Paul Hastings has added international arbitration partners Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh to its Paris office. The lawyers join from White & Case’s Band 1-ranked International Arbitration practice.
Oger-Gross and Obamuroh advise sovereign states and corporations on complex international commercial and investment disputes. Their practices are particularly focused on matters involving energy, infrastructure and construction projects.
Oger-Gross has more than 20 years of experience handling major arbitration and litigation matters across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. She represents clients in English- and French-language proceedings and also serves as an arbitrator.
Her recent matters include advising an African state in two International Chamber of Commerce arbitrations arising from a multibillion-dollar hydropower project. She has also represented an African state-owned entity in a water-sector investment dispute and energy companies in cases involving long-term gas supply agreements.
Obamuroh focuses on disputes connecting African markets with the international legal system. His experience includes representing African states in ICC and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes proceedings involving construction, energy and mining projects.
International commercial arbitration is generally used to resolve cross-border contractual disputes outside national court systems. Investment arbitration often involves claims concerning the treatment of foreign investments by sovereign governments under treaties, legislation or investment agreements.
The appointments expand Paul Hastings’ arbitration capabilities in Paris, an important center for international dispute resolution. They also support the firm’s broader strategy of adding experienced litigators across Europe and other major markets.
Their arrival follows the addition of a 13-lawyer Paris team led by Antonin Lévy, Ophélia Claude and Joris Monin de Flaugergues. Paul Hastings has also added energy and infrastructure partners Xavier Petet and Benoît Thirion.
The firm said its Litigation Department has expanded through nearly 50 partner hires across practice areas globally during the past four years. Paul Hastings recently strengthened its Brussels operations through the addition of antitrust lawyer Salomé Cisnal de Ugarte.
KEY QUOTES:
“Paris remains an essential hub for international arbitration, and the addition of premier talent like Elizabeth and Tolu to our strong and growing International Arbitration platform further accelerates the momentum we have gained in transforming our elite litigation practice in Europe and globally.”
“Our strong base of elite global clients is fertile ground to gain market share on complex disputes, including international arbitration matters.”
Frank Lopez, Chair of Paul Hastings
“Paul Hastings has an outstanding International Arbitration and Litigation practice. The firm’s platform and reputation among leading institutions, including across Energy and Infrastructure, Global Finance and Private Equity, and in all the critical markets, align with my practice to create a highly attractive proposition for clients who operate globally.”
Elizabeth Oger-Gross, Partner at Paul Hastings
“I’m excited to be joining Paul Hastings’ elite Paris office and arbitration team. The firm’s exceptional platform in Europe continues to serve as a global hub for clients, and I look forward to contributing to its momentum and growth in France, across Europe and Africa, and around the world.”
Tolu Obamuroh, Partner at Paul Hastings
