Most lawyers in Europe studied only law. We studied and earned degrees in business before taking up the law. Between us we have over a half-century of experience working with businesses in arbitration. Understanding the commercial aspects of the case is key. For us it comes naturally.

We bring to the table a common-law background and a civil-law background. While based in France for much of our professional lives, we have worked in common law jurisdictions and on cases and with clients from every region of the world. We know how to work with arbitrators and counsel around the world and to deal with cases governed by a wide variety of laws.

Each of us has served in government, served as counsel to governments, state enterprises and inter-governmental organizations or served as an expert appointed by government. We know how governments function and the sovereign and policy interests implicated in international arbitrations involving them.

Procedure in international arbitration is flexible. This means that the parties, with their counsel and the tribunal, can design a procedure that is particularly efficient for resolving a specific case. We know how to deliver a time – and cost – efficient procedure, whether as arbitrator or as counsel.

In international arbitration, facts and details matter. Whether as arbitrator or as counsel, we bring a detail-oriented approach to everything we do. A key reason is that facts matter, before the law does. It is not possible to aim at the “big picture” of the case, a key component of what any arbitrator or counsel should do, if one does not understand the relevant facts first. We do not know any other way of doing things. This means being fully prepared for every hearing, which in turn means knowing what details matter and which do not.

Once the facts are established, international arbitrations often turn on the fine points of the contract, the law or the treaty. Engaging deeply in debate on the applicable legal provisions is, for us, one of the most rewarding things we do. As arbitrators, we identify the key questions before the tribunal and ensure the parties have an opportunity to address them. As advocates, we explain complex concepts in simple terms.

Parties want arbitrators to give effect to the rights and obligations spelled out in their contracts or treaties. Parties value predictable outcomes based on what they have agreed. As arbitrators, we aim to satisfy this expectation. As counsel, we strive to demonstrate the value of predictability to tribunals.

While we have practiced for most of our careers in large international law firms, we have always had the spirit of working as small and nimble teams. Being nimble is still at the heart of our approach as counsel or arbitrator.

At the highest levels of practice, international arbitration is a relatively small community. We know this community well. International arbitration is all we have done for decades. We know how tribunals work.