Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s Paris-based team shows particular strength in handling large oil and gas-related disputes, particularly involving Africa and the Middle East. The team is notably managing key mandates linked to Chad, Cameroon and Iraq, and also handles matters pertaining to various other fields (such as tax regulation, telecoms and energy). Its exequatur and set-aside practice is also well regarded. The Parisian practice is co-headed by Jean-Yves Garaud (whose litigation practice is also prominent) and Laurie Achtouk-Spivak. Sarah Schröder also deserves a mention.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The arbitration department's greatest strength is its experience in complex disputes in an international environment; another advantage is its ability to draw on a multitude of experts both by field and geographically.'
- ‘Diverse team with strong regional client relationships in particular in the African energy sector. ’
- ‘Laurie Achtouk-Spivak is my favourite adviser. Her advice is really valuable and she can deal with complex stressful situations. Besides that she is multilingual and a very pleasant person to work with. She is definitely a leading arbitration practitioner in France.’
- ‘Laurie Achtouk-Spivak: Her legal analyses are distinguished by their subtlety and great rigour, making her a lawyer of excellent calibre.'
- ‘The teams with whom I have worked are strategically minded and offer sound business advice in the midst of disputes to go along with their legal expertise. I would hire them for bet the company cases.’
- ‘Laurie Achtouk-Spivak has a vast knowledge of PIL issues and is a master of investor state cases. Her analysis is always clear, effective and actionable. She also excels at hearings when pleading and examining witnesses.'
Key clients
- The Republic of Iraq
- Central Bank of Iraq
- Telecom Italia International N.V and Telecom Italia S.p.A
- The Republic of Chad
Work highlights
Successfully represented the Republic of Iraq in an ICC arbitration against the Republic of Turkey and arising out of Turkey’s violations of a crude oil pipeline agreement for the supply and purchase of crude oil concluded between Iraq and Turkey in 1973 (the ITP Agreement).
Represented the Central Bank of Iraq in connection with an ICC arbitration initiated by Cardno ME Limited (UAE) and post-award proceedings to challenge the award on the grounds of fraud.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jean-Yves Garaud; Laurie Achtouk-Spivak
Other key lawyers
Sarah Schröder