Matt is a nationally recognized crisis management and white-collar defense lawyer with deep criminal, national security, and export enforcement experience. His practice focuses on internal investigations, white-collar criminal defense, and crisis management for U.S. and multinational companies, their boards, and their senior executives. Matt co-chairs Gibson Dunn’s Sanctions and Export Enforcement practice, where he works closely with clients to conduct internal investigations, evaluate compliance programs, advise on voluntary self-disclosures, and defend against government-facing investigations.

Matt is the only person to have previously served as both Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice — a role described in the New York Times “as the most demanding job in all of DOJ” – and Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). His over 25 years of government enforcement, white-collar defense, and crisis management experience are why clients consistently rely on Matt to help them navigate their most sensitive and complex matters. Lawdragon recently named Matt as one of the 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management.

Immediately before joining Gibson Dunn, Matt served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at BIS, where he led the team responsible for enforcing the country’s export control and antiboycott laws. During Matt’s tenure, BIS brought a record number of criminal and administrative enforcement actions, including the highest standalone administrative penalty in the agency’s history.  Matt revamped the agency’s export enforcement policies (including those on voluntary self-disclosures), issued numerous compliance guidance memos for industry, launched the boycott requester list, and was an architect of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force. Prior to his confirmation, Matt served as Special Counsel in the White House Counsel’s Office, where he advised on national security and domestic issues.

Matt also spent over thirteen years at the Department of Justice, including serving twice as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. Alongside the Deputy Attorney General, Matt oversaw DOJ’s entire workforce, including the prosecutors and agents in the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the Criminal Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI. Matt also provided oversight of all significant corporate enforcement resolutions, managed countless crises, and engaged with Congress and the White House on DOJ’s behalf. Matt initially joined DOJ in 2003 as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he conducted nineteen felony jury trials and prosecuted some of the office’s most high-profile cases, including the conviction of two founders of the Cali Cartel.

Matt previously led the Global Business Crime & Investigations practice at another major international law firm, where he conducted internal investigations and represented entities and individuals under investigation by DOJ, SEC, and other agencies.

Matt is a sought-after speaker at conferences and industry events around the world and has been frequently quoted in publications like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Reuters, and the Financial Times.

Matt graduated from Amherst College and Yale Law School, where he served as Notes Editor of the Yale Law Journal. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable Ralph K. Winter, Jr. on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and for the Honorable Janet C. Hall on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.

“When CEOs get pulled before Congress, [Washington whisperer] Michael Bopp is their top lawyer.”
– Bloomberg, September 3, 2025

 

Michael Bopp is a seasoned investigations and crisis management lawyer who brings his extensive government and private-sector experience to bear on behalf of his clients to help them navigate their most difficult crises, often involving investigations as well as media challenges.

Michael chairs Gibson Dunn’s Congressional Investigations Practice Group and co-chairs the firm’s Public Policy Practice Group. His practice focuses on congressional and executive branch investigations, corporate internal investigations, and other government investigations. He also advises clients on public policy and regulatory consulting in a variety of fields, and on managing and responding to major crises involving multiple government agencies and branches.

Described as “one of the top Congressional investigations lawyers in Washington,” Michael is one of only a handful of attorneys in the country listed in Band 1 for Congressional Investigations by Chambers USA – its highest rating. Clients note his “deep expertise and relationships on the Hill” and say that he “provides exactly the guidance you want, walking you through all the eventualities to help navigate the best course of action.” He also has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® and was named to the inaugural Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management list. Michael’s practice has been featured in a Bloomberg profile entitled “Meet the Lawyer CEOs Call When They’re Summoned to Capital Hill.”

