Dispute Resolution: France

Admitted to the Bar in Paris and New York, Denis Chemla brings his impressive international background to a broad range of disputes.

International arbitrator Michael Young has extensive knowledge of natural resources-related disputes, frequently working on cases across the African continent. One client notes: "He is able to articulate the most difficult issues in a plain and simple way. He gets to the heart of the problem and provides constructive solutions."

Peter Thorp heads the Paris office's China desk. As the former managing partner of Allen & Overy's Beijing and Shanghai offices, he has substantial experience of advising clients on arbitrations in the PRC and Europe. He continues to support the firm’s Asia-Pacific arbitration team.

Clients rate experienced arbitrator Jean-Pierre Farges, saying he is "technically great, with impressive business sense. He puts us at ease straight away, and he's really easy to get along with." 

Eric Bouffard regularly represents clients in international disputes spanning the sectors of insurance and reinsurance. He also has an active commercial arbitration practice.

Marie Danis has long-standing experience in complex M&A disputes and frequently contributes to academic discussions on post-acquisition disputes.

Well-respected litigator Kami Haeri acts for clients from sectors as varied as defence, tobacco, finance and advertising. He has a focus on IP, white-collar crime and corporate disputes, and was one of the lead partners on the France Télécom v Numéricable case.

Founding partner Christian Bouckaert is a highly respected commercial litigator. He remains a crucial part of the practice, serving clients from the aviation, pharma, energy and construction industries.

Sources say revered arbitrator Louis Christophe Delanoy is "hugely impressive and incredibly clever. The guy is brilliant – he has this glint in his eye and he works at a thousand miles an hour."

Didier Martin has acted on some of the most high-profile litigations of recent years. He commands great respect from interviewees, who acknowledge that he is "very bright and always fair."

Commercial litigator Sylvie Morabia has extensive experience in corporate disputes, particularly in regard to tender offers and acquisitions. Other areas of expertise include securities law and white-collar crime.

International arbitration expert Timothy Portwood remains an integral part of the team, regularly representing clients in complex commercial and investment arbitrations.

Jean-Daniel Bretzner specialises in commercial arbitration, frequently advising on distribution, insurance and contract law.

Raed Fathallah continues to make a name for himself as a promising future star of arbitration, and he is often seen on large energy-related arbitrations. He is triple-qualified in France, the UK and Canada, and practises in English, French and Arabic.

Ecuadorian lawyer José Maria Perez is admitted to the Bar in Paris and Quito. He focuses on cross-border M&A and arbitration, with a focus on Latin American mandates.

Bremond Avocats' Brazilian desk is led by dual-qualified associate Hector Arroyo and founding partner Guilhem Bremond, who studied in Rio de Janeiro and is the Paris-based contact for several Brazilian law firms. The desk assists Brazilian clients working in France with commercial disputes and white-collar crime. The team also advises French clients who wish to develop activities in Brazil. Both Arroyo and Bremond are fluent in English, French and Portuguese.

Versatile practitioner Jean-Yves Garaud is prominent in litigation, arbitration and white-collar crime, where his work in fraud and insider trading cases is recognised. Market observers say he is "one of the best, with a great deal of experience."

Claudia Annacker is recognised as a CEE expert. Admitted to practice in France and Austria, she is highly experienced in international litigation, arbitration and public international law (PIL). She also has a well-respected academic career, regularly lecturing at the University of Vienna.

Regularly appointed as arbitrator, Roland Ziadé specialises in Middle East-related cases. He is a prime choice for global clients, thanks to his Bar admissions in Beirut, London and Paris, and his ability to handle cases in English, French and Arabic. 

In Paris, the Latin America desk is headed by dispute resolution partners Robert Greig and Cameron Murphy. The team regularly advises states, such as the Republic of Argentina, on sovereign and public international law matters. It also has strong expertise in commercial arbitration.

The Russia desk is led by Mark Adams, Russell Pollack and dispute resolution lawyer Cameron Murphy. The group's areas of expertise cover corporate law, capital markets and disputes. The team advises on international litigation, arbitration and public international law cases involving Russian interests.

Litigation luminary Jean-Pierre Grandjean recently advised Apple on a multimillion-euro claim brought against it by a major retailer. He continues to gain great admiration from commentators: "He's someone you want on your side in negotiations. He can pick up a case and know what the crux of it is in a few moments."

Thomas Baudesson specialises in commercial litigation and is increasingly active in white-collar crime. One client notes: "He's prudent in assessing all the risks, and is able to provide a clear view of the bigger picture."

