Christophe von Krause
Biography
Overview
Christophe von Krause is a partner in White & Case's top-ranked international arbitration practice. He serves as head of the Firm's EMEA Disputes Section for International Arbitration and Head of EMEA Africa Disputes Group. He has appeared before a variety of international arbitral tribunals under the rules of the major arbitration institutions, such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC), and ad hoc arbitral tribunals, including under the UNCITRAL rules. His sector experience includes, in particular, construction, oil and gas, hotels and leisure, pharmaceuticals, and corporate disputes. Christophe also has extensive experience advising on pre-arbitration disputes and negotiating complex dispute settlement agreements. He also has experience as arbitrator.
Christophe has represented clients in both English and French language arbitrations. He performs written and oral advocacy in both languages. He has worked with the civil laws of numerous jurisdictions, in particular in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Asia, and has represented clients from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds.
Christophe is ranked by legal publications as a leading arbitration and disputes practitioner. He is described as "a reliable, smart practitioner ready to listen to any issues that bother the client", "strategically-minded, very knowledgeable and incredibly accessible", with "a capacity for analysis, synthesis and reactivity" and "ability to distil complex issues"; he "reassures the client and makes it clear to them that their interests can be protected" (Chambers Global). Christophe is also noted for his "wealth of experience and knowledge about international arbitration in relation to construction" and is referred to as "in every respect an excellent and outstanding lawyer" who "stands out for international arbitration" (The Legal 500). Christophe is also noted in the "Legal 500 Hall of Fame" for Algeria, which highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.
Experience
ICC arbitration on a major construction and infrastructure project in North Africa, 2014 – ongoing
Christophe is representing a consortium of international foreign contractors in ICC arbitration proceedings related to a major infrastructure project.
ICC arbitration on an infrastructure construction project in South East Asia, 2014 – ongoing
In an ICC arbitration governed by a South East Asian law, Christophe is representing a contractor in connection with a major infrastructure project.
ICC arbitration on a plant construction dispute in the Middle-East, 2013– ongoing
Christophe is representing a foreign contractor in an ICC arbitration related to the construction of a manufacturing plant in the Middle-East.
ICC arbitration on a corporate M&A dispute, 2013
Christophe represented a seller in a corporate M&A dispute in ICC arbitration proceedings, regarding price adjustment and representations and warranties indemnification.
ICC arbitration on a major infrastructure project in Scandinavia, 2008 - ongoing
Christophe has been acting in ICC arbitrations in Stockholm and in related adjudication disputes regarding the design and construction of a major infrastructure project.
ICC arbitration on a pharmaceutical joint venture dispute, 2011
In an ICC arbitration in Geneva, governed by Swiss law, Christophe represented a client in a joint venture dispute in the pharmaceutical sector.
SCC arbitration on an industrial facility in Russia, 2009 - 2010
In an SCC arbitration in Stockholm, governed by Russian law, Christophe represented a client in a matter relating to the construction of an industrial facility in Russia.
Arbitrations on various hospitality disputes, 2004 - 2010
Christophe represented international hotel operators in various arbitration proceedings regarding hotel operations and constructions in various countries in Africa, Eastern and Western Europe. In particular he represented a client in an ICC arbitration in Paris, governed by Algerian law, arising from the operation of a hotel in Algiers.
"Enforcing Award – The New York Convention and More", 5 November 2013: LCA Regional ADR Conference West Africa, Lagos, Nigeria
"Anti-Corruption and Bribery Facing Tribunals in International Arbitration", 25 October 2013: ICC Canada International Arbitration Conference, Toronto, Canada
"The Arbitrator and Confidentiality in Arbitration", 12-13 October 2013: 4ème Journées d'Etudes Mohand Issad, Algiers, Algeria
South Africa issues draft bill on investment protection without general recourse to international arbitration for foreign investors, Option Droit & Affaires, 4 December 2013, (Refonte du droit des investissements en Afrique du Sud: vers l'exclusion d'un droit de recours général à l'arbitrage international) (co-author with Gaëlle Filhol)
International arbitration: French judges confirm that Paris is the leading place, LJA, 4 April 2011, (Arbitrage international: les juges français confirment la place de Paris sur le devant de la scène)
International arbitration: Streamlining, while competition heats up, PLC Magazine, 25 March 2011
Efficiency and security of arbitration: Paris scores big, La Tribune, 20 March 2011, (Efficacité et sécurité de l'arbitrage: Paris transforme l'essai)
New French arbitration law clarifies role of national courts and reinforces recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards, Kluwer International, 25 February 2011
The European Commission's Opposition To Intra-EU BITs And Its Impact On Investment Arbitration, Kluwer International, 28 September 2010
Construction arbitration: contract termination and call of the guarantees, Global Arbitration Review, March 2010
Existence and Validity of an Arbitration Agreement: The French Supreme Court Confirms that the Validity of an Arbitration Agreement Depends Primarily on the Common Intent of the Parties, Kluwer International, 27 January 2010
International Arbitration and French Insolvency Proceedings: French Supreme Court Reiterates Importance of Public Policy, Kluwer International, 28 October 2009
Phoenix Action Ltd. v. The Czech Republic, ICSID Case No. ARB/06/5, Award of April 15, 2009 – Concept of investment under the ICSID Convention revisited, Kluwer International, 28 July 2009
Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2023 – France
"Thought Leader: Arbitration" 2021 Who's Who Legal
Christophe is also noted in the "Legal 500 Hall of Fame" for Algeria, which highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.
Who's Who Legal Arbitration: Future Leaders – Partners (2018)
Leading Lawyer, Chambers Global 2017, Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration – France
"Specialises in commercial arbitration, with particular knowledge of the construction, energy and natural resources and pharmaceuticals sectors. He has also been active in complex infrastructure disputes involving states in Asia and Africa"; "He is a reliable, smart practitioner ready to listen to any issues that bother the client."
Expert Based Abroad, Chambers Global 2017 – Algeria
"A well-respected practitioner in arbitrations related to the oil and gas sector"; "He is a very strong lawyer - if he has looked over the work then I am comfortable."
Recommended Lawyer, The Legal 500 2016, Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration – France
"Has wealth of experience and knowledge about international arbitration in relation to construction and outstanding abilities to manage a team."
Leading Individual, The Legal 500 2016, Foreign Firms – Algeria
"Strong track record and local knowledge"
Ranked among the 50 most influential lawyers in Francophone Africa for 2016, Jeune Afrique
