Lawyers Archive

Matthew Hall is an associate in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher where he is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Group. He focuses his practice on real estate finance transactions, representing institutional lenders, including debt funds and investment banks, on the origination and disposition of mortgage, mezzanine and construction loans across all real estate asset classes, including office buildings, multifamily complexes, hotels, retail properties, mixed-use properties and industrial properties. He is currently on secondment.

Matthew received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Villanova University in 2018. While at Villanova, Matthew served as a managing editor for the Villanova Law Review. He received his Master of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2012 and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics, magna cum laude, from Gettysburg College in 2008.

Matthew is admitted to practice in the state of New York and Pennsylvania.

Dexter Lee is an English-qualified associate in the London office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Finance Practice Groups.

Dexter advises both creditors and sponsors on domestic and cross-border real estate financing transactions, working across a range of real estate asset classes.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Dexter worked in the London office of another major global law firm.

Guillaume Bismes is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and member of the firm’s Litigation, International Arbitration, and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

He focuses on complex domestic and cross-border litigation as well as arbitration in a wide variety of disputes, from commercial law to corporate litigation. He advises banks, funds and listed industrial companies from various sectors before state courts and arbitral tribunals in connection with M&A litigation (shareholder disputes, contract and liability litigation, etc.), including in an international context.

Furthermore, Guillaume has also developed a strong experience in restructuring, acting for company shareholders with prevention proceedings and insolvency proceedings. He is also experienced in insolvency litigation, representing clients in insolvency proceedings litigation, debtors’ recourse, receivables disputes, appeals against safeguard and rehabilitation plans, and disputes related to the appointment of controllers.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, Guillaume practiced at a leading French law firm specialized before the two highest courts in France.

Prior to his admission to the Paris Bar in 2022, he graduated from the University Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne where he was valedictorian of his Master of Law degree in business litigation.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Youssef Berrada is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he serves as a member of the Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group.

His practice focuses on the procurement, development, financing and acquisition of infrastructure-related assets and companies. He has substantial experience in structured finance transactions such as complex cross-border project financing and infrastructure acquisition transactions. He is particularly involved on energy, telecommunications, transport, and electric mobility projects.

Youssef advises infrastructure funds, industrial sponsors, multilateral institutions, senior and junior lenders, and borrowers on major projects in France and internationally.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, he practiced several years within the energy & infrastructure department of a Magic Circle law firm in Paris.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, Youssef received a Magistère – DESS-DJCE (post-graduate degree) in Corporate Law from Paris II – Panthéon-Assas University in 2018.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Representative Transactions:

Digital Infrastructure

Representation of lenders including BNPP, LBP, BRED, and Banque Palatine on the EUR€84M hybrid long-term financing of fiber network operator Altitude Group’s expansion in France’s fiber sector.

Electric Mobility

Representation of Electra, a European fast-charging specialist, on a EUR€27M project finance sustainability bond subscribed by MAIF, Allianz and Crédit Agricole funds, managed by Eiffel Investment Group, to finance 100 ultra-fast electric vehicle charging stations in France.
Representation of Swish, a French manager of B-to-B electric vehicle charging stations, on its EUR€47M equity and quasi-equity financing provided by Infragreen V, a climate impact fund managed by asset manager Rgreen Invest.

Antoine Bécot is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Tax and Real Estate Practice Groups.

Antoine has developed significant experience in corporate tax matters on behalf of national and international groups, advising on litigation, internal restructurings and the structuring of a wide range of transactions.

His practice includes acquisition and vendor due diligence for industrial clients and funds, structuring of domestic and international transactions, and assistance with tax audits and tax litigation.

Admitted to the Paris bar since 2023, Antoine joined Gibson Dunn the year prior. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Tax Law with honors from the University of Rennes in 2020. He is a member of the International Fiscal Association (IFA).

He speaks French and English fluently.

