Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP has a solid Parisian practice, which also benefits from the firm’s international network of offices (notably in Washington DC) in managing commercial and investment arbitration disputes. The practice acts for state entities (particularly in African states) and many companies, including several major French corporations in disputes often linked to Africa, and notably raising licence and concession issues. The team also deals with post-M&A disputes and exequatur cases. Sébastien Bonnard, who also sits as an arbitrator, is the key name within the practice. Also involved are Sena Agbayissah, Alexander Marcopoulos and Sabrina Touchard.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Hughes Hubbard has a strong international arbitration team that works as one group across offices and practice groups. Each case receives input from the best people in different areas, without barriers.’
- ‘Alexander Marcopoulos stands out as an exceptional specialist in arbitration proceedings, particularly in complex energy and construction disputes. His deep knowledge of the sector, strategic thinking, and ability to anticipate procedural and substantive challenges set him apart from competitors.’
- ‘It is a highly collaborative and collegial team that works with co-counsel in an efficient, commercial, and practical manner. The arbitration team is strengthened by the strong support of other teams, including compliance, sanctions, and finance.’
- ‘Alexander Marcopoulos truly stood out. He was exceptionally responsive, driven, and demonstrated deep expertise in investor-state arbitration. Within just a few days, he was able to analyse the key aspects of a complex matter.’
- ‘Alexander Marcopoulos stands out for his knowledge of international arbitration and his commercial approach. He quickly understands the client’s business and industry, especially in the energy and construction sectors, and then designs the strategy that best protects the client’s interests.’
Key clients
- ITER / Fusion for Energy
- Yves Martine Garnier
- Château Vallée des Roses
- Mohammad Reza Khalilpour Bahari
Work highlights
Representing a group of foreign investors in a bilateral investment treaty dispute against the Republic of Bulgaria arising out of the destruction of an investment in the wine-making industry following a fire caused by government-owned weapons manufacturer VMZ.
Acting for an investor in a BIT arbitration against Azerbaijan arising of the expropriation of an Iranian investor’s investments in food processing.
Practice head
Sébastien Bonnard; Alexander Marcopoulos
Other key lawyers
Sena Agbayissah; Sabrina Touchard