Osborne Clarke France strengthens its Dispute Resolution practice with the arrival of Jessica Madesclair as arbitration partner

Osborne Clarke in France is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Madesclair, a specialist in international arbitration, to establish and lead the arbitration practice within the Paris office, supported by her associate, Amélie Sonkes. Jessica brings extensive expertise in the aeronautics, aerospace and defence industries to support Osborne Clarke’s growth in France and expand its international arbitration capabilities.

Jessica Madesclair advises and represents international groups and French companies in both ad hoc and institutional arbitration proceedings - covering commercial and investment disputes - before tribunals acting under the rules of the world's leading arbitration centres, in particular the ICC, LCIA, SCC. She also assists clients in arbitration-related litigation, including concerning the constitution of arbitral tribunals and the recognition, enforcement or annulment of arbitral awards. In addition, Jessica acts as arbitrator, giving her an in-depth understanding of the expectations of arbitral tribunals and best practices in the field.

Beyond her sector focus in the aeronautics, aerospace and defence Jessica also advises clients in the healthcare and real estate sectors. She also devotes a significant part of her practice to representing clients in post-merger and acquisition arbitration proceedings.

Jessica Madesclair is co-author of Le droit français de l'arbitrage (LGDJ, 2023), a reference work widely recognised by professionals in the field.

Her arrival complements the Dispute Resolution team in Paris, led by Lucie Mongin-Archambeaud, and consolidates Osborne Clarke's global arbitration practice. Jessica will be working closely with the international teams, particularly those in the London, Cologne/Munich and Madrid/Miami offices, and bolsters Osborne Clarke’s offering from Paris, one of the world’s leading arbitration hubs.

Speaking about her decision to join Osborne Clarke, Jessica said:

“Joining Osborne Clarke is a unique opportunity to put my expertise in international arbitration at the service of a firm whose entrepreneurial and dynamic spirit fully reflects my vision of the profession. My priority is to continue building a close relationship with each of our clients, who expect their counsel to be proactive and responsive in helping them resolve disputes, and  to provide strategic solutions aligned with their operational objectives ".

Catherine Olive and Maxime Pigeon, Co-Managing Partners of Osborne Clarke in France, comment:

“We are delighted to welcome Jessica to the firm. Her arrival illustrates our ambitions and our commitment to expanding our activities in Paris in line with Osborne Clarke's key sectors. Jessica's deep arbitration experience and ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to our clients' needs, will strengthen our cross-practice service offering. In addition to her expertise, Jessica's enthusiasm and team spirit are also a perfect fit with the firm’s culture and values.”

Artem Doudko, member of Osborne Clarke’s International Arbitration Group adds:

“It is great that Jessica has decided to join our amazing multijurisdictional International Arbitration Group at Osborne Clarke. Paris is one of the most important global arbitration centres and we look forward to working with Jessica to establish and develop Osborne Clarke's arbitration profile in Paris.”

Robert Hunter, experienced counsel and arbitrator dual-qualified in England and Germany, says: 

“Jessica is a tremendous enrichment to our growing international team.  She shares a common vision and brings impressive skills and experience.  She and Amélie are the perfect match to continue the strategic development of our global practice and we are working to ensure they hit the ground running.”

Javier Fernández-Samaniego, head of Miami office, Florida, says:

“We are delighted to welcome Jessica in our Paris office. Paris is one of the preferred seats for international arbitration and the headquarter of ICC where a significant number of global disputes are resolved - including a significant amount of Latin American disputes. Jessica’s arrival is definitely a key boost for our International Arbitration Group.”

Biographical details

Before joining Osborne Clarke, Jessica spent five years in the arbitration team at HMN & Partners. She began her career at Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier and later spent seven years in the Paris and London offices of Linklaters, qualifying as a lawyer at the Paris Bar in 2015.

Jessica holds a Master's degree in Arbitration and International Trade from the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.