Thomas Baculard is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn where he serves as a member of the Firm’s Technology Transactions & Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Innovation Practice Groups.

He specializes in information technology, data privacy, cybersecurity, outsourcing, and digital transactions. His practice covers data privacy and cybersecurity, including compliance and governance projects in light of the GDPR, e-commerce as well as data breach management and litigation. He also advises clients on regulatory matters including with regard to compliance programs under the EU Digital Services Act.

He regularly assists clients from various sectors such as technology (marketplaces, search engines), luxury, and transportation in connection with digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence and digital projects, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence projects, Big Data, Cloud-based solutions, Internet of Things, and IaaS/PaaS. He also advises on complex technology transactions, such as acquisition and development of innovative solutions and complex commercial transactions.

Admitted to the Paris Bar since 2023, Thomas received a Master’s degree in Information technology Law from University Paris II Panthéon – Assas and holds an Advanced Masters in International Business Law and Management from ESSEC Business School.

He speaks English and French fluently.

Emma Vernhes is a French qualified associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as a member of the firm’s Finance and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

Emma focuses her practice in syndicated loans, structured finance transactions and complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions. She represents both private and listed companies, senior and junior lenders and borrowers in their significant strategic transactions.

Emma has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans and bridge financing. She is also experienced in acquisition finance, advising lenders, borrowers and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs and corporate acquisitions.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Emma practiced for 4 years within the Banking department of the Paris office of a magic circle law firm.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, Emma received a Master’s degree in International Business law from University Paris II – Pantheon Assas in 2016 and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from University of Exeter (United Kingdom) in 2015.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Simon Reibel is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and member of the firm’s Litigation, International Arbitration, and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

His practice focuses on restructuring and dispute resolution.

Simon acts on debt restructuring, where he advises companies of all sizes and sectors, insolvency practitioners, debtors and creditors in connection with pre-insolvency (ad hoc mandate and conciliation proceedings) and insolvency proceedings (safeguard, accelerated safeguard, reorganization, and liquidation proceedings).

He is experienced in insolvency litigation such as liability actions for insufficient assets, grace period requests and disputes arising in the context of classes of affected parties.

Simon is also experienced in dispute resolution where he advises clients on a variety of topics from civil law to commercial litigation.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2025, he graduated with a Master in Business law (DJCE) from the University Jean Moulin Lyon 3, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Liquidation of Distressed Companies (ALED) from the University Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne in 2022.

He speaks French and English.

Vincent Poilleux is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he practices as a member of the Derivatives, Finance, Capital Markets, and Financial Institutions Practice Groups.

Vincent advises funds, corporates, and financial institutions on the regulatory and transactional aspects of derivatives, structured finance transactions, repos, and securities lending transactions, across all asset classes and on both domestic and international projects.

He offers his strong expertise in strategic equity derivatives, including public M&A transactions related derivatives (acquisition, management, hedging and disinvestment of listed stakes), equity financings, non-dilutive cash convertible bonds, hedging of equity-linked securities (calls, call spreads, stock lending arrangements), structured share buybacks, and leveraged employee stock ownership plans.

Vincent also has extensive experience in fixed income derivatives, particularly in hedging transactions in the context of all types of M&A, financing and securitisation transactions, including deal contingent derivatives.

In addition, Vincent regularly advises clients on bespoke and complex structured financings, with a strong focus on margin loans and fund financings (subscription, NAV, and hybrid facilities), as well as digital bonds and other crypto-assets, joint venture structures with embedded financial products, and securitizations.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2023, Vincent worked for four years in the strategic equity transactions team of a leading investment bank and practiced for ten years in the capital markets and structured finance teams of two Magic Circle law firms.

Admitted to the Paris bar, Vincent holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Law and a Master’s degree in Business Law from Paris II – Panthéon-Assas University.

He speaks French and English fluently.

David Hania is a French qualified associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he serves as member of the firm’s Business Restructuring and Reorganization and Litigation Practice Groups.

