Melida Hodgson
About Melida Hodgson
Melida Hodgson is a Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in New York, specializing in investment and commercial arbitration. She has extensive experience in international trade disputes, having represented the United States in various negotiations and arbitrations.
Work at Arnold & Porter
Melida Hodgson has been a Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP since 2022. Based in New York, she focuses on issues related to investment and commercial arbitration. Her role involves providing legal counsel and representation in complex arbitration cases, leveraging her extensive experience in international trade disputes.
Previous Experience in International Arbitration
Prior to joining Arnold & Porter, Hodgson worked at Jenner & Block as Partner and Head of International Arbitration from 2019 to 2022. Before that, she spent 14 years at Foley Hoag LLP as a Partner. Her career also includes a position as Counsel at Miller & Chevalier Chartered from 2005 to 2008. Throughout her career, she has litigated international trade disputes and represented the United States in various arbitration matters.
Education and Expertise
Hodgson earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from New York University School of Law in 1992. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Vassar College, obtained in 1985. Her educational background supports her expertise in investment and commercial arbitration, as well as international trade law.
Achievements in Arbitration and Trade Law
Hodgson has represented the United States in negotiations for free trade agreements and has provided counsel in NAFTA Chapter 11 investor-State arbitrations. She has defended the U.S. in Ad Hoc arbitrations under the Softwood Lumber Agreement and serves as an arbitrator for international trade disputes under Chapter 19 of NAFTA. Additionally, she has been appointed to the list of panelists eligible to hear WTO disputes.
Professional Recognition
Hodgson has received recognition for her contributions to the legal field, including being named to Latinvex's 'top 50 female' lawyers list and recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers focused on Latin America. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences on investment and commercial arbitration issues.