During his more than a decade on Capitol Hill, Michael led or played a key role in major investigations in both the Senate and House of Representatives, including four special investigations. In these capacities, he developed the strategy, set the agenda and managed the discovery efforts for numerous investigations and orchestrated more than 100 committee hearings. Owing to this experience, he has extensive knowledge of both legislative and regulatory processes, as well as of the powers and authorities of Congressional committees, and he has testified as an expert on Congressional investigations before Congress. He currently chairs the ABA’s Committee on Legislative Process and Congressional Investigations. His contacts are extensive and strong in both Republican and Democratic circles.

Michael regularly defends clients in congressional and other investigations. A particular specialty is preparing individuals to testify at congressional hearings and for other high-profile, public, often contentious events. Michael has guided CEOs and other top executives and high-ranking public officials through dozens of congressional hearings. Michael also served as the debate coach for Senator Susan Collins in the 2020 election cycle. About the race, Politico noted that Senator Collins “staged one of the most remarkable Senate comebacks of the past decade.”

Congressional Investigations, Internal Investigations, and Other Investigations Experience

Michael’s engagements include representing companies, associations, other entities and individuals in the following investigations:

Congressional Investigations

  • Counsel for multiple companies under investigation by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis in connection with CARES Act and other programs;
  • Counsel for social media platform with respect to Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committee hearings on alleged bias and CDA Section 230 protections;
  • Counsel for electronic cigarette manufacturer in investigations into marketing practices and interactions with FDA;
  • Counsel for bank investigated for alleged sales practices and other possible violations by House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees;
  • Counsel for a number of technology companies in investigations and oversight into privacy, law enforcement, and security-related issues;
  • Counsel for pharmaceutical manufacturer in House Oversight and Government Reform investigation of drug pricing and efforts to extend patents;
  • Counsel for Pharmacy Benefit Manager in Senate Finance Committee investigation of drug pricing;
  • Counsel for health insurance company, multiple government contractors, and a non-profit entity in House and Senate investigations relating to the Affordable Care Act;
  • Counsel for Big 4 accounting firm in an investigation by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations into alleged offshore tax evasion. This investigation culminated in a hearing at which our client successfully defended its actions resulting in no follow-up by the Subcommittee and avoiding negative press coverage and reputational damage;
  • Counsel for private equity firm in Senate Aging Committee investigation of drug pricing;
  • Counsel for automaker in connection with potential congressional and executive branch investigations relating to emissions controls;
  • Counsel for Wall Street firm in investigations by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations into causes of the financial markets crisis and into the commodities activities of financial holding companies;
  • Counsel for automaker in Senate Commerce Committee investigation of Takata airbag malfunctions;
  • Counsel for Member of Congress in Office of Congressional Ethics’ and House Ethics Committee’s inquiries into alleged insider trading. The Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the allegations concerning the Member of Congress be dismissed;
  • Counsel for health care company in the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Commerce Committees’ investigations of the health insurance industry;
  • Counsel for telecommunications company in multiple congressional investigations relating to the company’s interactions with the Federal Communications Commission;
  • Counsel for hedge fund in Senator Grassley’s investigation of information allegedly leaked relating to Medicare reimbursement rates; Counsel for a Big 4 accounting firm in the Senate Banking Committee’s inquiry into mortgage lending and servicing practices;
  • Counsel for automaker in House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigation of the agreement on Greenhouse Gas and CAFE standards;
  • Counsel for loan recipient in House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigation of Department of Energy “green energy” programs;
  • Counsel for health insurance company in investigation by Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley into health insurance company agreements with lab services providers;
  • Counsel for companies in connection with Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission’s investigation of causes of the financial markets crisis;
  • Counsel for several companies in investigation by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee of career colleges;
  • Counsel for healthcare information technology company in connection with Senate Finance Committee investigation;
  • Counsel for company in connection with Senate Finance Committee’s investigation of a high-profile Executive Branch nominee;
  • Counsel for elder care company in connection with Senate Special Committee on Aging’s investigation of continuing care retirement communities.
  • Counsel for satellite company executive in investigation by House Science and Technology Committee’s into satellite procurement issues;
  • Counsel for employee of security company in investigation by Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan into services contracts; and
  • Counsel for various parties in multiple investigations by House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and Office of Congressional Ethics.