His dual practice focuses on restructuring and dispute resolution.

David specializes in pre-insolvency and insolvency matters, acting in the context of distressed LBO transactions, French and cross-border safeguard and reorganization insolvency proceedings. He has advised debtors, shareholders, buyers and also insolvency practitioners and creditors in their relationships with companies facing difficulties.

He has significant knowledge in civil and commercial litigation. David advises clients in equity capital insolvency dispute matters, conflicts arising out of M&A operations and intricate business relationships. His experience encompasses advising companies in multiple sectors, with a focus on retail.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2020, he practiced with a leading American law firm since 2019. He had previously worked within a leading French law firm’s restructuring practice for two years.

Admitted to the Paris Bar since 2017, David received an M.S. in 2015 from HEC. He also graduated in General private law from University Paris II – Panthéon Assas in 2011, as well as in Business law from University Versailles St Quentin-en-Yvelines in 2010.

David speaks French and English fluently.

Noémie Massé is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group.

Noémie specializes in employment law, notably advising seamlessly French and international clients on issues related to both collective or individual work relationships.

Her scope includes advice in the context of clients’ daily activities (collective agreements, employment contract terminations, relations with employee representatives) or strategic operations such as restructuring (collective redundancy plans), transfer or closure of business, as well as mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2024, she practiced with a leading British/Australian firm for 1.5 years.

Admitted to the Paris bar since 2023, Noémie graduated from University Lumière Lyon 2 with a master’s degree in labor law.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Vera Lukic is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn where she serves as a member of the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Sourcing and Commercial Contracts, and Technology Transactions Practice Groups.

Vera has developed an extensive expertise in Europe in a broad range of matters related to technology and innovation, acting as a strategic advisor to clients for their complex transactions, including outsourcing projects in regulated industries, as well as managing contractual disputes, such as licensing compliance issues, and digital-related projects, including in relation to artificial intelligence. She regularly advises on technology aspects of M&A and PE transactions.

Vera also specializes in data protection and cybersecurity, assisting companies on their global privacy compliance programs, such as compliance with the GDPR, ePrivacy Directive and AI Act, and representing clients in investigations and inquiries by regulators. She assists clients across jurisdictions and a wide array of sectors navigate the numerous European regulations and developments in privacy, data, cybersecurity, and AI, identifying opportunities and managing impacts on their business.

Vera is recognized as a notable practitioner for her work in the technology sector in Europe. She has received several accolades:

Chambers Europe has ranked Vera in its Information Technology category, with clients’ feedback highlighting that she is an “excellent expert,” “highly available,” “reactive,” and “efficient” with “quick understanding of the customer’s needs.”

The Legal 500 EMEA has distinguished Vera among the French market’s Leading Partners, endorsed by clients and peers alike, in two categories “IT/Internet” and “Data Privacy/Data Protection.” In previous editions, clients alluded to her as a “key name,” “very involved,” “always very available,” and as having “a very business-oriented approach.”

Best Lawyers in France has named her its Lawyer of the Year in 2026 for Outsourcing, as well as in 2022 for Technology Law and again in 2024 for Outsourcing, and has consistently recommended her for Information Technology, Privacy, and Data Security Law since 2020.

In recognition of her outstanding legal expertise and contributions to the field, Vera has been featured in the Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) in France since 2022.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2007, Vera graduated in 2004 from University of Paris XI Jean Monnet, where she received a Master I in Business Law and a Master II in IT/Digital Law.

Vera speaks French and English fluently.

Emma Lavaysse di Battista is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as a member of the Firm’s Energy & Infrastructure and Power and Renewables Practice Groups.

Emma advises a wide range of French and international clients in connection with their infrastructure, telecommunications, energy transition and energy (conventional and renewables) and transport projects. She has significant experience in structured finance transactions, such as complex cross-border project financing and infrastructure acquisition transactions, as well as in infrastructure and energy M&A transactions.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2023, she practiced in the Energy & Infrastructure department of a Magic Circle law firm in Paris.

