Geoffroy Lyonnet
Hall of fameCurtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLPCurtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is highly regarded for its expertise in representing state entities in large investment disputes – the firm applies a rare and unique policy of acting only for states and state-owned entities in investor-state arbitration. The team regularly handles large cases on behalf of Kazakhstan but also manages cases dealing with European countries and Africa. It acts in large oil and gas and mining disputes in addition to many other issues. The practice also has strong knowledge of exequatur and set aside proceedings, while the firm’s international platform is another asset. The team is co-headed by Geoffroy Lyonnet and Peter Wolrich. Also involved are Rémy Lerner and Marie-Claire Argac.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team not only has extensive experience in arbitration procedure, being able to assist clients in arbitrations governed by multiple regulators, but also has the ability to understand technical concepts which are fundamental for litigation in construction matters.’
‘Curtis' arbitration team is one of the best in the world, with deep expertise in defending the interests of states.’
‘Peter Wolrich is a big name in international arbitration, and rightly so. He has a perfect command of his cases, and the talent to present them to a court in the most convincing manner. His teams, in turn, always live up to his demands.’
‘Very professional and specialised in the sole area of disputes involving States.’
‘The firm is highly regarded with respect to international arbitration. They are extremely professional in drafting arbitration clauses and representing clients before arbitral tribunals as well as regarding recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.’
‘Marie-Claire Argac and Peter Wolrich are definitely stand-out partners, reputed internationally for their arbitration expertise. They have strong arbitration backgrounds, they lead teams of really skilled lawyers and have handled some of the most important arbitration cases on the market. Besides being exquisite professionals, they are very efficient communicators, with sound management skills.’
‘Marie-Claire Argac is a brilliant practitioner who explains the law and the facts elegantly and persuasively. Peter Woolrich is a very experienced arbitration practitioner with a keen eye to making complex matters easy to understand and digest.'
Key clients
- The Republic of Kazakhstan
- National Oil Corporation of Libya
- Romania
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of the Congo
- Republic of India
- The Dominican Republic
Work highlights
- Representing the Republic of Congo in an ICC arbitration initiated by local mining company Avima Fer and its majority shareholder Greyridge following the withdrawal of the company’s mining exploitation license due to its failure to develop and exploit an iron ore deposit in Congo.
- Representing the Republic of Congo in an ICC arbitration initiated by a local mining company Congo Iron and its majority shareholder Sundance following the withdrawal of the company’s mining exploitation license following its failure to develop and exploit an iron ore deposit in Congo.
- Representing the Republic of Kazakhstan in an ICSID arbitration against AS Windoor, an Estonian design and construction company specialized in glass manufacturing.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Peter Wolrich
Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Geoffroy Lyonnet, Peter Wolrich