Freshfields LLP‘s Parisian team retains high-level expertise in the commercial and investment arbitration spaces. Working in close collaboration with colleagues from the firm’s other international offices (London notably), the team handles large mandates on behalf of prominent international corporations and consortiums, spanning various industries (including energy, renewables, infrastructure, and aviation) and geographical zones (such as Europe, Turkey, South America, and Africa). The team’s recognised mastery also earns it instructions on highly sensitive cases, notably assisting clients in dealing with Russian and sanctions issues. Finally, the practice also handles high-stakes exequatur and set-aside proceedings. Star partner Noah Rubins is the top name within the practice, with highly regarded practice head Christophe Seraglini and Alexandra van der Meulen also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I have worked with Alexandra van der Meulen - a bright lawyer, available to deliver complex messages in a very effective way. She was also a very pleasant person to work with.’
- ‘Freshfields Paris stands out with its strong team of experienced arbitration experts and exceptional cross-border reach. The firm excels in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, blending precise legal knowledge with strategic vision. Its ability to pair legal skill with commercial understanding makes it a top choice for high-stakes, multinational cases.’
- ‘Alexandra van der Meulen is an outstanding lawyer who combines clarity, confidence, and depth in her work. She is consistently attentive and thoughtful, ensuring clients feel supported and well-informed throughout. With ease, she handles complex legal and procedural matters, demonstrating both expertise and composure.’
- ‘Established firm, deep experience and expertise, great partners.’
- ‘Dedicated. Through. Sharp.’
- ‘Part of a solid global arbitration practice, able to staff matters using resources from across its network. Good familiarity with Francophone African jurisdictions.’
Key clients
- BP Gas Marketing
- Akfel Commodities Pte Ltd
- iSystems Global BV
- GPIX LLC
- Republic of Albania
- Fotowatio Renewable Ventures BV
- Warburg Pincus (Cayman) XII GP LLC
- Gemini Polska sp zoo
- Polish Pharmacies sp zoo
- Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy
- Mr Aharon Naftaliu Biram
- Redmill Holdings Ltd
Work highlights
Acting for an affiliate of Warburg Pincus and two of its Poland-based portfolio companies in a high-value investment treaty arbitration against Poland under the ICSID Additional Facility Rules concerning measures taken in the pharmacy sector.
Defending Rusoro Mining and Serafín García Armas and Karina García Gruber in post-award proceedings before the French courts against Venezuela.
Acting for Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy in an ICC arbitration arising out of a billion-euro M&A transaction concerning two industrial plants in Italy.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Alexandra van der Meulen
Practice head
Christophe Seraglini
Other key lawyers
Noah Rubins; Alexandra van der Meulen