Admitted to the Quebec Bar since December 2022 and to the Paris Bar since February 2024, Emma graduated with a law degree from Université de Montréal and a degree in Banking and Financial law from Université du Mans.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Hermine Hubert is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Technology Transactions & Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Groups.

Hermine focuses on information technology & digital transactions, outsourcing, data privacy, and cybersecurity. She assists a wide range of clients active in luxury, technology, life sciences, defense, automotive, and e-commerce sectors in data privacy, data protection law, and GDPR compliance programs.

She also advises on strategic digital-related projects (Artificial Intelligence, NFTs, Metaverse, Big Data, Cloud-based solutions, Internet of Things, e-commerce or IaaS/PaaS), and key EU digital laws and policies including the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Digital Services Act (DSA). Hermine also regularly works on privacy litigation matters before the CNIL, the French data protection authority. She has developed specific expertise in the field of space and electronic communications law.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2023, Hermine graduated with a Master’s degree in Space and Telecommunications Law from University Paris-Saclay.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Ryan C. Stewart is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department and Labor & Employment Practice Group.

Ryan has represented clients in federal and state courts across the country at both the trial court and appellate levels, as well as in arbitration, agency, and administrative proceedings. He has experience representing employers in both single plaintiff and class action litigations across a wide range of labor and employment matters, including those involving federal and state wage-and-hour laws, Title VII and other federal and state discrimination laws, disability and accommodation laws, wrongful termination, whistleblower protection statutes, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, unfair labor practices, immigration law and compliance, and executive employment disputes. Ryan also has experience representing clients in disputes involving high-profile personal tort offenses. He is an accomplished brief writer and has significant experience in trial proceedings, including direct examination of fact witnesses in a National Labor Relations Board proceeding.

In addition to his litigation experience, a substantial portion of his practice involves advising employers on an extensive variety of employment-related issues, including wage-and-hour compliance, joint employment status, independent contractor status, executive separations and related agreements, employee terminations, confidentiality and other employment-related contractual agreements, enforcement of restrictive covenants, employee handbooks and policies, including those related to sexual harassment complaints, affirmative action and other regulatory compliance, and sensitive workplace investigations. Ryan has advised employers regarding pay equity audits, analysis, and remediation efforts. He also has experience advising clients regarding interactions with the government, including the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Ryan was named a 2024 “Rising Star” in the Employment category by Law360, recognizing him as an attorney “whose legal accomplishments belie their age.” Benchmark Litigation US also named him to its 2024 “40 & Under” list of “top emerging talent in litigation” and Lawdragon to its 2026 “500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers Guide.”

Representative engagements include:

