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.
Highly regarded in the international arbitration market, Charles is consistently recognized as a key practitioner particularly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. According to Chambers & Partners, clients describe him as an “extremely bright” lawyer on cross-border matters and praise his “commercial insight and dedication.” Ranked among Chambers France’s top International Arbitration lawyers, Charles is said to be “a very good lawyer whose experience in international arbitration is superb.”
Prior to joining ASAFO & CO. Charles led the Paris arbitration team at Orrick. His career has also included working at Herbert Smith & Freehills where he co-headed the international arbitration practice.