Penningtons Manches Cooper has appointed Jean-François Le Gal as a partner and head of international arbitration within its commercial dispute resolution team, strengthening the international law firm’s cross-border disputes capabilities.
Le Gal joins Penningtons Manches Cooper from Pinsent Masons and brings more than two decades of experience in international arbitration and multi-jurisdictional proceedings.
His practice has a particular focus on disputes involving Africa and the Middle East, with sector experience across energy and natural resources, life sciences and healthcare, financial services, infrastructure and technology.
Le Gal recently represented a pan-African conglomerate in a dispute that led to arbitration proceedings before the London Court of International Arbitration, along with related litigation in England and several African jurisdictions. The matters resulted in decisions granting all of the client’s claims.
He has also served as sole arbitrator in International Chamber of Commerce expedited proceedings arising from a renewable energy transaction.
His experience includes acting as lead advocate in high-stakes ICC arbitrations stemming from major oil and gas projects in West Africa and North Africa.
Le Gal is dual qualified in England and France. He is a barrister in England and Wales and an Avocat au Barreau de Paris.
Based in London, he will work closely with Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Paris office and other international teams to support clients across the EMEA region.
Le Gal is recognized by Legal 500 for international arbitration and is also listed in the Lexology Index.
In addition to representing clients in disputes, he regularly serves as an arbitrator, including as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and tribunal chair. He is registered with institutions including the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, CRCICA and CCJA-OHADA Arbitration Centre.
His appointment forms part of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s strategy to expand its international disputes capabilities and grow the firm’s arbitration work across key global markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“Jean-François is a highly respected international arbitration lawyer with an outstanding reputation in the market. His arrival represents a significant step forward in our ambitions to build a market-leading international disputes practice.”
Kamran Rehman, Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution at Penningtons Manches Cooper
“International arbitration is a key strategic growth area for the firm and Jean-François brings exactly the experience and international reach we need to accelerate that growth. His expertise across key markets will enable us to deepen relationships and expand the range of high-value disputes work we can undertake.”
Clare Arthurs, Head of Strategy for Dispute Resolution at Penningtons Manches Cooper
“It’s fantastic to be joining Penningtons Manches Cooper at such an exciting stage in the firm’s strategic journey. The disputes team has built a reputation for handling complex, high-value matters typically associated with very large teams and is ambitious to grow further.
“There is a significant opportunity to build on the firm’s existing cross-border expertise and develop a truly integrated international arbitration offering. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with colleagues across London, Paris and the wider international network.”
Jean-François Le Gal, Partner and Head of International Arbitration at Penningtons Manches Cooper