Secured defense judgments denying all claims in three wage-and-hour arbitrations on behalf of Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC in three arbitrations.
Successfully represented Enterprise Holdings, Inc. in a Rule 23 class action alleging violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”) (Wordlaw v. Enterprise Holdings, Inc. et al. (N.D. Ill.) and obtained dismissal with prejudice of nine individual BIPA complaints filed by settlement opt-outs;
Secured dismissal on the pleadings of discrimination and harassment claims brought by former employee and secured affirmance of the dismissal on appeal. (Sousa v. Amazon.com, Inc. (D. Del.));
Secured summary judgment victories and won Second Circuit appeal for Credico (USA) LLC in a pair of wage-and-hour nationwide class actions involving misclassification claims on grounds that the workers were exempt outside salespersons and Credico did not jointly employ plaintiffs with its subcontractors (Vasto v. Credico (USA) LLC, et al. (S.D.N.Y. 2017, 2d Cir. 2019); Martin v. Assurance Wireless et al. (S.D.N.Y. 2017));
Secured dismissal of all opt-in wage-hour claims against Enterprise Holdings, Inc. in a nationwide overtime class and collective action brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Massachusetts Wage Act, and currently representing Enterprise Holdings with respect to the second amended complaint (Bah v. Enterprise Holdings, Inc. et al. (D. Mass.));
Secured a significant trial win for Cablevision in a long-running and highly-publicized labor union dispute with the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO (CWA). Following a 21-day trial before an NLRB administrative law judge, prevailed on key unfair labor practice charges brought by the NLRB Regional Director on behalf of the CWA against Cablevision (CSC Holdings, LLC and Cablevision Systems, New York City Corp. (NLRB 2016));
Successfully represented Enterprise Holdings, Inc. in a highly-publicized, nationwide Rule 23 class action alleging WARN Act violations related to Covid-19 layoffs (Benson v. Enterprise Holdings, Inc. et al. (M.D. Fla.));
Represented and helped obtain favorable settlement for an applied technology company in a lawsuit brought by a former executive alleging disability discrimination, retaliation, and defamation;
Successfully represented Amazon.com in two lawsuits filed by a former employee alleging discrimination on the basis of age and religion and wage-hour violations on a class-wide basis, including successfully briefing a pre-discovery motion to strike the wage-hour class claims and disqualify class counsel in the class action (Colby v. Amazon.com, Inc. (Wash. Super. Ct.));
Represented Nike and secured a confidential settlement following favorable rulings in misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, and business tort litigation involving Adidas and three former Nike footwear designers (Nike, Inc. v. Dekovic, et al. (Or. 2014));
Successfully represented Family Dollar Stores, Inc. in nationwide class action involving gender discrimination and Equal Pay Act claims (Scott v. Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (W.D.N.C.));
Obtained summary judgment for Walmart.com in lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging whistleblower retaliation and disability discrimination (Huynh v. Walmart Stores, Inc. (N.D. Cal.));
Defeated conditional certification and secured summary judgment victory for national restaurant chain in putative nationwide wage-hour collective action (Rafferty v. Denny’s (S.D. Fla.));
Represented Vox Media, Inc. in nationwide wage-and-hour class actions alleging that SB Nation Site Managers are misclassified as independent contractors (Bradley v. Vox Media, Inc. (D.D.C.); Spruill v. Vox Media, Inc. (D.D.C.));
Advised Fortune 500 company regarding interactions with Department of Labor relating to ERISA compliance and prohibited transaction exemptions; and
Advised Fortune 150 company regarding nationwide pay equity audit and analysis.

Ryan has also published articles relating to employment law, including an article in Law360’s Expert Analysis series regarding joint employment status under the FLSA and an article regarding the employment-related aspects of the California Immigrant Worker Protection Act.

He earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he received The Dean’s Award for Community Leadership. Prior to attending law school, Ryan graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with High Honors in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science.

Ryan is a member of the Florida, Maryland, and District of Columbia bars.

Martin Guermonprez is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he serves as member of the firm’s Business Restructuring and Reorganization, Transnational Litigation, and International Arbitration Practice Groups.

Martin specializes in restructuring and dispute resolution.

He handles significant cross-border restructurings and sophisticated French pre-insolvency and insolvency matters. Martin seamlessly represents private and public companies of all sizes and sectors, insolvency practitioners, debtors and creditors, through challenging times. His practice covers the finance aspects of restructuring such as credit facilities, debt restructuring, sales of business, and new money funding.

Martin’s wide dispute experience covers all aspects of civil, securities, corporate and commercial litigation before French and worldwide courts, as well as complex international arbitration proceedings – with a focus on insolvency and recovery of debt situations. He notably advises his clients in the context of investment treaty arbitration, including to enforce high stakes arbitral awards.

