Squire Patton Boggs is regularly entrusted by state entities to assist with major investment disputes (particularly ISCID ones). The Paris-based team, which often combines forces with the firm’s US and other international offices, is a popular choice for Latin American states for large construction, mining and oil and gas investment disputes. The team also handles strategic cases pertaining to Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, dealing with oil and gas investments notably, but also extending to construction, real estate, media and manufacturing investment issues. Additionally, the team also handles some commercial arbitration work and also acts for companies. The Paris team is headed by Carole Sportes and includes the highly regarded José Ricardo Feris, Sabrina AïnouzJérôme Lehucher and Rostislav Pekař (who divides his time between Prague and Paris).

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great team members capacity and case strategy.’
  • ‘José Ricardo Feris: great communication skills, team leader, great work organization skills and strategic thinker.’
  • ‘The team is staffed with some of the most experienced practitioners in the field. They have an impressive track record.’
  • ‘José Ricardo Ferris has extensive experience which allows him to prioritize only the most important aspects of any dispute he works on. Highly value the client's time and money. ’
  • ‘José Ricardo Feris is a strong core of the Paris team, serving Latin America, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East investment and commercial cases. The best of his generation based in Paris.’
  • ‘José Ricardo Feris has expertise in construction, post M&A and energy. He provides the highest quality of work and is sensitive to clients' costs concerns.’

Key clients

  • Republic of Peru
  • Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • Republic of Costa Rica
  • Republic of Ecuador
  • Turkmenistan
  • Republic of Croatia
  • Slovak Republic
  • Romania
  • Rand Investments, Inc
  • Government of Panamá
  • Republic of Latvia
  • Dominican Republic

Work highlights

  • Obtained a total victory for Costa Rica in an ICSID arbitration brought by a Spanish investor in the food industry.
  • Representing the Republic of Peru in a series of three arbitrations relating to the construction of line 2 of the Lima metro, with claims totaling around $2bn.
  • Representing Panama in the Cobre Panama mine dispute.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Carole Sportes

Other key lawyers

José Ricardo Feris, Sabrina Aïnouz, Jérôme Lehucher, Rostislav Pekar