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International arbitration

We advise and represent our clients, both private actors and sovereign entities, in international arbitration disputes worldwide. Our practice is recognized for its expertise in France and across Europe, as well as in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Our lawyers act as counsel or arbitrators in commercial and investment arbitrations conducted under the auspices of leading international arbitration institutions, including the ICC, ICSID, PCA, LCIA, DIAC, CCJA, CMAP, and AFA.

Our multidisciplinary and multilingual team is primarily based in Paris, with additional presence in Abu Dhabi, Geneva, Abidjan, and Dakar. We assist our clients at every stage of a dispute, from the pre-dispute phase through to the enforcement of arbitral awards, while promoting amicable dispute resolution whenever appropriate.

 

Commercial and Investment Arbitration

We assist our clients in commercial disputes arising from international contracts, shareholder conflicts, and post-acquisition disputes. We also represent States and investors in investment arbitrations based on bilateral and multilateral treaties, as well as various investment protection instruments.

We have particular expertise in arbitrations involving State entities, acting for both investors and States. By way of illustration, our team has represented States such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, and Panama in several investment arbitrations in recent years, and has developed strong expertise in commercial arbitrations involving public or semi-public entities.

 

A Strong Geographic Footprint

We maintain a strong regional presence in Africa, Latin America, and the EMEA region. Our longstanding experience in these areas is grounded in an in-depth understanding of local environments, business practices, and the legal, economic, and institutional challenges specific to each region.

 

Recognized Sector Expertise

Our team has recognized sector expertise, particularly in:

  • natural resources (mining, oil & gas);
  • energy (including hydroelectric and photovoltaic projects);
  • construction and infrastructure;
  • industrial contracts;
  • hospitality.

This sector expertise is supported by an integrated firm approach: our arbitration specialists work closely with lawyers who advise our clients on a day-to-day basis in these industries. This cross-functional approach enhances knowledge sharing, provides a refined understanding of market trends, and enables better anticipation of dispute-related risks.

 

Arbitration as a Strategic Tool

Our arbitration practice is grounded in a comprehensive and strategic view of disputes. We approach each arbitration with full consideration of the economic context, market positioning, and commercial priorities of our clients, in order to develop practical and consistent long-term strategies rather than treating arbitration as an isolated event.

In this respect, our dispute strategy fully incorporates the use of interim and conservatory measures available before domestic courts whenever they are likely to strengthen our clients’ position in the arbitration—whether by rebalancing bargaining power or by effectively securing enforcement of the final award.

Cases are handled by highly experienced senior teams who are directly involved at every stage of the proceedings. This continuous involvement ensures a thorough command of the factual, technical, economic, and legal issues in each matter.

 

Economic Analysis and Quantum Assessment

Economic analysis plays a central role in our dispute strategy. The definition and quantification of damages are often decisive to the outcome of a dispute.

We have developed advanced technical expertise enabling us to take a leading role in shaping damages claims strategies, both in written submissions and at hearings, particularly during expert cross-examinations. We work closely with leading technical, economic, and financial experts to provide our clients with a rigorous, credible, and pragmatic approach to damages assessment.

 

Enforcement and Set-Aside Proceedings

We assist our clients with the recognition and enforcement of international arbitral awards. We also act in set-aside proceedings, particularly before the Paris Court of Appeal or before the competent courts depending on the seat of the arbitration.

Examples of support in international arbitration

We represented a subsidiary of an Algerian company in an ICC arbitration initiated as a claimant against French, Malaysian, and Singaporean companies. The dispute arose from the conclusion and execution of a joint venture agreement for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of a desalination plant in Algeria.

We have represented a leading biotech company specialized in the development of genetically modified mice, rats and cell models for clinical research in an ICC arbitration against a Chinese distributor.

We represented two British companies in an ICC post-closing Merger and Acquisition arbitration procedure against a French company. The dispute arose from the French company’s compensation claims regarding the alleged liability of the two British companies in compensating asbestos-related claims.

We represented our Chinese and Congolese (DRC) clients against an Australian and a British company in an ICC arbitration arising from violations of a co-enterprise agreement (concerning the world’s largest lithium extraction project). The arbitration allowed the claimants to terminate the co-enterprise agreement. In the arbitration claim, the plaintiffs are seeking damages and interest amounting to USD 850 million and USD 566 million for our Chinese and Congolese (DRC) clients, respectively.

We assisted an Algerian company in a formal notice procedure initiated by French and Malaysian companies against a partial ICC award on jurisdiction and admissibility.

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Awards

Awards International Arbitration
Le Point
De Gaulle Fleurance recommended in Arbitration Law in the Le Point Statista 2026 ranking
Awards
Legal 500
De Gaulle Fleurance is listed in Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration – Legal 500 Paris 2026
The Legal 500-Pierrick Le Goff.jpg
Awards
Legal 500
Pierrick Le Goff recognised in The Legal 500 2026
The Legal 500-Capucine Du Pac de Marsoulies.jpg
Awards
Legal 500
Capucine Davy du Pac de Marsoulies recognised as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500 2026
Awards
Chambers
Esperanza Barron Baratech ranking for International Counsel in Latin Americain the Chambers Global 2026
Awards
Chambers
De Gaulle Fleurance ranked in the newly renamed Chambers France 2026
Awards
Décideurs
De Gaulle Fleurance recognized in the Décideurs – Leaders League 2025 ranking, category Africa Desk.
Awards
Best Lawyers
De Gaulle Fleurance recognised by the Best Law Firms™ 2026 rankings
Best Lawyer-Pierrick Le Goff.jpg
Awards
Best Lawyers
Pierrick Le Goff recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers France
Best Lawyer-Charles-Edouard Renault.jpg
Awards
Best Lawyers
Charles-Edouard Renault recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers France
Awards
Décideurs
De Gaulle Fleurance recognized in the Décideurs – Leaders League 2025 ranking, category: International Arbitration & Disputes
Awards
Décideurs
De Gaulle Fleurance recognized in the Décideurs – Leaders League 2025 ranking, category: International Arbitration & Disputes

Our professionals

Capucine
Davy - du Pac de Marsoulies
Partner
Diego
Romero
Esperanza
Barrón Baratech
Lawyer - Partner
Pierrick
Le Goff
Partner

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