Practice

Arbitration

Arbitration is the preferred method of resolving international disputes. It provides a neutral and tailored forum for business disputes, particularly in an international context. Characterized by significant procedural flexibility that bridges the differences between national judicial systems, it benefits from a simplified regime for the recognition of awards, ensuring efficiency.

In view of the evolving nature of arbitration, international treaties and case law, companies need support from experienced lawyers who are recognised for their expertise. Gide has a long-standing and renowned expertise in international arbitration, a specialty that has always been one of the firm’s core areas of focus.

Rooted in its strategically-located offices in Paris and London, and supported by its offices in Algiers, Casablanca, Warsaw, and Istanbul, our team has recognised world-class expertise and is familiar with the rules and regulations of the leading arbitration institutions (ICC, LCIA, ICSID, etc.) and UNCITRAL. Some of our members are also renowned arbitrators.

As a multidisciplinary firm, we advise our clients, whether they are public or private companies, States or investors, in complex commercial, investment, institutional and ad hoc proceedings, wherever the arbitration takes place. We support them from the pre-litigation phase (negotiation, mediation, expert opinions, precautionary measures) through to litigation for the recognition and enforcement of awards.

Areas of intervention

  • We represent investors, governments and public bodies in arbitration proceedings relating to investments, including those subject to ICSID rules, on issues of public international law, European law, the law of obligations and tax law.

  • We support project managers, builders, engineers and insurers in arbitration relating to construction and infrastructure projects, including in energy, mining, water and defence, in Africa, Latin America and Europe.

  • We advise operators, suppliers and regulators in arbitration proceedings relating to exploration, production, transport, distribution and supply contracts for hydrocarbons, electricity and natural resources in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

  • We represent shareholders, buyers and sellers in arbitration relating to the acquisition of companies or shareholdings and in disputes between partners, including in the heavy industry, banking, distribution and telecommunications sectors.

  • We represent manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and clients in arbitration involving distribution, sales, supply, transport and service contracts, issues of quality, compliance and product liability and the termination of commercial relationships, including in the agri-food, textile and luxury sectors.

  • We act in proceedings for the setting aside, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards before French and international courts, invoking or contesting grounds of invalidity, public policy, immunity and fraud and requesting or opposing precautionary or provisional measures.

Awards

  • Chambers Global - France 2024

    International & Cross-Border Transactions

    Band 2

    With a team of highly-reputable lawyers that has occupied a longstanding high-end position in the French market, Gide serves a large and broad array of French and international clients. Its full-service practice has a strong appeal for clients across a wide range of cross-border transactional and contentious matters.

  • Chambers Global - France 2024

    International & Cross-Border Disputes

    Band 2

    Demonstrates excellent abilities acting as lead counsel on outbound work and as French counsel on inbound matters.

  • Chambers Global/Europe - France 2024

    International Arbitration

    Band 3

    Gide boasts longstanding expertise in a range of commercial arbitration topics, especially those relating to construction contracts for energy, infrastructure or real estate projects in African, Latin American and European jurisdictions.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2024

    Dispute Resolution

    Band 3

    Highly respected dispute resolution practice with a long-standing commitment to the African continent and a particularly developed presence on mandates relating to the Maghreb and francophone Africa.

  • Chambers Litigation Support - Global-Wide 2024

    Asset Tracing & Recovery (Law Firms)

    Band 4

    Gide's team is made up of skilled and available professionals. They have demonstrated great ability to analyse and synthesize problems."

  • Chambers Global - Europe-Wide 2024

    Arbitration (International)

    Band 5

    Gide handles international arbitration from its Paris office, with further support based in London. The team primarily assists with commercial arbitration proceedings and has experience in cases seated in Paris and Geneva under ICC and Swiss rules. European states also mandate Gide for its strength in UNCITRAL cases regarding mining projects. The team is particularly involved in disputes relating to Africa.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

    Tier 3

    Gide has a combined London and Paris-based practice that handles commercial and investment arbitration cases on behalf of some European and African state entities but predominantly for companies. Strong involvement in Africa-related matters, concerning mining, oil and gas and construction issues.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Algeria 2024

    Dispute Resolution

    Tier 1

    Gide supports its clients throughout the entire dispute life cycle, from the pre-litigation phase and strategy development through to the enforcement of awards and judgments.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Tunisia 2024

    Dispute Resolution

    Tier 1

    The contentious capabilities at Gide are relied upon by multinational clients from sectors ranging from the automotive to healthcare and financial services. The team frequently handles litigations before Tunisian courts and the Tunisian Competition Council as well as arbitrations.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Poland 2024

    Dispute Resolution

    Tier 3

    Gide Warsaw's dispute resolution practice sits within the firm’s international offering, and thus it expertly handles cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings in the commercial, energy, banking and finance, infrastructure, real estate, and employment industries.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - England 2024

    International Arbitration

    Tier 6

    Very strong cross-border team, with various outstanding lawyers in both the Paris and London offices – a particular focus on Africa-related disputes and industries.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - England 2024

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

    Tier 6

    Focused on commercial and investment disputes, predominantly in relation to energy and infrastructure, Gide LLP‘s London group has very detailed knowledge of investment arbitration.

  • Legal 500 United Kingdom - London 2025

    Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration

    Tier 6

    Gide is the number one French firm for international arbitration." "The team from Gide LLP is impressive – produces well-drafted submissions and argues the client’s position effectively. On case management issues, the approach is always constructive, seeking to advance the client’s case.

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