Eversheds Sutherland strengthens international arbitration offering with appointment of leading practitioner Luminita Popa

Eversheds Sutherland is pleased to announce the appointment of Luminita Popa as a Partner in its International Arbitration practice, based in the firm’s Bucharest office. A highly regarded counsel and arbitrator with more than 25 years’ experience, Luminita is recognised for her work on complex, high‑value and multi‑jurisdictional disputes across energy & natural resources, construction & engineering, technology, and M&A‑related conflicts.

Luminita brings a distinctive blend of transactional insight and deep arbitration expertise, enabling her to approach disputes with a holistic, commercially grounded perspective. She has acted as counsel, sole arbitrator, co‑arbitrator, and chair under major institutional rules, including the ICC, ICSID‑related matters, VIAC, and UNCITRAL procedures, involving parties from across Central & Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and the United States.

From 2018 to 2024, she served as a Member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, and she is currently Co‑Chair of the ICC Advanced Arbitration Academy for Eastern Europe. Luminita is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, and a founding member of the Arbitration Association of Central and Eastern Europe (ArbCEE).

Luminita Popa, Partner, International Arbitration, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“I am delighted to join Eversheds Sutherland’s international arbitration team. The firm’s global platform, sector strengths, and collaborative culture create an exceptional environment for advising clients on complex cross‑border disputes. With energy, construction and technology disputes continuing to rise across Europe and beyond, I look forward to contributing my experience both as counsel and arbitrator, and to working closely with colleagues across the network.”

Luminita’s work has been consistently recognised by international directories, including:

• Band 1, Chambers Europe – Arbitration
• Lexology Thought Leaders – Arbitration
• Leading Partner, Legal 500
• Global Elite Thought Leader, Who’s Who Legal (Arbitration)

Mark Howarth, Partner and Global Co‑Head of International Arbitration, and International Head of Energy Disputes, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Luminita is a standout practitioner whose arrival significantly strengthens our international arbitration offering, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe and across the energy sector. Her unique combination of transactional depth and tribunal experience enhances our ability to support clients through every stage of a dispute — from early strategic guidance through to complex hearings and enforcement. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Mihai Guia, Managing Partner and Head of CEE, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Luminita’s arrival is an important milestone for our CEE practice. Her reputation within the international arbitration community, combined with her deep understanding of the regional market, significantly enhances our ability to support clients across high‑value, cross‑border disputes. Her leadership and sector insight will be instrumental as we continue to grow our presence and capabilities across Central and Eastern Europe.”

Luminita’s appointment further strengthens Eversheds Sutherland’s global disputes platform, following a period of sustained investment across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Her arrival notably enhances the firm’s CEE arbitration footprint, adding bench strength to one of the region’s most active arbitration markets and contributing to the firm’s broader international growth strategy.