Veijo Heiskanen is a distinguished figure in the field of international arbitration, boasting an impressive career spanning over three decades. His expertise encompasses both commercial and investment arbitration, making him a sought-after arbitrator on the global stage. Prior to embarking on his career as an independent arbitrator, Veijo was a Partner at a leading international law firm.
Veijo Heiskanen is a leading independent arbitrator and distinguished figure in the field of international arbitration, boasting an impressive career spanning over three decades. His expertise encompasses both commercial and investment arbitration, making him a sought-after arbitrator on the global stage. Prior to embarking on his career as an independent arbitrator, Veijo was a Partner at a leading international law firm.
Veijo has sat as arbitrator and counsel in over 100 substantial international arbitration cases, under all the major institutional rules including ICC, ICSID, UNCITRAL, LCIA, HKIAC, DIFC, SAC, SCC, SIAC, FAI, WIPO, and the Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA).His expertise lies in various sectors, including energy, encompassing oil & gas, construction and engineering, infrastructure, and mining. Additionally, Veijo is well-versed in handling intellectual property and technology disputes, showcasing his versatility as an arbitrator. His track record includes serving as a presiding arbitrator in complex, high-value international disputes.
Veijo’s international claims experience is extensive, having previously held key positions such as Legal Adviser at the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, Deputy Chief of the Legal Service of the United Nations Compensation Commission, and Secretary General of the Claims Resolution Tribunal in Zurich.
Beyond his roles as an arbitrator and legal expert, Veijo's involvement in various arbitration panels and professional associations underscores his commitment to the field. He has been a member of the SCC Board and has featured on panels of arbitrators for institutions like ICSID, ICDR Energy Arbitrators List, Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), and Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA). His affiliations with professional bodies such as IBA, ILA, LCIA, IAI, ASA, and the Finnish Arbitration Association further attest to his dedication to advancing the practice of arbitration.
Veijo’s academic accomplishments are equally noteworthy. He holds degrees from the University of Helsinki, including an LL.B. (1983) and LL.Lic. (1985). He has also earned an LL.M. and a Doctorate of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from Harvard Law School in 1988 and 1992, respectively. His contributions to legal education include his role as an Adjunct Professor of International Law at the University of Helsinki, as well as previous positions as Adjunct Professor of International Arbitration at the University of Lausanne (2009-17) and as a lecturer at the Hague Academy of International Law (2002).
Ranked Band 1 Chambers Europe, Arbitration, 2024, Veijo has vast experience as arbitrator, including as presiding arbitrator, in complex and high-value commercial and investment disputes, and “in terms of quality, he is one of the best” Chambers Europe, Arbitration, 2024.
