Pinsent Masons boosts disputes capability with double hire

In moves reflecting the firm's continued investment in international development in the energy and infrastructure sectors, John Gilbert, former Senior Legal Counsel at BP, joins in London while construction disputes specialist Frédéric Gillion joins in Paris. Both specialise in international arbitration and join as Partner. 

John has spent the past five years in the Litigation Group of the Legal Department at BP, where he was involved in some of the energy giant's most complex commercial disputes around the world. He is expected to help bolster the firm's capability in international energy disputes work. Prior to joining BP, John was a lawyer at Herbert Smith for 7 years.     

Frédéric Gillion has 13 years experience in private practice following the completion of a double degree in English and French law at King's College, London and the University of Paris I - Sorbonne. He has worked with several major international contractors on matters spanning Francophone and Civil Code jurisdictions.  He joins from construction law specialist Fenwick Elliott where he was a partner. 

David Ryan, Managing Partner at Pinsent Masons, says: 

"These appointments are part of our continued investment in the energy and infrastructure sectors where we already have proven expertise and see significant potential for international growth." 

John has impeccable international credentials and significant experience in the energy sector, making him a perfect fit for Pinsent Masons. We believe his level of technical and commercial understanding in dispute resolution, and his ability to see things from the client's perspective, will make him a genuine asset."  

Frédéric's arrival is an important step in the development of our Paris office. Paris is one of the most significant seats for International Arbitration in Europe and we are seeing an increasing number of infrastructure project disputes being played out there, particularly related to developments in North Africa." 

James Bullock, Head of Litigation and Compliance at Pinsent Masons, says: 

"Pinsent Masons is a force to be reckoned with in all aspects of dispute resolution and these appointments demonstrate our commitment to growth and expansion in key specialist areas of which energy and international arbitration are crucial. The addition of John and Frédéric really puts us on the map in these key areas." 

John Gilbert says: 

"Pinsent Masons has an enviable profile within the energy sector and the opportunity to develop a practice from the firm's strong international platform is extremely attractive. I believe there is a significant body of energy clients for whom our proposition is both compelling and unique, and look forward to working with new and existing clients of the firm." 

Frédéric Gillion says: 

"It is an interesting and exciting time to be joining Pinsent Masons in light of its continued international expansion and growing influence in the Paris legal market. I look forward to developing our international arbitration practice in this important seat and promoting Pinsent Masons' expertise in energy and infrastructure projects."  

Frédéric Gillion is the firm's first lateral hire in Paris since setting up an office by hiring a legal team from Marccus Partners (Mazars) in September 2012. His arrival follows a busy period of international expansion at Pinsent Masons following the launch of the firm's first German office last summer and the recruitment of a 27-strong team in Shanghai during the Autumn.