Théobald Naud

Partner

Théobald Naud: very impressive. Exceptional in pleadings, always accessible. Very effective and very clear.

— Client, The Legal 500 EMEA 2024

About

Théobald Naud is an international disputes lawyer, representing clients in complex commercial and investment arbitration disputes often involving States or State-owned enterprises.

His experience spans a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, food and drinks, mining and natural resources, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications.

Théobald has significant experience in arbitration proceedings administered by ICSID, the ICC, the LCIA and the PCA, as well as under various ad hoc rules, including UNCITRAL.

Areas of FocusLitigation, Arbitration and Investigations Regulatory and Government Affairs International Arbitration Industrials Energy and Natural Resources

Professional QualificationsAvocat admitted to the Paris BarSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

Representing Naval Group in the successful resolution of its EUR555m dispute with the Commonwealth of Australia following the early termination of the Future Submarine Program in the wake of the conclusion of the AUKUS deal.
Representing U.S. investors in an ICSID arbitration against Georgia relating to an investment in the field of industrial production. (Mirian G. Dekanoidze and T.G. Trade LLC v. Georgia (ICSID Case No. ARB/23/45)).
Representing a Swiss investor in an ICSID arbitration against Georgia relating to an investment in the real estate sector (Basel LLC and Waldmann v Georgia, (ICSID Case No. ARB/23/23)).
Representing AVZ in ICSID arbitration proceedings against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in relation to mining rights concerning a USD9bn lithium project (AVZ International Pty Ltd., et al. v. Democratic Republic of the Congo, (ICSID Case No. ARB/23/20)).
Representing Hungary in an ICSID arbitration brought by a British investor with respect to an investment in the waste recycling industry (ARB/21/66).
Representing Hungary in a multi-million dollar ICSID arbitration against Jordanian investor Mazen Al Ramahi with respect to an investment in the tourism industry (ARB/17/45).
Representing Hungary in a multi-million dollar ICSID arbitration brought by British investors Magyar Farming Company Ltd with respect to an investment in the agricultural sector (ARB/17/27).
Representing Messrs. De Sutter and (DS)2 S.A. in a multi-million dollar ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Madagascar relating to an investment in the textile manufacturing sector (ARB/17/18).
Representing the Republic of Kenya in annulment proceedings in defense of an ICSID arbitral award issued with respect to a dispute against British mining investors Cortec Mining Company Limited, Cortec (Pty) Limited and Stirling Capital Limited regarding mining rights (ARB/15/29).
Representing the Republic of Guinea in parallel multi-billion dollar ICSID arbitrations, as well as follow on ICSID annulment proceedings, brought by BSG Resources Limited and affiliated companies relating to the withdrawal of mining licenses and related rights (ARB/14/22).
Representing Hungary in annulment proceedings against an ICSID arbitral award issued with respect to a dispute against French investor Le Chèque Déjeuner concerning food voucher services (ARB/13/35).
Representing Hungary in revision and annulment proceedings against an ICSID arbitral award issued with respect to a dispute against French investor Edenred S.A. concerning food voucher services (ARB/13/21).
Representing Hungary in revision and annulment proceedings against an ICSID arbitral award issued with respect to a dispute against Portuguese investor Dan Cake S.A. concerning food products (ARB/12/9).
Representing the Republic of Moldova in Franck Charles Arif v. Moldova, an ICSID arbitration brought pursuant to the France-Moldova bilateral investment treaty. Most of the claims were rejected, with Claimant awarded only four percent of the damages sought (ARB/11/23).
Representing Turkcell in Turkcell v. Islamic Republic of Iran, a multi-billion dollar UNCITRAL Rules bilateral investment treaty arbitration administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, relating to the termination of a contract for the first private GSM license in Iran.

Languages

Education

University College of London, European law, LLM, 2005

University of Essex, French and English law, LLB, 2004

University of Paris X, French law, 2003

Awards

Publications

Seminars

Prior Experience

Théobald was educated in England and in France. He started his career at DLA Piper in London before joining DLA Piper’s Paris office in 2009.

Memberships And Affiliations

Théobald is a member of various professional organizations, including the International Arbitration Commission of ICC France, the Comité Français de l'Arbitrage and the IBA Arbitration Committee.