International law firm Bird & Bird appoints international arbitration specialist Flore Poloni as a new partner in its Dispute Resolution Group in Paris.
Flore specialises in representing defence, energy (including nuclear and liquified natural gas), logistics and life science sector clients in international arbitration proceedings – often in connection with projects located in Africa.
She regularly acts in shareholder or post-acquisition disputes for private-equity, and more generally in the scope of the termination of agreements related to changes in economic (e.g. force majeure allegations) or legal (in particular, sanctions) matters for industrial clients. She has recently assisted several companies in disputes resulting from the termination of agreements related to major IT projects (ERP deployment, IT outsourcing), as well as complex R&D and collaboration agreements in the life sciences sector.
She has co-founded the Paris Very Young Arbitration Practitioners in 2012, a first of its kind project at the time giving all junior lawyers an opportunity to showcase their talent and co-chaired the Young International Arbitration Group of the LCIA. Additionally, Flore regularly serves as an arbitrator.
Her arrival strengthens Bird & Bird’s arbitration practice, a key pillar of the firm’s Dispute Resolution strategy in France and beyond.
Alexandre Vuchot and Emmanuelle Porte, co-heads of Bird & Bird’s Paris office, said: “Paris is a leading hub for international arbitration. Flore’s collaborative leadership style, strategic mindset and proven track record in complex post M&A, defence and technology disputes will strengthen our cross‑jurisdictional capabilities. Her practice aligns perfectly with our core sectors, including IP, technology, telecommunications and life sciences, and will help drive the growth of our international arbitration practice in complex, technology-driven and cross-border disputes. Wishing Flore a very warm welcome.”
Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa and Sophie Eyre, co-heads of Bird & Bird’s international Dispute Resolution Group, comment: “We’re excited to welcome Flore to our Paris partnership, strengthening our arbitration presence in this key jurisdiction. A recognised leader in the Paris arbitration community, Flore brings extensive experience across our core sectors and will support the growth of our arbitration offering across continental Europe and Francophone countries – an essential pillar of our cross-border disputes strategy.”
Flore adds: “I’m excited to join Bird & Bird’s international network and teams across key jurisdictions. The firm’s full‑service platform and collaborative, cross‑practice culture that reflects the realities of modern international arbitration, is the ideal fit. With the firm’s focus on technology, life sciences, automotive, energy, and defence, there are strong opportunities to deepen sector-specific arbitration expertise and deliver seamless, multi‑jurisdictional support for clients facing complex, IP and R&D-driven disputes.”
