Department profile
White & Case LLP

Dispute Resolution

Global Guide 2026 : Africa-wide


White & Case LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by White & Case LLP

To learn more about our practice, please visit: whitecase.com/law

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution - Africa-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Wall Street law firm White & Case operates an exceptionally well-regarded arbitration practice which is highly visible on Africa-related investor-state and construction matters. Its lawyers possess extensive experience representing states, as well as private entities operating in the oil and gas, financial services, telecoms and insurance sectors. It is especially noted for its dominance in North and francophone Africa, although the firm has taken on cases originating in the majority of African jurisdictions. Its Africa disputes work is typically led by teams in Paris, London and Johannesburg.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • White & Case represented Commisimpex in long-running proceedings to enforce a 2013 arbitral award against the Republic of Congo. Valued at USD1.7 billion, this matter involved a criminal investigation following the Republic's allegations of bribery against one of the original arbitrators.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • White & Case have an excellent level of expertise and excellent availability.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • They have very well-structured team, which is very agile. They are very good technically.

    Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Charles Nairac
    Band 1Charles Nairac

    Charles Nairac

    Charles Nairac is an acclaimed Paris-based layer, known for his assured handling of international arbitrations, including investor-state disputes. He is well positioned to act for both states and foreign investors, with the construction sector being an area of particular strength.

    • Charles is very professional. He has a very high level of expertise in international arbitration and notable experience in Africa.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Michael Polkinghorne
    Band 3Michael Polkinghorne

    Michael Polkinghorne

    Paris-based Michael Polkinghorne is an accomplished disputes lawyer with a practice primarily focused on energy, telecoms and infrastructure matters. He provides litigation and arbitration counsel to clients globally, with considerable activity representing African sovereign states.

  • Band 4Christophe von Krause
    Band 4Christophe von Krause

    Christophe von Krause

    Paris-based Christophe von Krause offers diverse experience assisting commercial clients with ICC arbitrations pertaining to Africa. He is particularly noted for his Algerian disputes work as well as for his frequent handling of construction and petrochemicals cases.

    • He is very good in infrastructure and construction matters.

      Dispute Resolution respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at White & Case LLP (3)

Africa-wide

Members

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