A member of the Paris Bar since 2019, and of the New York Bar since 2018, Martin graduated with distinction (Dean’s List) in 2017 from Georgetown University where he received a Master of Laws in General Studies. He also received a Master of International Affairs (MIA) in 2017 from Sciences Po Paris and a Master of International Corporate and Tax Law in 2015 from University Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne. Over the years, he has taken part in editing the Delos Guide to Arbitration Places (GAP), a study providing in-house counsel, corporate lawyers, and arbitration practitioners with practical insight into selecting arbitral seats and conducting arbitral proceedings

He speaks French and English fluently.

Mélanie Gerrer is an associate in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and member of the firm’s Litigation, International Arbitration, and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

Her practices focus on restructuring and dispute resolution.

Mélanie acts on debt restructuring, where she advises companies of all sizes and sectors, insolvency practitioners, debtors and creditors in connection with pre-insolvency (ad hoc mandate and conciliation proceedings) and insolvency proceedings (safeguard, accelerated safeguard, reorganization, and liquidation proceedings).

She is experienced in insolvency litigation such as liability actions for insufficient assets, grace period requests and disputes arising in the context of classes of affected parties.

Melanie is also experienced in dispute resolution where she advises clients on a variety of topics from civil law to commercial litigation.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2025, she graduated with a Master in Economic Law in 2021 from SciencesPo Paris, as well as a Master’s degree in Financial Law from the University Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne in 2023. Mélanie also holds a certificate in Insolvency and Business Restructuring Law with distinction from Université Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne (2021).

She speaks French and English fluently and has good working knowledge of German.

Naima Farrell is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson Dunn. She is a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment and Litigation Departments.

Naima has represented clients in a wide range of employment litigation matters, including cases involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour violations. Naima has significant experience in defending against employment-related class and collective actions. She has represented employers in federal district and appellate courts across the country, as well as in arbitration and mediation, and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal and state employment agencies. Most recently, Lawdragon named Naima among its “500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers” (2026) and Best Lawyers in America© recognized her as “One to Watch” in Appellate Practice (2023).

Recent representative litigation matters include:

Obtained dismissal of a putative wage-and-hour class and collective action for a major retailer; then secured affirmance in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Secured a complete defense victory on a former employee’s allegations of age discrimination following a five-day arbitration in Washington, D.C.
Successfully defended a global company against novel, wide-ranging claims of age discrimination in social media advertising.
Won a motion to compel individual arbitration in a putative wage-and-hour class and collective action on behalf of a large technology company.
Secured decertification of a large disability discrimination class action before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Defeated two attempts at class certification in a 31-plaintiff sexual harassment lawsuit.
Represented an employer in a high-stakes breach of contract and trade secrets dispute with a former executive, which settled favorably after a three-week arbitration.

In addition to her litigation experience, Naima often advises clients on employment-related issues ranging from sensitive personnel decisions to employee classification; conducts pre-litigation investigations of employment-related claims; and assists clients in drafting and reviewing employment agreements and policies.

Naima also has a vibrant pro bono practice, with a particular focus on immigration issues and constitutional challenges. Naima previously served on the Legal Advisory Committee for the Amica Center and was named to their Pro Bono Honor Roll in recognition of her work on behalf a young victim of human trafficking.

Recent representative pro bono matters include:

Successfully briefed and argued a motion for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit asserting constitutional claims on behalf of immigrants detained at Farmville Detention Center during a massive and lethal COVID-19 outbreak.
Submitted an amicus brief on behalf of an immigrant advocacy organization in an appeal challenging the government’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program.
Represented a young man from El Salvador seeking immigration relief before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Obtained a visa for victims of human trafficking for a young woman from Honduras.
Represented a local non-profit organization in response to a confidential inquiry by D.C. Office of the Attorney General.

Before joining the firm, Naima served as a law clerk to the Honorable O. Rogeriee Thompson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She received her law degree magna cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2013, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as an articles editor of the Georgetown Journal of International Law. She also worked as a student attorney in Georgetown’s Center for Applied Legal Studies, where she successfully represented a client seeking asylum, and interned for the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia.

Prior to practicing law, Naima served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bénin. She graduated from Yale University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Ethics, Politics, and Economics.