Sources are highly impressed by Thibaud d'Ales, saying he "is dynamic and works closely with clients. He has a great understanding of litigation and of the relevant authorities." 

Highly experienced founding partner Jean-Michel Darrois heads the litigation practice, acting on commercial and stock market disputes.

Seasoned international arbitrator Matthieu de Boisséson regularly represents the biggest French blue-chip companies. "He really is excellent and has enormous experience and a great network of contacts," admires an observer.

Clients rate Emmanuel Brochier for his well-honed litigation skills: "He is outstanding, with much finesse and great foresight." He specialises in civil, commercial and criminal disputes.

Former judge Marie-Noëlle Dompé comes highly recommended for her work in commercial and securities law and white-collar criminal matters. One commentator says: "She's great - tough in a good way."

Arbitration partner Pierre Duprey continues to go from strength to strength. Sources note: "He has great technical knowledge and really applies himself."

Valerie Lafarge-Sarkozy recently joined the firm, and is lauded as "a real fighter." She specialises in business, financial and banking litigation, often working on contractual and commercial liability cases.

Jacques Henrot receives plaudits for his handling of financial litigation, particularly related to bankruptcy and restructuring.

Dominique Lefort has in-depth experience of derivatives-related litigation, as well as securities and bankruptcy cases.

Widely admired arbitrator Pierre Mayer frequently advises on energy and mining disputes.

The superb Eduardo Silva Romero heads the firm's Latin America practice. He frequently sits as counsel and arbitrator in commercial and investment disputes.

Xavier Nyssen specialises in defence litigation and has in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical, life sciences and telecoms sectors.

Global head of international arbitration Jean-Christophe Honlet has 17 years' experience of representing companies and states in commercial and investment arbitrations. Clients say he is "incredibly meticulous, detail-oriented and reliable."

Barton Legum is well known in the area of investment treaty arbitration. His practice focuses on international arbitration and litigation before international arbitration tribunals, the ICJ and a number of courts in the USA. He practises in English, French and Spanish.

One of the founding partners of the firm, Jeffrey Hertzfeld is now retired but continues to work as an independent arbitrator. He has a stellar reputation, and brings with him over 35 years' experience in disputes relating to CIS and CEE.

Sources concede that Yves Derains "really stands out as a great individual." He is revered for his language abilities, being able to practise in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, in addition to English and French. He is very active in Latin America, where he regularly acts as counsel or arbitrator in commercial disputes.

Hamid Gharavi is widely respected for his work as both counsel and arbitrator. He has long-standing experience of cases in the Middle East, and he is admitted to the Bar in Paris and New York and practises in English, French and Farsi.

PIL specialist Rodman Bundy remains active in investment, commercial and particularly inter-state arbitration.

Of counsel Loretta Malintoppi is vice-president of the ICC Court of Arbitration and is increasingly appointed as an arbitrator in investment and inter-state disputes.

Rémi Kleiman is a new addition to the rankings. He often advises top-drawer clients on commercial and financial disputes, and recently advised Société Générale on a EUR1 billion liability case relating to Moulinex.

The Africa desk at Eversheds comprises a team of 12 in Paris, a number of whom are of African origin and have practised in North or sub-Saharan Africa. The group works closely with colleagues in offices further afield, including in Casablanca, Tangiers and Johannesburg. In contentious work, the team assists with arbitration and litigation, as well as corporate, real estate, banking, and project finance work on the non-contentious side. Boris Martor is the key contact for clients.

Managing partner Elie Kleiman is considered a luminary by market sources: "He is a wonderful lawyer, impeccable in his ethics and behaviour. That doesn't mean he doesn't fight fiercely for his clients, but he does it cleanly."

Head of arbitration Peter Turner has been working increasingly on Asia-related cases and has strong expertise in natural resources and gas. He successfully defended the Kingdom of Cambodia in its first ICSID arbitration to do with the construction of a power plant in Phnom Penh.

Newly promoted head of litigation Stéphane Bénouville focuses on banking and finance disputes. A versatile practitioner, he is also active in corporate and commercial litigation and white-collar crime. As well as being a "very strong advocate," sources say he is "extremely client-friendly and good fun to work with."

Arbitrator Georgios Petrochilos has a wealth of experience advising on arbitrations to do with Latin America. He recently led Chile's legal team in proceedings before the ICJ to do with a maritime boundary dispute with Peru.

Esteemed Russia expert Noah Rubins heads the firm's Russia/CIS dispute resolution group and regularly works with the Moscow office. He frequently acts on investor-state disputes and assisted a Russian state-owned company with sanctions-related issues in Libya and Syria.

Christian Camboulive is a driving force of the arbitration practice. He recently represented Areva in a major ICC arbitration against Siemens.

