Hogan Lovells Hires Hughes Hubbard Arbitration Team in Paris

Why It Matters

The hire bolsters Hogan Lovells’ ability to capture high‑value, cross‑border arbitration work and positions the firm competitively for the upcoming Cadwalader merger, signaling deeper market commitment in the FRIS region.

Key Takeaways

• Hogan Lovells adds four-lawyer arbitration team from Hughes Hubbard
• Team expands Paris practice to over a dozen fee earners
• Hire supports upcoming Hogan-Lovells and Cadwalader merger in 2026
• Bonnard brings expertise in ICC, ICSID, LCIA, and LMAA arbitrations

Pulse Analysis

Paris remains one of the world’s premier arbitration hubs, hosting the International Chamber of Commerce’s Court of Arbitration and preparing new rules for June. Hogan Lovells, aiming to solidify its disputes platform ahead of the slated 2026 merger with Cadwalader, has accelerated recruitment in the region. By adding Sébastien Bonnard and his three colleagues from Hughes Hubbard, the firm now fields more than a dozen fee‑earning arbitrators in the city. The expanded bench enhances the firm’s ability to handle high‑value commercial, construction, energy and mining disputes under major rules such as ICC, ICSID, LCIA and LMAA.

Bonnard joins Hogan Lovells after a distinguished career that includes leading Hughes Hubbard’s Paris office and directing its Europe‑Africa‑Middle‑East arbitration practice. He previously served at Gide Loyrette Nouel, Lacourte Raquin Tatar, and Brown Rudnick, where he launched the firm’s Paris presence. His reputation as both counsel and arbitrator on ICC, ICSID and other flagship tribunals makes him a magnet for multinational clients seeking sophisticated dispute resolution. Together with practice leader Melissa Ordonez, Bonnard will co‑head the Paris arbitration team, positioning the firm to capture larger, cross‑border mandates as the Cadwalader combination expands its transatlantic footprint.

The hire reflects a broader trend of elite law firms bolstering their arbitration capabilities through lateral moves, especially as global clients demand integrated, multi‑jurisdictional counsel. Hogan Lovells’ recent additions—including teams from White & Case, Singapore’s Rob Palmer and Hong Kong’s Maria Sit—illustrate a concerted push to outpace rivals such as Clifford Chance and Freshfields in the FRIS corridor. For clients, the enlarged Paris bench promises deeper expertise, faster mobilization and stronger representation in complex treaty and investment disputes. As the 2026 merger approaches, the firm’s reinforced arbitration platform is likely to become a decisive factor in winning high‑stakes mandates.