Naima is a member of the Massachusetts and the District of Columbia bars. She is admitted to practice before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the District of Columbia, the District of Colorado, and the Eastern District of Michigan. She is a member of the firm’s Global Pro Bono Committee.

Ben’s practice is focused on the development and financing of complex, large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on energy transition, conventional power and water, and oil and gas projects. He regularly advises both sponsors and lenders on innovative, “first-in-kind” projects and has worked with the leading clients in the energy sector in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cambridge and is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales. He is ranked in Chambers UK 2024 for Projects, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024 for Vietnam – projects, infrastructure and energy and for the past decade he has been consistently ranked in Chambers Global for projects, infrastructure and energy. Ben has been recognised by The Legal 500 UK 2024 for Power (including Electricity, Nuclear and Renewables). He is twice a Law360 MVP winner for Project Finance.

Ben was at his previous firm for 23 years, where he served as Global Project Development & Finance Practice Group Leader.

Selected experience*:

Energy Transition

NEOM Company, Saudi Arabia’s new city gigaproject development company, on a $6.5 billion green energy joint venture with ACWA Power and Air Products that will incorporate the region’s largest wind and solar renewables production projects (4 GW in total), more than 400 MW of battery storage and a ground-breaking green hydrogen /green ammonia export project. Awarded deal of the year at the PFI awards 2022.
A leading industrial gases company in relation to an O&M service contract for a potential hydrogen cluster in the UK.
A leading industrial gases company in relation to construction arrangements for potential hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK.
A global commodities company in relation to potential supply arrangements with a European government.
A global industrial conglomerate in relation to a proposed green steel joint venture in the GCC.

Power and Water

The lenders on the $12.5 billion joint venture for the Jazan IGCC / ASU project, one of the largest project financings in 2021. Awarded Global Deal of the Year at the PFI Awards, 2021 and MENA Hybrid Energy Deal of the Year at the IJGlobal Awards, 2021
Marubeni, Sojitz and Pertamina, as sponsors, on the development and financing of the Jawa 1 LNG to power project in Indonesia
The sponsors on all aspects of the development and financing of the Thilawa LNG to Power Project in Myanmar
The lenders on the development and financing of the 200 MW Saih al Dahal (“DEWA Solar”) independent power generation plant in Dubai using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology
The lenders on a bid for the DEWA 800 MW Solar Photovoltaic IPP Project in Dubai
Masdar and PJBI on the development of the 145 MW Cirata floating PV project in Indonesia
The sponsors on a bid for the development and financing of five separate wind farm projects with an aggregate capacity of 850 MW in Morocco
The lenders on the refinancing of the RAWEC IWSPP
The note purchasers, lenders and various agents and account banks on a tiered refinancing comprising a project financing to Shuaibah Two Water Development Project Company and a private placement notes issuance by a DIFC issuer at a different level in the corporate structure
The lenders supporting ACWA’s bid for the development and financing of the Al Dur 2 IWPP in Bahrain
Sponsors and lenders on 2 IPPs in Vietnam and 2 IPPs in Indonesia
The lenders on the financing of the 1,450 MW Ibri and 1,700 MW Sohar 3 IPPs in Oman
The lenders supporting the consortium (including ACWA Power) for the Salalah 2 IPP in Oman
The lenders (including US Ex-Im, K-Sure, commercial lenders and Islamic financing institutions) on the financing of the $2.1 billion Al Dur IWPP in Bahrain
The lenders on Suez Energy International’s $800 million financing of the Barka 2 IWPP and Al Rusail IPP in Oman
The lenders on Suez-Tractebel’s approximately $550 million Sohar IWPP in Oman
The lenders on Suez-Tractebel’s approximately $490 million Al Ezzel IPP in Bahrain
The lenders on the $1.6 billion financing of CMS and International Power’s 1,500 MW and 100 MIGD Shuweihat S1 IWPP in the UAE
The lenders on the refinancing of Taweelah A1-10 IWPP, developed by the consortium of Total and GDF Suez
AES Corporation on the 820 MW and 40 MIGD IWPP at Ras Laffan, Qatar
InterGen, as sponsors, on the development and financing of three BOO Power Projects in Turkey, with a combined output of approximately 3,800 MW. Also advised InterGen on the sale of their equity interests in these projects between 2003 and 2005
Lenders on InterGen’s 790 MW Combined Heat and Power plant located at Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Lenders on the 860 MW Power Generation Plant located at Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK
Lenders to various MENA IWPP bids including Az-Zour North IWPP (Kuwait), Hassyan IPP (Dubai), Barka III / Sohar II IWPPs (Oman), Fujairah 1 IWPP (UAE), Saudi Aramco Cogen (KSA)