Carole Malinvaud has a reputation as a meticulous arbitrator. She has particular expertise in Africa-related arbitrations, and frequently advises states and multinationals from a number of sectors.

Respected litigator Michel Pitron regularly works on cases in France and abroad.

Bruno Quentin often handles complex commercial litigation and is also active in the area of white-collar crime. Sources say he is a pleasure to work with.

London-based barrister Adam Rooney focuses on commercial litigation and insolvency. He speaks fluent French and often acts on cross-border mandates. Clients highlight his strong technical expertise and full availability.

Rupert Reece is admitted to the Bar in Paris and England & Wales. He recently relocated to Gide's London office after practising in Paris for several years. He has common and civil law experience, and has advised on proceedings in English and French.

Practice head Charles Kaplan is an experienced arbitration counsel with broad knowledge of the energy sector. Interviewees describe him as "terrific – a very bright lawyer with a stable practice."

Clients laud Isabelle Michou's strong analytical and drafting skills. She has a broad international practice and is dual-qualified in France and the UK. 

Gérard Honig is an ICC arbitrator and counsel with extensive experience in professional liability and the aviation sector.

With 40 years of experience, Bernard Mettetal is a much-respected practitioner. He is particularly well known for his work in insurance, reinsurance and product liability.

Simon Ndiaye ascends the rankings thanks to strong client praise. "He is very composed and always delivers impeccably, even in high-pressure environments," says one impressed interviewee.

Thomas Rouhette is considered by many interviewees to be one of the standout practitioners for commercial litigation, particularly related to product liability and insurance.  

Laurent Gouiffès remains an integral part of the practice. He recently represented the government of Mongolia in an UNCITRAL arbitration concerning uranium exploration and mining.

Hogan Lovells' Africa desk comprises six partners, including OHADA expert Louis-Jérôme Laisney. The team has long-standing experience in working across the continent, advising on litigation, arbitration, banking and finance, project finance and energy matters. Its clients come from a broad range of sectors, such as telecoms, mining, infrastructure, and the food industry. In a recent work highlight, the group represented a major oil company in a mediation with an African state. The key contacts for the desk are Laurent Gouiffès and Antoine Juaristi.

Dual-qualified in Spain and France, Carmen Nuñez-Lagos was recently recruited to bolster the firm's Spanish language arbitration practice. She practises in English, French, Spanish and Italian, and has represented states and major industrial players in proceedings under ICC, LCIA and ICSID rules.

Based in London, the highly esteemed Michael Davison is admitted to practice in France and the UK. He speaks fluent French and spent six years working in France. He serves a number of high-profile clients from the defence, aerospace and energy industries. 

This international firm's Italian office has a team of lawyers dedicated to advising French clients with operations in Italy and vice versa. The French desk is headed by senior associate Christian Di Mauro, who is admitted to the Bar in both Italy and France. He speaks English, French and Italian, and focuses on life sciences litigation, frequently working with the Paris office to assist French clients with cross-border work.

José Rosell recently represented the Republic of Lithuania in an investor-state arbitration governed by UNCITRAL rules.

Clients say Marc Henry is "reactive, always available and technically adept." He stands out for his experience in arbitration, litigation and ADR, with a focus on corporate reorganisations.

Senior practitioner Axel Baum has a wealth of arbitration and ADR experience, and remains a key member of the team.

Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié and Martine Samuelian are the key contacts for the practice. 

Practice co-head Michael Bühler has in-depth knowledge of the construction sector, and continues to receive high praise from clients: "He inspires confidence, is always in complete control, and is great at understanding the bigger picture."

Arbitrator Sigvard Jarvin has a wealth of experience, having worked on over 200 international arbitration cases. He speaks English, French, German and Swedish, and has particular knowledge of Russia-related cases.

Laurent Martinet heads the litigation team. He has a focus on healthcare and regularly advises pharmaceutical companies.

Up-and-comer Jean-Pierre Harb joined the firm in 2012, bringing considerable international experience to the team. He often acts on disputes in Asia and the Middle East, and speaks Arabic in addition to English and French. "He is methodical and scrupulous, and never leaves anything to chance," say sources.

Jones Day's Brazil practice is made up of lawyers based in Paris and São Paulo. The team acts on cross-border investments for Brazilian clients in France, and also represents foreign companies operating in Brazil. In Paris, the key contact for the desk is global disputes practitioner Laurent Martinet. Marie-Laure Cartier-Marraud is the contact in São Paulo.   

Valérie Bouaziz Torron regularly works on litigation and arbitration cases in the metals and mining industry, and has previous experience of working in francophone Africa.

