Tiffany N. Comprés

Partner | Litigation
Co-Chair, International Disputes

About

Tiffany represents companies around the world as an advocate in international arbitration and litigation and also serves as an arbitrator with the ICC, AAA, DRC, and other arbitral institutions. Her experience encompasses a range of disputes, particularly in the international agriculture, food & beverage, and energy/oil & gas sectors.

At the forefront of AI and the law, Tiffany is regularly invited to speak on topics at the intersection of these evolving fields, showcasing her thought leadership and expertise in innovative legal strategies.

  • Agriculture/Food & Beverage

    Although she has worked on some of the most contentious international matters, Tiffany’s prior experience in agriculture and food & beverage gives her an edge over other lawyers. Having worked in the family agriculture business for years, handling international deals provides her real-world experience that translates into unique insights into her clients’ businesses. This background allows her to offer a rare blend of legal expertise and strategic business advice that complements in-house management.

    One of only three attorneys board-certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in both International Law and International Arbitration & Litigation, Tiffany has been recognized as an expert on the U.N. Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). She has contributed to several leading industry publications in agriculture, including an article titled “PACA vs CISG: Which Prevails, Domestic or International Law?” for Fresh Plaza, and she was featured in Young Arbitration Review (YAR) discussing the CISG and arbitration in their 10th-anniversary edition.

    Energy/Oil & Gas

    Tiffany has successfully represented clients in high-stakes international arbitration cases in the energy and oil & gas sectors, including cases involving power purchase agreements, the purchase and sale of technology and equipment related to energy and oil & gas projects such as turbines and energy-related construction projects. After training in-house with GE Oil & Gas’s international arbitration team, she represented a U.S. company in an ICC arbitration against a Brazilian conglomerate relating to an energy construction project in the Dominican Republic. There, she strategically initiated ancillary proceedings in Miami state courts that led her to obtain a pre-judgment writ of garnishment against an affiliate of the respondent and a successful settlement for the full sum owed in less than 60 days.

    She also defended a U.S. manufacturer of oil re-refining technology against an Ecuadorian buyer in an ICC arbitration. In this case, seated in Miami and involving the CISG, UNIDROIT, and U.S. law, Tiffany achieved a significant reduction in her client's liability from over $20 million to just $1.5 million—an outstanding victory for her client. She also represented an Argentinian respondent in an ICDR arbitration against a U.S. manufacturer of turbine enhancement technology. This case involved complex issues under the CISG and Florida law, showcasing Tiffany's aptitude for navigating intricate legal frameworks.

    Her extensive experience includes claims under the Shipping Act of 1984 before the Federal Maritime Commission, challenging unreasonable demurrage and detention, and handling cases concerning international shipments under the Hague Rules and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA).

    Having worked in the United States, France, and Italy, Tiffany regularly handles cases in English, Spanish, and French. She practices in all major arbitration centers and under all major arbitration rules, as well as under industry-focused rules, including the DRC Rules (Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp.) and the AFI Rules (Association of Food Industries). Additionally, she manages all forms of international discovery, award enforcement and collection, and Hague Convention procedures.

    With a strong foundation in international law and a forward-looking perspective on AI, Tiffany continues to make impactful contributions to her clients and the legal community.


Practices

  • Commercial Litigation

  • Arbitration and Mediation

  • International Disputes

  • Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

  • FinTech and Blockchain

Admissions

  • Florida

  • New York

  • U.S. Court of International Trade

  • Third District Court of Appeals

  • Southern District of Florida

  • Middle District of Florida

  • United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit


Education

  • Sciences Po, LL.M. in International Law

  • Université de Paris I – Sorbonne, LL.M. in Law and Economic Globalisation

  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.

  • University of Miami, B.A.


Memberships

  • Included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for International Arbitration – Commercial

  • United Fresh Produce Association, International Advisory Board

  • Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in International Law

  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of arbitrators

  • Florida Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Executive Committee Member

  • Association of Food Industries

  • Arbitral Women

  • Florida Bar International Law Certification Committee (2019-2021)

  • SuperLawyers, International Law (2018, 2019, 2020)

  • International Law Section of the Florida Bar

  • International Bar Association

  • Energy Arbitration Club

  • Hispanic American Bar Association

  • Miami - International Arbitration Society

  • Inter-American Affairs Committee, New York City Bar Association


Languages

  • English

  • Spanish

  • French

Experience

  • FisherBroyles, LLP

  • Proskauer Rose LLP

  • Shutts & Bowen LLP


Notable Experience

As Advocate

  • Represented Ukrainian company LLC Energoalliance and its assignees LLC Komstroy and LLC SPC Stileks in connection with the enforcement of an investment award against the Republic of Moldova. This was the first case brought in the United States based on the Energy Charter Treaty. Obtained a judgment in favor of Stileks sustaining jurisdiction over the foreign sovereign in two appeals in the D.C. Circuit. The case involved an extensive jurisdictional dispute relating to the definition of investment under the Energy Charter Treaty and related proceedings in Paris, France. The case also concerns the propriety of applying Achmea to in an extra-EU dispute and whether an annulment on that basis will be recognized by U.S. courts.

