Question no. 1: To begin with, could you tell us about your career path and what guided your decision to pursue arbitration? If you had any hesitations, what ultimately made you decide?
After a gap year, I began my studies with a double degree in French and English law, while also pursuing an interest in political science and international relations. I then went on to complete a master’s degree in international law at the Sorbonne, where I discovered arbitration. I sought to advance my career in this field by acquiring international experience. Therefore, I chose to pursue an LL.M. at NYU with a concentration in arbitration. Participating in this program enhanced my theoretical understanding of investment law and commercial arbitration, while providing valuable exposure to the practical expertise of distinguished professors and practitioners at NYU.
After completing my LL.M., I worked six months at the United Nations (UN), a dream job for anyone interested in international relations. Within the Office of Legal Affairs, I joined the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, where I worked on two cases related to arbitration: the conflict in the South China Sea between several countries, including China and the Philippines; and the dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago.
I then worked at the Secretariat of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in New York, and at an international criminal court in The Hague. These experiences gave me a better understanding of how an arbitration institution and an international court work.
Back in France, I completed two internships at Anglo-Saxon law firms in Paris. My first two cases (investment arbitration in Colombia and commercial arbitration in the field of aeronautics) allowed me to fully enter the world of international arbitration. During my time at law firms, I enjoyed the dynamic nature of the work, punctuated by the various procedural deadlines, as well as the in-depth examination of a case from every angle within a close-knit team.
After these internships, I joined the law firm Gide as an associate.
I am attracted to arbitration for its broad international reach and the substantial public interest embedded in investment arbitration. I now devote a significant part of my time to investment cases, including a notable case for the French Republic. I value the diversity of cases, which span multiple fields and industries. For example, one day may involve a construction matter, while the next may concern aeronautics. Each case presents its own distinct characteristics.
Question no. 2: After working at the UN, the ICC, and international courts, you chose to practice international arbitration in a law firm. What did you learn behind the scenes at these institutions that you wouldn’t have learned in a law firm? How did these experiences shape your understanding—even your philosophy—of arbitration practice?
As mentioned earlier, these experiences allowed me to discover different players in the field of arbitration and to develop an eclectic view of dispute resolution. At the ICC, I was able to understand how institutions work and was exposed to the review of arbitral awards. During my experience at the United Nations and in international courts, I gained exposure to various dispute resolution mechanisms. Additionally, I deepened my understanding of the political dimensions inherent in each dispute involving a State and recognized the importance of pursuing peaceful means of resolution.
Question no. 3: If you could change one thing about your internship experiences, what would it be?
I would have liked to learn more about the business side of things to better understand clients’ expectations and their areas of expertise. Upon graduating from university, we are able to analyse legal issues from a theoretical perspective. As a lawyer, you must find practical solutions that address not only legal concerns but also risk and benefit factors in a broader context. It is essential to understand this context and the client’s objectives. It is sometimes possible to achieve the result desired by the client without resorting to litigation, for example by exploring negotiation.
Question no. 4: The LL.M. is often seen as a springboard for young arbitration practitioners. Looking back, how do you view the real value of this experience in developing an international practice?
The LL.M. is a unique experience both academically and personally.
Academically, it is an opportunity to experience a different teaching style and environment. In the United States, the “Socratic” method of questioning students during class is often confusing at first but very enriching. Practical courses taught by practitioners (such as oral advocacy or negotiation courses) allow students to acquire skills that are generally developed later in a lawyer’s career. There are also many opportunities to publish in journals and participate in conferences and symposiums. An LL.M. effectively supplements a strong foundation in one’s home jurisdiction’s law. The LL.M. program enables students to cultivate a comparative understanding of civil law and common law systems
On a personal level, doing an LL.M. is first and foremost a way to step outside your comfort zone and discover a new environment. The LL.M. is an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and legal cultures whom you will encounter again in your professional life.
It can be helpful to begin an LL.M. program with a clear plan and specific objectives, such as obtaining foreign bar admission, improving English proficiency, or developing a specialty. This approach enables better anticipation of steps toward securing an associate position in arbitration, finding initial employment, or gaining international experience.