Internal Investigations

  • Conducted internal investigation of company’s compliance with FDA and FTC requirements and to gauge possible exposure to Justice Department inquiries.
  • Conducted internal investigation of company’s compliance with government contracting requirements relating to vendor compensation;
  • Conducted internal investigation of misconduct by attorney at major law firm leading to misrepresentations to clients and government agencies;
  • Conducted internal investigation of company’s compliance with H-1B program requirements;
  • Conducted internal investigation of high-ranking corporate official at major pharmaceutical company and uncovered misappropriation and misuse of corporate funds. Recovered more than $10 million for corporation; and
  • Conducted internal investigation for portfolio company relating to potential False Claims Act lawsuit relating to alleged product defect. Convinced Department of Justice not to intervene.

Other Investigations

  • Represented government official removed from office for allegedly covering up misconduct in a field office. Convinced Department of Justice Public Integrity Division to drop criminal investigation of client and secured reinstatement of client; and
  • Counsel for 501(c)(4) organization in investigation by State of California into alleged violations of state election laws. Investigation ended with no prosecution.

Policy Experience

Michael engages in high-level, strategic policy and related regulatory work on a variety of issues. His clients have included General Electric Company, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, Ticketmaster, Farmers Insurance, Microsoft, Fairfax Financial, Goldman Sachs, General Dynamics, University of Maine, MetLife, Perry Capital, International Swaps and Derivatives Association and Ligado.

Michael has handled a variety of financial regulatory reform issues. He has helped numerous clients work with Congress and the Administration on regulatory reform legislation, and shape, prepare for, and sometimes challenge new regulatory requirements promulgated as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Among his many successes is helping to create and run the Coalition for Derivatives End-Users, which has roughly 300 active company and trade association members. The Coalition works on both legislative and regulatory fronts to help protect interests of end-user companies in the debate over appropriate regulation of derivatives and has been a highly-successful participant in these processes. The Coalition’s top two priorities – establishing a statutory margin exemption for end-users and a clearing exemption for end-users that hedge through centralized treasury units –are two of the only substantive amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act that have become law.

As a result of this work, Michael has been named one of the 100 most influential people in finance by Treasury and Risk magazine and has been asked to testify before Congress.

Michael also has assisted clients in numerous other policy areas, including budget, appropriations, housing, telecommunications, judiciary, patent, antitrust, transportation, homeland security, tax and bankruptcy. He has particular expertise with respect to issues involving the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

From 2006-2008, Michael served as Associate Director of OMB and was responsible for overseeing budgets and coordinating regulatory, legislative, and other policy for approximately $150 billion worth of spending for various government agencies, including the Departments of Treasury, Homeland Security, Transportation, Justice, Housing and Urban Development, and Commerce, the General Services Administration, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

From 2003 to 2006, he served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, one of the Senate’s largest committees and most expansive in terms of jurisdiction. He oversaw more than 100 hearings, led numerous investigations and was a primary drafter of key legislation, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the most significant reform of the intelligence community in more than 50 years, and 2006 legislation strengthening port security and overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also directed a 50-person investigation of the failure of preparations and response to Hurricane Katrina. The investigation included 22 hearings, 325 witnesses, more than 800,000 pages of documents and an 800 page report.

Michael served as Legislative Director and General Counsel to Senator Susan Collins of Maine from 1999 to 2003. He was Chief Counsel to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 to 1999, where he investigated alleged improper activities undertaken by Teamsters’ officials. Before that, he worked on the Congressional investigation of campaign finance abuses as senior investigative counsel to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight and as counsel for the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. He also previously served as counsel on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Michael served as outside general counsel to the campaign to re-elect Senator Susan Collins.

Michael received his law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School where he was Articles Editor on the Journal of Law and Public Policy. He graduated magna cum laude, with honors, in public policy from Brown University.