  • Represented a developer of blockchain-based play-to-earn games (BVI) as claimant against the respondent launch platform (Anguilla) used in a token generation event. The institution was the Swiss Arbitration Centre, the seat was Zurich, Switzerland, and the applicable substantive law was Swiss. Successfully used Article 43 (emergency relief) of the Swiss Rules to obtain an interim award ordering respondent to transfer a portion of the disputed cryptocurrency, worth over USD 6.5 million, to a multi-signature 2-out-of-three non-custodial wallet and appointing an escrow agent to hold 1 of the three private keys to the escrow wallet.

  • Represented a U.S. company against a Brazilian international conglomerate in an ICC arbitration over services provided on an energy project in the Dominican Republic. The seat of arbitration was Florida, the applicable law was Dominican Republic law. Initiated ancillary proceedings in support of arbitration in the state courts of Miami, Florida, and successfully obtained a pre-judgment writ of garnishment over an affiliate of the respondent. Ultimately achieved a settlement for payment of the full sum owed in less than 60 days.

  • Represented a U.S. manufacturer of oil re-refining technology as defendant in connection with an international dispute under ICC Arbitration Rules. The seat of arbitration was Miami, Florida, the applicable law was the CISG, UNIDROIT, and U.S. law. Succeeded in reducing defendant client’s liability from over $20 million to $1.5 million, which was a victory for the defendant.

  • Represented claimant U.S. company against two Israeli companies in an ICC arbitration over food products provided for sale in the United States. The seat of the arbitration was New York City and the applicable law was the CISG and New York law. Initiated ancillary proceedings in support of arbitration in Israeli courts, which successfully led respondent to settle for the full sum owed early in the proceedings.

  • Represented defendant Argentinian and Canadian energy company in an ICDR arbitration against a US provider of turbine enhancement technology. The applicable law was the CISG and Florida law.

  • Represented claimant Dutch company against a U.S. seller of food products in an arbitration under the ICC Rules. The governing law was the CISG and Dutch law. Prevailed in full on the merits, including attorneys’ fees.

  • Represented claimant U.S. food distributor against a Jamaican supplier in an ad hoc arbitration governed by the UNCITRAL Rules, seated in Kingston, Jamaica and under Jamaican law, leading to a full award as the prevailing party on the merits.

  • Represented a U.S. importer against a Uruguayan exporter of citrus in arbitration under the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) Rules. The applicable law was PACA. Achieved early settlement and preserved the business relationship.

  • Represented two of the largest Spanish producers of clementines as plaintiffs against a high-profile American distributor in a dispute in Federal court under PACA; achieved a favorable settlement early in the case, including a contract for continuing work the following year between the defendant and one of the plaintiffs.

  • Represented defendant U.S. importer against Paraguayan supplier in an ICDR arbitration. Applicable law was the CISG. Achieved favorable early settlement.

  • Represented freight forwarder defendant in a dispute against a vessel owner in an ad hoc arbitration seated in London. Applicable law was the laws of England and Wales. Achieved a favorable early settlement.

  • Represented a cargo airline defendant in a case under the Montreal Convention. Obtained an early favorable settlement.

As Arbitrator

  • Sole arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between the Panamanian subsidiary of a multinational South Korean technology conglomerate and a U.S. distributor regarding breach of supply agreement for technological products. Involved complex joinder, multiple contracts, complex jurisdictional issues. The applicable law was Florida law and the seat was Miami, Florida, USA.

  • Sole arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Spanish entity and an Ecuadoran entity concerning early termination of a pharmaceutical distribution agreement under Ecuadorian law. Involved requests for anti-suit injunctions against parallel judicial proceedings in Ecuador seeking $35M USD; challenges to jurisdiction. Seat was Miami, Florida, USA. Proceedings conducted in Spanish.

  • Sole arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between an Ecuadorian entity and a Chinese entity over allegedly non-conforming product and non-payment in a multi-million-dollar banana deal with allegations of lost profits under the CISG. Partial award on jurisdiction and admissibility involving multi-level dispute resolution clauses. Applicable law was the CISG, the seat of the arbitration was Miami, Florida, USA.

  • Sole arbitrator in a DRC arbitration between a Mexican exporter, as claimant, and a Canadian importer, as respondent, of fresh produce. The seat of the arbitration was Ottawa, Canada, and the applicable law was the CISG. The language of the arbitration was Spanish.

  • Sole arbitrator in a DRC arbitration between a Spanish seller and a Canadian buyer of fresh produce. The seat of the arbitration was Ottawa, Canada, and the applicable law was the CISG. The matter turned on the interpretation of Incoterms.