Question no. 5: During your LL.M. at NYU, you were a mediator at the NYU Mediation Clinic, where you participated in contract and labour law mediations. Do you think this mediation experience helped you become a better arbitration lawyer? Would you advise students interested in litigation and arbitration to also train in mediation?
It was mainly out of curiosity. Mediation builds skills valuable for a legal career, including listening, communication, analysis, and synthesis. Skills like client relations, negotiation, and grasping key interests are important. Mediation experience can benefit your career growth.
Question no. 6: You have been working at Gide as an associate for just over two years. Can you tell us a little about the firm’s arbitration team and your day-to-day work?
The arbitration team at Gide is made up of around fifteen people in Paris, speaking several languages (English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Portuguese) and of various nationalities. Geographically, we work on cases in Africa, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We handle investment and commercial arbitration cases, and arbitration-related litigation cases before French courts.
My daily responsibilities primarily involve managing two or three principal cases, overseeing each phase of the arbitration process — including the submission of briefs, document production, and the conduct of hearings. In each phase, I assess the case’s facts and legal issues. After conducting an initial factual and legal analysis, I work closely with the senior associate and the partner to establish a strategic approach for drafting briefs or preparing oral arguments for hearings. Next comes the drafting of the arguments, which represents a significant part of my work.
Additionally, my responsibilities include managing client relations, which consist of routine communication regarding case progress, addressing client requests and needs, and participating in the development of case strategies.
Question no. 7: In your opinion, as a practitioner, is there a quality or habit that really makes the difference in terms of success in the early years of practice?
The first necessary quality is the ability to adapt. The early years are an important period of learning and, above all, exposure to new situations. You must be prepared to perform certain tasks for the first time and face situations that were previously unknown to you. This implies that, at times, it is necessary to embrace discomfort and acknowledge the possibility of making mistakes. This process is necessary for gaining experience and building skills.
Another necessary quality is organization. Young lawyers are responsible for understanding and managing their case files. Arbitration cases are often complex, so anticipating both procedural and internal deadlines is essential. Achieving this objective requires effective communication with all team members and demonstrating initiative.
A final essential habit for achieving success early in your career is to ensure that you allocate personal time for yourself. Our work is very interesting yet demanding. A case can quickly take up an unexpected amount of space in your life! To be able to last and continue to enjoy yourself, it is important to be able to take a step back. This can be done by getting involved in the arbitration community or in other areas that interest you (music, sports, etc.). Personally, I allocate specific times throughout the year to engage in activities such as mountaineering, diving, and participating in marathons. I also try to allocate time to read books on topics outside of law, as these can occasionally provide relevant ideas for my work.
Question no. 8: During your LL.M. at NYU, you published an article on the EU’s reform of the investment dispute resolution system. Can you tell us about this system and what you think of the current reforms (or proposed reforms) put forward by the EU?1
The purpose of the article was to critically examine the European Union’s proposals for reforming the investment dispute resolution system, with the aim of highlighting both the benefits and potential drawbacks of these reforms. Investment arbitration, much like other legal and dispute resolution mechanisms, is fundamentally dependent on user confidence in the system’s capacity to administer justice that is both fair and effective. Socio-economic and political issues have evolved with the emergence of new considerations such as environmental protection, the fight against climate change, and the protection of Indigenous peoples. Some States believe the current investment arbitration system overlooks these new issues.
On the other hand, the creation of a permanent arbitration court would allow for greater predictability. Nevertheless, the establishment of a judicial body involves various practical considerations, including the process of appointing judges. For instance, within the WTO’s permanent dispute settlement system, certain States have blocked judge appointments, resulting in the mechanism becoming inactive. We must not stop at the first counter-example. Any initiative that challenges the status quo is valuable, as it fosters continuous improvement and adaptation within the system. The EU’s reform project has prompted discussion and consideration regarding potential improvements to the existing system for resolving disputes between States and investors. Further developments are forthcoming.
- This response is provided in an individual capacity and does not represent the views of my firm. ↩︎