Signature Litigation LLP

International Commercial Arbitration, Investor-State Arbitration

With over 15 years’ experience in international arbitrations as counsel, Tsegaye represents international corporates, States and State-owned entities in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations conducted pursuant to the arbitration rules of many of the major arbitration institutions including the LCIA, ICC, ICSID, CRCICA, HKIAC AND UNCITRAL.

Tsegaye has a particular focus in disputes involving complex corporate structures, financial products, accounting and tax issues and matters relating to quantum. He has significant experience in disputes concerning joint ventures, M&A, investment funds and international financing disputes. His expertise primarily lies in the energy sector (oil and gas, nuclear), commodities, infrastructure, mining, technology and telecoms industries.

Tsegaye is particularly known for his expertise in Africa, although his experience over the years spans many geographical regions including MENA, South America and Eastern Europe (former Soviet Bloc).

Tsegaye also acts for sovereign states and corporations in multilateral and bilateral investment treaty disputes. He has developed an expertise in arbitrations involving complex corporate structures, financial products, accounting and tax issues and matters related to quantum. He is listed on the Panel of Recognised International Market Experts in Finance.

Tsegaye’s international arbitration practice increasingly includes appointments as arbitrator, both as sole and co-arbitrator.

In January 2024, Tsegaye was appointed to the P.R.I.M.E. Finance (Panel of Recognised International Market Experts in Finance) Panel of experts/arbitrators, an innovative international collaborative organisation with the aim of assisting with the resolution of disputes concerning complex financial products. In July 2024, Tsegaye was elected as a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court for the 2024-2027 mandate.

Tsegaye is admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and the Paris Bar.

Associate, Allen & Overy LLP, 2007; Counsel, Shearman & Sterling LLP, 2011; Partner, Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, 2021; Partner, Signature Litigation, 2022.

Fluent in English, Amharic and French and conversational Spanish.

Member, ICC International Court of Arbitration (2024-27); Member, ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR (2024-27); Listed, Panel of Recognised International Market Experts in Finance (P.R.I.M.E. Finance); Listed, HKIAC Panel of Arbitrators (2020–25); Listed, AFSA International Panel of Arbitrators (2022-25); Member, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA); Member, Court and Arbitration Committee of the Lagos Court of Arbitration; Member and Blog Moderator, African Arbitration Association; Founding Member, AfricArb.

Université Paris X; Université de Bourgogne ; Université d’Angers.