Duncan Speller

Partner

  • Duncan Speller
  • Phone: +44 20 7786 2150

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  • Duane Morris
    Citypoint, 16th Floor
    One Ropemaker Street
    London, UK EC2Y 9AW

Duncan Speller is co-chair of the International Disputes Division of Duane Morris’ Trial Practice Group, representing clients in high-value and complex international arbitration and English High Court litigation.

He represents clients in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations. Mr. Speller has participated in arbitrations sited in civil and common law in England, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Germany.

Mr. Speller works with clients in the aviation, oil and gas, mining and resources, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, telecommunications, technology, banking industries. He has represented companies in matters regarding transfer fees, production sharing contracts, mergers and acquisitions, aircraft lease agreements and competition law.

He has served as an arbitrator and as an emergency arbitrator for numerous institutions. He is ranked by Chambers UK (2025) and Chambers Global (2024) for International Arbitration, and the Legal 500 UK (2025) also recognized him as a “Leading Individual.” Clients reported to Chambers that he has "flawless judgement and a very enviable work ethic" and is "very persuasive, tactical and is a great presenter."

Mr. Speller earned his B.C.L. from the University of Oxford.

Admissions

  • England and Wales

Education

  • University of Cambridge, B.A., 1999
  • University of Oxford, B.C.L., 2000
  • Inns of Court School of Law, London, 2001

Experience

  • Duane Morris
    - Partner, 2025-present
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher
    - Partner, 2021-2025
  • WilmerHale
    - Partner, 2013-2021
    - Associate, 2002-2013

Professional Activities

  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Member / Panel of Arbitrators: DIAC, ADGM, and SCC
  • Works closely with the International Committee of the Bar Council of England & Wales

Honors and Awards

  • Recognized in Chambers UK (2025) and Chambers Global (2024) for International Arbitration. 
  • Ranked as a "Leading Individual" for International Arbitration by The Legal 500 UK (2025).
  • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for his work in international arbitration.
  • Featured in Who's Who Legal: Arbitration and named a leading arbitrator in the 2017-2022 editions of Who's Who Legal: Arbitration - Future Leaders
  • Listed as a leader in aviation in the 2011-2014 editions of The Legal 500 UK.