitted to the Bar in New York (2006 to present)
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Columbia Law School, Lecturer-in-Law, 2009 to present (currently teaching an upper-level seminar on international commercial arbitration)
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Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), 2020
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CPR Institute, Arbitration Committee (Chair, 2023 to present; Vice-Chair, 2020 to 2023)
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CPR Institute, Distinguished Panel of Neutrals (2022 to present)
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American Arbitration Association/International Centre for Dispute Resolution, Panel of Arbitrators (2021 to present)
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New York City Bar Association, Member
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American Bar Association, Member
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International Bar Association, Member
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University of London, Master of Laws Degree (LLM) with Distinction, 2009
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Columbia Law School, Juris Doctor Degree (JD), 2005. James Kent Scholar (top 1-3% of class); Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar (top 33% of class); and Parker Certificate for Achievement in Foreign and International Laws
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University of Richmond, Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA), summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, 2002
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London School of Economics, General Course Diploma, Economics, 2021. Specialization: International Dispute Resolution
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