HKA, a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support services, is thrilled to announce it has ranked second in the GAR 100 Expert Witness Firms’ Power Index for 2024.

A world-leading arbitration expert witness firm

The latest ranking reflects the firm’s expansion in the international arbitration market through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. HKA achieved a total claim value of US$53.8 billion for this year’s rank, more than doubling its previous year’s performance of US$25.9 billion, and scoring as the top firm by this metric.

The Power Index also highlighted HKA’s performance in hearings. Based on disaggregated hearings, the firm again came first with a total of 193 (up from 128). With 135 hearings overall (up from 98), this placed HKA second overall in this measure. HKA also boasted the highest number of disaggregated cross-examinations, with a total of 166, as well as the most disaggregated commercial hearings, with a total of 171.

By sector, HKA experts featured in the most energy-related hearings, with a total of 45. The firm also came first in construction hearings, with a total of 102 disaggregated hearings (up from 76).

Thirty-two of HKA’s experts were also recognised in Who’s Who Legal’s 2024 Arbitration Expert Witness research, with five considered Global Elite Thought Leaders in this area.

“I am delighted to see that HKA now sits at second overall on the GAR 100 Expert Witness Power Index, up three places from last year. The Power Index demonstrates the exceptional work we deliver on complex arbitration dispute cases. This acknowledgement provides our experts and our firm with outstanding recognition for the work we do. It justly commends the exceptional level of expertise among our colleagues, and our firm’s commitment to delivering world-leading arbitration expert witness support services for our clients.

“Sincere gratitude firstly to all the work our talented experts and their teams consistently deliver – this latest ranking is a testament to their ability to deliver fair, robust and credible reports and testimony across a growing range of geographies and market industries.

“Of course our experts would not be here without our clients. We are so grateful in the trust they put in us to help them resolve complex and contentious issues, and we will look forward to working with them to continuously improve our service delivery in the realm of arbitration and beyond.”

Renny Borhan, Partner and Chief Executive Officer at HKA

HKA’s journey up the GAR 100 Expert Witness Power Index table

HKA first ranked in the GAR 100 Expert Witness Power Index in 2018 with a rank of 19. Through its service offering diversification to achieve market expansion outside of the construction industry, the firm has been gradually gaining momentum in the arbitration sphere.

HKA broke into the top five in 2023 with the highest percentage change of any firm listed in the top spots, with a total claim value increasing from US$9.7 billion in 2022 to US$25.9 billion.

This evolution has been recognised in the GAR 100 – 17^th edition (subscription required), where the publication notes, “HKA has never had so much [arbitration] volume before. But it also hasn’t had as much value. Its average claim value stands at US$398.6 million, which represents a 43% increase on US$278.9 million the year before (which itself was a 94% increase on two years ago).”

It further points to the firm’s expansion beyond the construction industry with the addition of forensic accounting and commercial damages services, highlighting how “HKA has been expanding through acquisition and lateral hires […] who have helped to change its identity as a construction-only shop, as well as increasing the value being handled.”

About HKA

Headquartered in the UK, HKA is a leading global consultancy in project advisory, risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support services.

HKA brings a proud record of excellent service and high achievement to bear on today’s challenges. As trusted independent consultants, experts and advisers, we help clients manage disputes, risk and uncertainty on complex contracts and challenging projects. Our advice is impartial, incisive and authoritative.

We work with government agencies, local authorities, contractors, legal firms, and other professional service providers, as well as owners and operators, financial institutions and insurers. HKA’s global portfolio includes some of the world’s largest and most prestigious commissions across a wide range of industries, including aerospace and defence, buildings, energy and natural resources, environment and climate change, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, industrial and manufacturing, marine and shipping, mining and metals, oil and gas, power and utilities, real estate and tourism, sports and entertainment, technology, media and telecomms and transportation infrastructure.

HKA has in excess of 1,000 experts, consultants and advisors across 45+ offices in 17 countries with the skills and experience that are essential to get to the heart of even the most complex issues. Our people have vast first-hand experience spanning all major industries and the world’s most complex megaprojects, as well as an international track record of achieving successful outcomes.

For more information about HKA, visit hka.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter, @HKAGlobal) and Facebook.

Media contact

Name	Laura Whyte
Title	Global PR and Digital Communications Manager
Number	+44 20 7618 1200
Email	laurawhyte@hka.com