Charles Kaplan

Ranked in 3 Practice Areas

Band 3

Dispute Resolution

Africa-wide

12 Years Ranked

Band 3

International Arbitration

France

6 Years Ranked

Spotlight

Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators

Africa-wide

4 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

France 2025

About

Provided by Charles Kaplan

Global

Practice Areas

A key figure in international arbitration, Charles has over thirty years of experience and has acted in some of the world’s largest disputes.

He primarily represents energy, infrastructure and industrial leaders active in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere. His experience includes conducting arbitrations on oil production sharing agreements, gas pricing disputes, EPC contracts, tax stabilization agreements, international joint ventures, as well as aircraft development programs.

Charles is qualified as an English barrister and as a French avocat. In addition to investment disputes, he has handled civil as well as common law disputes in a number of jurisdictions in Africa, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He has in-depth experience of arbitrations under all major arbitral rules, including ICC, ICSID, and LCIA rules, among others, and regularly sits as arbitrator.

Career

Orrick

Partner, International Arbitration (2013 – 2023)

Herbert Smith Freehills

Partner, International Arbitration (1996 – 2013)

Coudert Frères

Lawyer (1984 – 1996)

Languages Spoken

English, French, Italian

Professional Memberships

Paris Bar

Education

Cambridge University

B.A. (with honors)

1979

Inns of Court School of Law

1980

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Dispute Resolution - Africa-wide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Charles Kaplan is an accomplished international arbitrator and arbitration counsel who is commended by sources for his extensive experience in investment treaty arbitrations, as well as in contentious matters relating to distribution agreements, loan recovery issues and construction projects. He recently joined ASAFO's Paris office after leaving Orrick.

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International Arbitration - France

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Charles Kaplan of ASAFO remains a well-known name in the French arbitration market. He often assists investors with disputes against sovereign states.

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Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators - Africa-wide

Spotlight

Individual Editorial

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

He is well respected for his oral advocacy.

Dispute Resolution respondent
Chambers Global Guide

We are very happy with Charles Kaplan. He is a truly excellent teammate who is great to work with.