Leading International Arbitration Practitioner Joins Hughes Hubbard in Paris

Paris and New York, September 2, 2022 – Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is pleased to announce that Sébastien Bonnard has joined the firm’s Paris office as a partner in the International Arbitration practice. He brings with him counsel Sabrina Touchard and associate Eleni Jacovides.

An experienced attorney, Sébastien has served as counsel for private and public operators, and as arbitrator in numerous arbitration proceedings, both institutional – including ICC, ICSID, ADCCAC, LCIA, LMAA – and ad hoc. He also represents his clients in arbitration-related disputes in court, including annulment and enforcement of awards. Sébastien’s practice extends to litigation of commercial disputes, liability and industrial risk and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

“Sébastien is a widely respected and effective advocate who is well-known for his impressive experience before some of the world’s leading arbitration organizations,” said Ted Mayer, chair of Hughes Hubbard. “He is a real asset as we continue to build on the tremendous reputation of our arbitration group and Francophone Africa experience. And, as our European hub for much of our global work, Paris continues to play a significant role in our firm’s vision and our strong growth trajectory.”

Hughes Hubbard’s Paris office was founded 56 years ago and has built a leading reputation for dispute resolution and international arbitration; the firm’s arbitration practice represents some of the world’s largest companies in complex disputes arising out of infrastructure projects, international investments, mergers & acquisitions and licensing and distribution agreements.

Sébastien and his team are particularly active in disputes relating to construction, mining, oil & gas, telecommunication, joint ventures, defense, transport and distribution agreements in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He also has significant experience in the negotiation and monitoring of construction contracts, including FIDIC contracts, and the settlement of disputes in relation thereto via adjudication or other forms of ADR. He currently serves as chairperson of a dispute adjudication board appointed in the context of a project for the construction of a nuclear fusion reactor in Europe valued at over €20 billion.

“I have long admired Hughes Hubbard for its leading and internationally respected arbitration practice,” said Sébastien. “The arbitration team is incredibly strong and well-known, well-established and well-placed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Paris, and the firm offers a broad scope of services and synergy capabilities, including in high-stakes litigation, and broadens my abilities to best serve my clients.”

“Our arbitration practice has a history and tradition of excellence that has been recognized internationally for taking on complex arbitration matters and securing positive outcomes for our clients,” said Hagit Muriel Elul and James Boykin, co-chairs of the Arbitration group. “Sébastien is an exceptional and respected arbitration lawyer who has successfully done the same in his practice. We welcome him to Hughes Hubbard and very much look forward to working together.”

Sébastien joins from Brown Rudnick, where he was managing partner of the firm’s Paris office. He is a graduate of the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, where he obtained a Masters (DESS) degree, and DJCE and Magistère post-graduate diplomas in Business Law. In addition to his active practice, Sébastien has been a lecturer since 2009 for the International Business Law Master 2 program at the University of Paris Saclay.