Selected Cases

  • LLC SPC Stileks v. Republic of Moldova, No. 21-7141, 2022 WL 17829502 (D.C. Cir. Dec. 21, 2022) (per curiam)

  • Thompson Pipe Group, Inc. v. Omni Logistics LLC, FMC Docket No 22-31, Order on Motion to Amend Complaint and Motion to Dismiss (Feb 24, 2023)

  • GO Traders, S.A. v. Intertex Miami, LLC, et al., No. 1:18-cv-21372, 2018 WL 7287151 (S.D. Fla. Oct. 24, 2018)

  • Ingenieria, Maquinaria Y Equipos De Colombia S.A. v. ATTS, Inc., No. 17–3624, 2017 WL 6316632 (D. N.J. Dec. 8, 2017)

  • Lauris Boulanger, Inc., et al. v. Mt. Hawley Ins. Co., No. 13-CV-22881, 2014 WL 11944278 (S.D. Fla. June 9, 2014)

Selected Presentations and Teaching Experience

  • The World post-Achmea: National Courts’ Treatment Of Investment Arbitration, panelist focusing on the United States courts, Paris Arbitration Week, March 29, 2023

  • Can Force Majeure Save Your International Transactions?, Organization for Women in International Trade (OWIT), Webinar, April 30, 2020

  • Surviving the Epidemic of Force Majeure Claims in International Contracts, Florida Bar International Law Section CLE Webinar, panelist focusing on civil law and international law aspects, April 9, 2020

  • Intelligence about Arbitrators & the Future of International Arbitration, panelist, Florida International University and Shutts & Bowen LLP, November 12, 2019, Miami, Florida

  • Business Beyond Borders: Demystifying Trade with Europe and Latin America, panelist, OWIT International Conference, October 24 2019, Tampa, Florida

  • Conflictos Internacionales: Como beneficiarse de todas las herramientas (incluso PACA), 10 May 2019, S. Domingo, D.R.

  • Recognizing and Enforcing Foreign and Domestic Arbitral Awards and Settlement Agreements, panelist, The World of Arbitration and Mediation in Latin America and the Caribbean Today First Annual Conference, 1 March 2019, Miami, Florida

  • Hot Topics in International Litigation, panelist focusing on CISG law, iLaw Conference, 22 Feb. 2019, Miami, Florida

  • Improve Your Bottom Line with International Arbitration, Fruit Logistica, 7 Feb., 2019, Berlin, Germany

  • Various television interviews on Metropolis, Dominican Republic, on PACA, CISG, and international arbitration

  • International Arbitration and Litigation, the U.S. Perspective, Indian National Bar Association National Conference, November 2018, New Delhi, India

  • Exportando a los Estados Unidos: Como beneficiarse de PACA, tratados internacionales, y arbitraje, Santo Domingo and Santiago, Dominican Republic, 25-27 July 2018, sponsored by Exporta Calidad

  • International Arbitration in the Courts, seminar for Paraguayan judges in conjunction with the University of Miami, 19 June 2018

  • International Arbitration for Food Importers, Assoc. of Food Indus. Convention Resource Roundtable, 26 Apr. 2018

  • Exportación a los EEUU 2017: Trump, Ley de Modernización de la Inocuidad Alimentaria, y Otras Leyes Cruciales, 13 Feb. 2017, sponsored by the Catalan Agrifood Exports Promotion Agency (Prodeca), Barcelona, Spain

  • International Arbitration: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask, 1 Dec. 2016


Selected Publications

  • Possible Legal Challenges the Oil & Gas Industry Could Face in 2023, Oilman Magazine, March 9, 2023

  • Interviewing Tiffany N. Comprés on the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and Arbitration, Young Arbitration Review, Yr. 10, Ed. 43, p 107-110 (2021).

  • Birds of a Feather- Do Wing Arbitrators Flock Together—Neutrally?- , 55 ABA/ILS YIR 538- 542 (2021)

  • The Global Supply Chain in the Time of COVID-19, Southeast Produce Weekly, Match 19, 2020

  • The Death of Investment Treaty Arbitration for the U.S. and the EU: Tempest in the Making or Much Ado About Nothing?, 18 International Law Quarterly, Fall 2017, vol. XXXIII, no. 3

  • Buying and Selling Produce Internationally – What You Need to Know, Southeast Produce Weekly, 22 March 2017

  • Legal Editor, Southeast Produce Weekly (southeastproduceweekly.com)

  • Labor of Love: Using International Labor Law to Achieve Human Rights for Women Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic, Note, Georgetown Journal of International Law, Vol. 40, No. 3, Spring 2009

  • Affirmative Action in Education, Georgetown Journal of Gender & the Law, Vol. 9, Annual Rev. 2008 (Ed.)