Zachary Song

Zachary Song is a Partner in Steptoe's International Disputes Group, based in New York. A truly global practitioner, Zach brings a wealth of cross-border experience to his clients, having previously practiced in the key legal hubs of London, Singapore, and Seoul. Zach specifically focuses on dispute resolution and has worked on international arbitrations and litigation in relation to significant energy projects spanning the full energy spectrum, including nuclear power, oil and gas, solar power and wind power, high voltage interconnector projects, and energy storage system projects amongst others. Zach's multi-jurisdictional background allows him to navigate the international procedural and legal nuances for each dispute to assist his clients effectively and appropriately.

Zach works closely with owners, contractors, and suppliers and provides end-to-end counsel for significant projects, from initial project distress and management claims through to termination and final award while always grounding his legal advice in the commercial realities of the industry. Zach assists parties on their positions and claims that involve a variety of issues such as delay, project management failures, and intricate regulatory hurdles. Zach also assists with downstream disputes, specifically energy commodity trading disputes in oil and gas, petrochemicals, and related shipping disputes. Zach has successfully arbitrated many energy trading disputes quickly and efficiently.

As a seasoned practitioner, Zach has successfully represented clients in international arbitrations administered by all major arbitral institutes such as the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, UNCITRAL, SCC, ICDR and the KCAB. He has also represented clients in ad hoc tribunals and niche domestic arbitration rules required under national projects. Beyond adversarial proceedings, Zach is a dedicated pragmatic problem solver. He is a strong proponent of mediation for achieving commercially viable outcomes and has led clients through complex mediations, including those administered by the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC).

Zach sits as a registered panel arbitrator of the Thailand Arbitration Center, Xian Arbitration Commission, Chongqing Arbitration Commission, serves as mediator of the International Division of the Korea Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB), and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and the Society of Construction Law (Singapore). He is also a panel lawyer for the Ministry of Justice of South Korea regarding Singapore related matters. A frequent international speaker, Zach is a sought-after voice on the evolution of international arbitration and the commercial realities of global energy markets.