International arbitration firm Three Crowns LLP routinely acts in billion-dollar disputes, including managing some of the world’s largest arbitration cases, thanks to a 20-strong Paris-based team and a prominent network of international offices. Equally proficient in investment and commercial arbitration, the firm acts for many leading French and international corporations, as well as state entities, in matters linked to various parts of the world, such as Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and more recently to the Balkans (particularly North Macedonia and Montenegro). The practice manages an impressive oil and gas caseload, acting on behalf of corporations which also increasingly turn to the firm for strategic advice on arbitration issues notably linked to Russian sanctions. Finally, the team is increasingly engaged to handle high-stakes exequatur and set-aside award proceedings before the French courts. The highly seasoned Georgios Petrochilos, Todd Wetmore and Kathryn Khamsi co-head the practice, which also includes Shaparak Saleh and Ilija Mitrev-Penushliski.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Three Crowns brings highly specialized knowledge of the arbitration world along with strong legal acumen in the subject matter.’
- ‘Three Crowns stands out in the market when it comes to international arbitration experience. With the partners being hands-on, you are certain that the best work product possible will be achieved.’
- ‘Ilija Mitrev-Penushliski is a great practitioner who is always fully immersed in the case and knows all the intricacies.’
- ‘The team combines profound expertise in international law with a rigorous research-driven approach. They have an outstanding network in the arbitration community, which gives them unique insight and practical influence. We value their speed of response, even in high-pressure situations. Compared with competitors, they stand out for the rare balance between intellectual depth, commercial awareness, and consistent reliability.’
- ‘Georgios Petrochilos is a respected senior presence who adds authority, strategic insight and trusted oversight to every arbitration and legal discussion.'
- 'Ilija Mitrev-Penushliski is a highly engaged contributor whose expertise strengthens arbitration strategy, procedural coordination and precise legal drafting with consistent excellence.’
Key clients
- American Express
- Crescent Petroleum
- DEPA (Public Gas Corporation of Greece A.E)
- Eni
- Elliott Associates
- North Macedonia
- Olayan Financing Company
- TotalEnergies
Work highlights
Acting on behalf of the investors in a significant shareholders' dispute with the majority owner and CEO/chairman of Korea’s third-largest life insurance company.
Successfully defended, in the English High Court, a highly publicised award handed down to Elliott Associates in its arbitration against South Korea.
Representing OFC, as the claimant, in arbitration proceedings worth USD 500 million commenced against the State of Qatar.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
Kathryn Khamsi; Georgios Petrochilos; Todd Wetmore
Other key lawyers
Shaparak Saleh; Ilija Mitrev-Penushliski