Gene M. Burd

About Gene M. Burd

I am a founding partner and Co-Chair of the International Disputes Practice at Pierson Ferdinand LLP, with over two decades of experience advising clients in complex, high-stakes cross-border disputes.My practice focuses on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), international commercial arbitration, and post-award enforcement, with matters conducted under ICSID, ICC, UNCITRAL, and LCIA rules. I regularly represent parties before U.S. courts in recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards and foreign judgments, sovereign-related litigation, and cross-border discovery.I am frequently engaged in disputes involving energy, infrastructure, finance, and life sciences, where treaty protections, jurisdictional strategy, and enforcement risk are outcome-determinative. My work is informed by deep experience across legal systems, multilingual advocacy, and a practical understanding of how arbitral strategy intersects with geopolitics, regulation, and asset recovery.Beyond casework, I am an active thought leader and speaker on international arbitration, ISDS reform, award enforcement, and the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on dispute resolution. I regularly contribute to professional forums and collaborate with institutions, counsel, and experts shaping the future of global arbitration.Let’s connect if you are interested in:* Strategic approaches to international arbitration or ISDS* Award enforcement and sovereign-risk disputes* Speaking engagements, panels, or academic-practitioner dialogue* Exchanging perspectives on innovation and technology in dispute resolution

Experience

1. Founding Partner

   Pierson Ferdinand LLP

   Jan 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Founded on principles of professionalism, responsiveness, and trust, I am proud to be part of one of the largest law firm launches in American legal history. Our new firm will provide unparalleled, technological capabilities for its lawyers. Clients can expect responsiveness and professionalism, ensuring that client matters receive personalized attention.

Education

• Purdue University

  MSCE, Civil Engineering

  1989 — 1991

• Rutgers Law School

  J.D., Law

  1993 — 1997

• University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law

  Diploma In International Legal Studies, International Law and Legal Studies

  1996

Skills

• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Cross-Border Transactions
• Dispute
• Legal Research
• Dispute Resolution
• Civil Litigation
• Private Equity
• Business Strategy
• Licensing
• Mergers
• Contract Negotiation
• International Trade
• Legal Advice
• Appeals
• Strategic Planning
• Employment Law
• Patents
• International Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Trademarks
• Joint Ventures
• Due Diligence
• Corporate Governance
• International Arbitration
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Trademark Infringement
• Copyright Law
• Legal Assistance
• Bankruptcy
• Courts
• International Business
• Investments
• Competition Law
• Contract Law
• Management
• Mediation
• Business Litigation
• Intellectual Property