Department profile
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Dispute Resolution

Global Guide 2026 : Africa-wide

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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution - Africa-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Cleary Gottlieb has a highly respected international arbitration and litigation practice centred in Paris, with a wealth of experience acting principally for North and francophone African governments, as well as their state-owned entities, in addition to growing capabilities in anglophone Africa. The firm is renowned for its robust investment treaty practice, which acts for states as well as investors. Its lawyers offer considerable expertise in disputes relating to the natural resources and financial services industries.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A London-based Cleary team was co-counsel to leading French bank Natixis on a multi-stranded dispute involving proceedings before South Africa's Constitutional Court and relating to the sale of certain strategic oil reserves by a South African state-owned company.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their international presence ensures we are well represented in all regions of the world. They have an incredible level of ingenuity defending our interests and they offer great foresight.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

  • The team demonstrates strong analytical skills, a clear understanding of international legal frameworks and the ability to tailor their advice to nuanced institutional and sector-specific contexts.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

  • The Cleary Gottlieb team is known for its specialist knowledge in navigating African disputes.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

  • What distinguishes this department, in my view, is its ability to combine technical excellence with a practical and hands-on understanding of capacity building in emerging markets.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jean-Yves Garaud
    Jean-Yves Garaud

    Jean-Yves Garaud

    Jean-Yves Garaud is based in Paris, from where he is regularly active on Africa-related arbitrations. A highly respected lawyer in his field, he often represents major clients in the energy sector, as well as North and West African governments.

    • Jean-Yves Garaud has extensive experience with disputes in Africa. He does excellent work and is very knowledgeable.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
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  • Laurie Achtouk-Spivak
    Laurie Achtouk-Spivak

    Laurie Achtouk-Spivak

    Up-and-coming partner Laurie Achtouk-Spivak is based in Paris. She has considerable experience representing sovereign states and is well placed to assist with cases conducted under various arbitral rules, including those of the ICC and ICSID.

    • Laurie is a very fast worker - she is very accommodating and puts you at ease.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

    • Laurie has an exceptional command of international dispute resolution, particularly complex sovereign-related cases. She combines intellectual rigour with a very pragmatic, collaborative approach.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
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  • Naomi Tarawali
    Naomi Tarawali

    Naomi Tarawali

    London-based Naomi Tarawali has a strong focus on African disputes matters, with broad-ranging experience representing clients in arbitrations and with regard to the enforcement of arbitral awards.

    • Naomi is a standout up-and-coming lawyer who is calm under pressure and a pleasure to work with.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

    • Naomi is technically very savvy.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (3)

Africa-wide

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