Oil and Gas

The Dow Chemical Company on the $10.5 billion financial and commercial restructuring of its joint venture with Saudi Aramco in relation to the $20 billion world-scale integrated Sadara chemicals complex in Saudi Arabia. Awarded MENA Petrochemicals Deal of the Year at the IJGlobal Awards, 2021
PETRONAS on the development and financing (including bridge and long-term financing) of its approximately $28 billion RAPID (Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development) project
PETRONAS on a Bridge Financing relating to the sale to Saudi Aramco of a 50% interest in the refinery and cracker complex and petrochemicals plants forming part of the RAPID project, as well as in other proposed joint venture arrangements in relation to the RAPID project
The Dow Chemical Company on the financing of its $20 billion joint venture with Saudi Aramco, Sadara Chemical, which will be the largest petrochemical project ever constructed in a single phase, and the largest project sukuk closed to date
PTT in relation to a proposed refinery and petrochemical facility in a joint venture in Asia
An international energy company in relation to its upstream concessions in Central Asia.
ADNOC on a $3 billion syndicated term facility with a credit risk cover from K-Sure. This constituted ADNOC’s first-ever financing with cover from an ECA and was ranked the single largest ECA supported financing in 2019
The mandated lead arrangers on the approximately $1 billion financing of the development of a natural gas field in the Eastern Mediterranean
Lenders in relation to the bridge and long-term financings of the development of a natural gas field in the Eastern Mediterranean
The lenders including EIB on the financing of the $948 million methanol plant developed by EMethanex, a joint venture of Methanex Corporation of Canada and EChem, the Egyptian national chemical company
Various affiliates of the government of a state in the Arabian Gulf on a number of downstream petrochemicals projects
The government of a state in the Arabian Gulf on the development of a major upstream gas project
Takreer on a downstream JV with OMV and Neste Oil
Dolphin Energy on the initial financing of the Dolphin Pipeline Project
K-Sure and the commercial lenders on the development and financing of the Bahrain LNG terminal

Other

K-EXIM and the other commercial lenders to the preferred bidder for the Muharraq Waste Water and Sewage Treatment Plant in Bahrain
ING Barings, Midland Bank plc, National Westminster Bank plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland, as arrangers, on the project financing for the $200 million water treatment project in East Jakarta, Indonesia
The Government of Abu Dhabi on the renegotiation of certain UAE-USSR era financings
Lenders to Ford Otosan in relation to the ECA financing of its production plants in Turkey
A leading technology company on financing its production facilities with various ECAs
The lenders on the development of the Blue Curacao airport in the Dutch Antilles
ADAC on the development of the Abu Dhabi Midfield Airport Terminal

*Includes matters prior to joining Gibson Dunn

Christine J. Shim is a corporate associate in the New York office of Gibson Dunn.

She earned her Juris Doctor in 2015 from New York University School of Law, where she was a Robert McKay Scholar and served as Staff Editor on the Journal of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law.

Christine graduated cum laude in 2011 from Duke University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and a minor in Economics.

She is admitted to practice in the State of New York.