International arbitration firm Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes impresses by the sheer size of its team (almost 60 lawyers worldwide) and geographical reach (the firm opened new offices in Cairo and Abu Dhabi in 2025), which allows it to handle work in multiple languages (including Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian). The firm is retained by states (Egypt and Algeria being two key clients) and state entities as well as large corporations, including Asian clients, to assist with high-profile investment and commercial arbitration. Very active in matters linked to the Arabic world, the practice is regularly involved in many of the region’s most high-stakes disputes, spanning construction, oil, gas, mining and energy projects. Its caseload also covers many other geographical areas, including South America and Europe. High-profile exequatur proceedings are also dealt with. Practice head Yas Banifatemi and Mohamed Shelbaya (who is based in Paris and Cairo) need no introduction. Also recommended are Coralie Darrigade, Maude Lebois, and Benjamin Siino, as well as Thomas Parigot, James Herbert, Youssef Daoud (who divides his time between Paris and Cairo), Anders Junker-Nilsson and André Marini. Yael Ribco Borman and Peter Frilay also deserve a mention.
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Key clients
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei)
- Electricité de France
- Engie
- Dassault S.A.
- Mubadala PJSC
- Majority shareholders of former Yukos Oil Company
- Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS)
- Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC)
- Sonatrach
- Sonangol
- Georgia
- Republic of Algeria
Work highlights
Representing the Arab Republic of Egypt in two investment arbitrations involving USD 56 billion worth of claims brought under the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Agreement.
Secured a USD 100 million award on behalf of Engie Energía Chile in an arbitration arising from an LNG sale and purchase agreement.
Representing Huawei in an investment arbitration against Sweden regarding measures that have resulted in Huawei’s exclusion from Sweden’s 5G network.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Yas Banifatemi
Other key lawyers
Mohamed Shelbaya; Coralie Darrigade; Maude Lebois; Benjamin Siino; Thomas Parigot; James Herbert; Youssef Daoud; Anders Junker-Nilsson; André Marini; Yael Ribco Borman; Peter Frilay