Litigator Arnaud de La Cotardière combines experience in corporate disputes with a strong criminal litigation practice. He is a firm favourite with clients, who laud his business sense and in-depth understanding of complex cases. One source adds: "He knows how to handle difficult situations. He's a great listener and a real gentleman."

Charles Kaplan joined the firm in May 2013. He is an experienced arbitration counsel with broad knowledge of the energy sector. Interviewees describe him as "a terrific, very bright lawyer with a stable practice."

Jean-Pierre Martel has standout experience in M&A, restructuring and financial and securities mandates.

An expert in commercial arbitration and international litigation, Laurent Jaeger has vast experience in assisting major players from the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, construction and mining industries.

Litigator Philippe Hameau was part of the team which successfully defended Orange in a EUR12 million case brought against it by Gensat Americas.

Jean-Michel Le Prêtre regularly represents French and international clients in M&A, stock exchange and banking disputes.

Senior counsel William Laurence Craig remains an integral part of the practice, with 40 years' experience in international arbitration.

Key partner Dominique Borde covers corporate litigation and white-collar crime disputes, particularly those relating to fraud securities.

Practice head Emmanuel Gaillard retains his position as a leader in investment treaty arbitration, with standout knowledge of Eastern Europe and CIS countries. He recently advised Areva on two ICC arbitrations in Stockholm against Teollisuuden Voima Oyj, worth over USD3 billion. 

Global head of PIL Yas Banifatemi has extensive experience of investment treaty disputes, with sources saying she is "incredibly impressive all round." She is one of two partners representing the Republic of Egypt in an ICSID arbitration initiated by Bawabet Al-Kuwait.

Fernando Mantilla-Serrano's practice focuses on disputes in the Iberian peninsula and Latin America. He recently represented the Republic of Venezuela in a series of ICSID arbitrations. His tremendous reputation is confirmed by sources, who say he is "absolutely fantastic - he's the market leader in Spanish investment treaty work." Mantilla-Serrano is also part of the Latin America and Iberia desk, which represents clients in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations involving parties in Colombia, Peru and Spain, amongst others.

Todd Wetmore has over 15 years of experience in international arbitration and is widely regarded as a specialist in construction disputes. He is highly rated by market observers: "His intellectual capability and client service are striking. He is able to develop pertinent arguments, and he is also a truly talented orator."

Christophe Asselineau heads the firm’s Africa group. A projects specialist, he has advised on transactions and projects in over 20 African countries. The desk advises on dispute resolution, energy and natural resources projects, with a caseload covering both commercial and investment treaty disputes. 

Founding partner Jean Veil has vast experience in civil, commercial and regulatory litigation. He is also an expert in M&A and white-collar crime disputes. Sources confirm his status as a market leader: "We have worked on difficult cases together and he always takes others' opinions into consideration, which is a great quality."

Georges Jourde co-manages the litigation department. He specialises in commercial and civil litigation with a strong focus on insolvency disputes.

Esteemed litigator Emmanuel Rosenfeld handles general commercial litigation, white-collar crime and arbitration.

Well-known figure Yves Schmidt has over 20 years' experience as a corporate lawyer and litigator.

Co-founding partner Nicolas Viguié is well liked by market observers. He maintains an excellent reputation as a litigator.

Practice head Didier Malka is a highly experienced litigator. He successfully defended Natixis against alcoholic beverage producer Belvédère. Both clients and peers admire his talents, saying he "excels at providing strategic analysis."

Internationally respected practitioner Michael Polkinghorne gains plaudits for his wealth of arbitration experience. A recent highlight was leading the team representing Naftogaz in a series of SCC arbitrations to do with the transit, purchase and shipping of gas in Ukraine.

Well known for his expertise in international construction disputes, Christopher Seppälä has world-renowned experience and is an invaluable asset to the firm and clients.

French litigator Philippe Métais regularly advises major banks and corporations on restructuring and insolvency matters.

Up-and-comer Christophe Von Krause is highlighted for his knowledge of the construction, pharmaceutical and oil and gas industries.

Canadian and French national Andrew McDougall is a seasoned international arbitrator, able to practise in English and French. He recently moved to Paris but maintains links to Canada as special counsel to Perley-Robertson, Hill McDougall LLP.

Maurice Lantourne combines standout white-collar crime expertise with a strong restructuring and insolvency practice. Clients include creditors, debtors and investors.

Dominique Mondoloni has significant experience in international arbitration, particularly representing French and foreign companies in cross-border anti-corruption investigations. He speaks Spanish and Italian, in addition to English and French.