Neil Popović focuses his practice on international disputes, representing corporations, individuals, foreign governments, and multilateral and non-governmental organizations. He also litigates and counsels clients on ESG and sustainability issues and handles class actions and commercial litigation in U.S. courts.
International Disputes
Neil’s international practice includes transnational litigation, commercial and investment arbitration, disputes before international adjudicatory bodies, parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, public international law, cases involving foreign governments and international organizations, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and foreign arbitral awards. He is leader of the firm’s international litigation and arbitration team.
Over many years of dealing with complicated cross-border disputes, Neil has developed substantive and process expertise that helps clients navigate the many uncertainties that accompany disputes that touch more than one national jurisdiction and/or more than one dispute resolution system (e.g., court and arbitration or multiple court systems).
ESG and Sustainability
Drawing on deep knowledge of international and U.S. environmental law and policy, Neil advises clients on climate change-related issues, as well as environmental marketing claims and the intersection of human rights and the environment. Neil’s ESG and Sustainability practice includes counseling and dispute resolution, as well as helping clients approach ESG and sustainability as a way to enhance their business interests.
Domestic Litigation
Neil’s litigation experience includes a wide range of commercial disputes, including consumer class actions, as well as trade secrets, constitutional law and white collar criminal matters (including internal investigations). Neil has developed expertise in California's Unfair Competition Law, Business and Professionals Code section 17200, as well as legal issues related to environmental marketing and federal preemption.
Neil has taught international law subjects at Berkeley Law for 30 years—including International Litigation and Arbitration and International Environmental Law; and he also teaches Law, Politics and Policymaking at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. His dual engagement in practice and academia, plus his background working with nongovernmental organizations, gives him a unique range of perspectives and insights. Drawing on a deep network of experts and practitioners, he offers counsel grounded in current global debates and fluency across business, government and international organizations.
In his free time, Neil enjoys art, music and spending time with his family. An NCAA Division I gymnast in college, Neil continues to support the Cal Men’s Gymnastics Team, including serving on search committees to hire the program’s last three head coaches.