Capabilities

International public law

Whether in advisory or contentious matters, we assist our clients—states, public or private companies, and international organizations—in addressing issues related to international public law. This field encompasses the relationships between states, international organizations, and private individuals within the international legal order, based on treaties, customs, and general principles of law that establish the rights and obligations of its subjects.

Areas of expertise in international public law

Advisory services in international public law

We provide advisory services to clients on issues of international public law affecting their activities. In this context, we offer insights into the relevant international legal framework and identify potential remedies available to them.

Investment arbitration proceedings

We assist clients in investment arbitration proceedings before the leading arbitration institutions (ICC, UNCITRAL, ICSID, PCA, OHADA/CCJA, etc.). These proceedings are often based on bilateral investment treaties, local laws (such as investment codes, mining codes, or petroleum codes), and international contracts (such as infrastructure agreements, public-private partnerships, or economic development agreements).

State immunities

We represent clients in arbitration and litigation (including enforcement actions) on issues involving state jurisdictional immunities and the immunity from execution of states and their entities, acting for both claimants and respondents.

Air law

We assist clients in both advisory and contentious matters concerning air law, particularly regarding regulations issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Our services cover a wide range of areas, including airline operations, regulatory issues, and challenges related to aircraft maintenance.

Space law

We support clients in all matters related to space law, including the development of space activities, satellite law, and issues concerning the exploration and use of outer space.

Treaty law

We assist states and international organizations in drafting, negotiating, and implementing international treaties. Additionally, we provide analysis and interpretation of treaties impacting our clients’ activities.

Territorial and maritime boundary law

We advise clients, in both advisory and contentious contexts, on matters related to territorial and maritime boundary law. Our expertise includes issues of boundary delimitation and the rights of states and private individuals in various zones of state sovereignty.

Examples of support in international public law

Advising on treaty law

We advised a state on the negotiation and implementation of a multilateral treaty addressing cross-border environmental issues, ensuring compliance with international standards and alignment with national policies.

Support in investment arbitration

We represented a client in an investment arbitration case under the ICSID framework concerning a public infrastructure project. The dispute involved claims under a bilateral investment treaty and local laws regulating public-private partnerships.

Assistance in air law

We assisted an international airline in resolving regulatory disputes with aviation authorities, providing strategic guidance on compliance with ICAO standards and negotiating resolutions regarding aircraft maintenance requirements.

Support in space law

We advised a satellite operator on regulatory compliance with international space treaties and national space legislation, including issues related to orbital slots and frequency allocations.

Contentious matters involving state immunity

We defended a private company in enforcement proceedings against a foreign state, navigating complex issues of jurisdictional immunity and immunity from execution.

Maritime boundary delimitation

We represented a client in a dispute over maritime boundary delimitation, offering legal analysis and advocacy in proceedings before an international tribunal to safeguard their rights in exclusive economic zones.

Do you need assistance?

Find out how our professionals can put their skills and experience to work for you in this area.

Deals

Deals 16 October 2024

De Gaulle Fleurance supports the Collectivité de Guyane and the Société Publique d’Aménagement Numérique de la Guyane in the launch of the first transatlantic submarine cable