Publications

Law Review Articles

  • Bopp, Michael D., Hungar, Thomas; Schropp, Chantalle Carles, “How President Trump’s Tangles With Committees Have Weakened Congress’s Investigative Powers,” University of Virginia Journal of Law & Politics, Vol. 37, No. 1, 2021
  • Bopp, Michael D., Eyler, Gustav W., Richardson, Scott M., “Trouble Ahead, Trouble Behind: Executive Branch Enforcement of Congressional Investigations,” Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy, 2015
  • Bopp, Michael D., Lay, DeLisa, “The Availability of Common Law Privileges for Witnesses in Congressional Investigations,” Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, Summer 2012

Other Publications

Muireann Browne is a dual-qualified Associate (Ireland and England & Wales) in the London office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Transportation and Space and Finance Practice Groups.

Muireann’s experience encompasses working with several of the world’s foremost aircraft lessors and lessees, providing legal counsel on a broad range of transactions, including aircraft sale, purchase, leasing, financing, and restructuring.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Muireann was an associate in a leading Irish law firm’s aviation practice group, where she also trained.

Maria Paula Baraya is an associate in the New York office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Projects and Infrastructure, Latin America, Finance, and Power and Renewables Practice Groups.

Her practice is focused on infrastructure and energy projects both in the United States and in Latin America. She has extensive experience successfully representing public and private companies in complex syndicated loans, infrastructure development, and project finance.

She received her Master of Laws from UCLA. She also received a Bachelor of Laws from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.

Maria Paula is admitted to practice in the State of New York and in Colombia.

Representative Transactions:

Roads

  • Representation of Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A. in connection with a $3.3 billion investment to upgrade, operate and maintain a portfolio of four toll roads in Puerto Rico.

Ports

  • Representation of MAM on the sale of Ceres Terminals, a leading provider of stevedoring and terminal operation services in North America, to Carrix, a portfolio company of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners.

Digital Infrastructure

  • Advised AT&T and BlackRock Alternatives, through a fund managed by its Diversified Infrastructure business, in their joint venture to form Gigapower, LLC, a provider of state-of-the-art fiber networks to homes and businesses across the US. Awarded 2023 Americas Digital Deal of the Year by Project Finance International (PFI) and 2023 North America Digital Infrastructure Deal of the Year – Fiber by IJ Global.

Ruben Almaraz Bautista is of counsel in the New York office of Gibson Dunn and member of the firm’s Projects and Infrastructure, Latin America, Finance, and Power and Renewables Practice Groups.

His practice focuses on infrastructure and energy projects both in the United States and in Latin America. Ruben has substantial experience in infrastructure development and strategic transactions, including public-private partnerships, public procurement, construction contracts, project bonds, project finance, and TIFIA loan financings. He also has experience in financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, spinoffs, divestitures, and joint ventures for infrastructure assets in the United States and in Latin America.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Ruben was an associate at an international corporate law firm in New York, and an international law firm in in Mexico City.

He received his Master of Laws on International Business Transactions from New York University School of Law in 2014. He also received an Bachelor of Laws from ITESM Campus Ciudad de Mexico in 2005.

Ruben is admitted to practice in the State of New York and in Mexico.

Recent Transactions:

  • Representation of Olivia Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Macquarie Infrastructure Partners IV, L.P., in $625 million financing for the acquisition of LBCT LLC, from OOCL LLC and Long Beach Container Terminal, Inc., subsidiaries of Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL), for a purchase price of $1.78 billion. LBCT LLC is the operator of the Long Beach Container Terminal in Long Beach, California, the only fully-automated shipping terminal facility in North America.
  • Representation of Prumo Participações e Investimentos S.A. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prumo Logistica, in its issuance of U.S.$57,000,000 Senior Secured Series 4 Notes due September 30, 2022.
  • Representation of RFM Conrac Investor, LLC, an investment vehicle of Related Fund Management, in its equity investment in Conrac Solutions for the construction, financing, development, operation and maintenance of a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility for Newark Liberty International Airport. Conrac Solutions closed $500 million worth of financing for a new 2.7 million-square-foot facility with 2,925 public parking spaces and 3,380 rental car spaces to support 10 rent-a-car brands.
  • Representation of SB Energy Global, an arm of SoftBank Group, in a $300 million financing for the development of solar projects totaling 1.7 gigawatts in capacity.
  • Representation of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets in the acquisition of Maher Terminals USA, a 454-acre multi-user container terminal in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey from Deutsche Bank, and in related senior credit facilities to finance, in part, the acquisition.
  • Representation of Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico LLC, operator of the PR-22 toll road project in Puerto Rico, in the refinancing of its existing term loan facility with two separate private placements of senior secured notes, various amendments to its letter of credit facility, a class action litigation defense in relation to tolling practices, and various other matters.
  • Representation of Cintra Global and Meridiam Infrastructure as equity sponsors of I-66 Express Mobility Partners LLC in respect of the winning proposal to develop the Transform 66 P3 Project in Virginia and financing transactions (private activity bonds and a TIFIA loan) in connection with achieving financial close in respect of the project.
  • Representation of toll-road operator Red de Carreteras de Occidente (RCO) in a MXN $2 billion ($105 million) loan from Santander for capital expenditure and expansion works for its FARAC I project.
  • Representation of West Street Infrastructure Partners III, an infrastructure investment vehicle managed by Goldman Sachs in its acquisition of 50% stake in Compañía de Puertos Asociados for COP 407 billion ($136.5 million).
  • Representation of Colombian port operator the financing for expansion works in Colombia.
  • Representation of First Reserve Energy Infrastructure in connection with the sale of cash equity on the 120MW Comanche solar facility in Colorado to JP Morgan Asset Management-managed affiliate IIF US Holding 2.
  • Representation of Deutsche Bank AG, Banco de Credito del Peru, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Banco Internacional del Peru S.A.A. as lenders in respect of a $450 million senior secured credit facility to Orazul Energia Partners S.A.C., a Peruvian company, the proceeds of which were used to finance, in part, the purchase of the business of Duke Energy International Group S.a r.l. in Peru from Duke Energy Brazil Holdings II, C.V. and Duke Energy Uruguay Investments SRL.
  • Representation of General Electric Co. in connection with its sale of energy investments to Apollo Global Management LLC.

Ashley E. Johnson is a partner in the Dallas office of Gibson Dunn, where she is Co-Chair of the firm’s ERISA Litigation practice and a core member of the firm’s Labor and Employment and Antitrust and Competition practice groups. Ashley has a commercial dispute practice in trial and appellate courts across Texas and around the country. She focuses her practice at both the trial and appellate level on the legal strategy, briefing, and argument of complex legal issues, particularly including ERISA disputes (primarily class actions), cutting-edge antitrust questions, and class certification motions. Her work in these areas make her one of the country’s leaders in ERISA and antitrust class action defense. She works with her clients on crafting the most persuasive written presentation on their most critically important and complicated briefs and on communicating those arguments to courts in oral hearings.

Ashley has led the defense in some of the most closely watched ERISA and antitrust class actions in recent years. She represents Fortune 500 plan sponsors and fiduciaries in a range of ERISA matters, including claims involving actuarial equivalence, pension risk transfers, 401(k) forfeiture litigation, and challenges to wellness surcharges. She secured a unanimous Second Circuit victory for a Fortune 50 company in a significant case involving retroactive pension benefits and plays a leading role in ongoing actuarial equivalence cases in multiple federal courts.

In the antitrust arena, Ashley has defended global pharmaceutical companies such as Merck and Amgen in class actions challenging reverse-payment settlements, successfully obtaining Rule 23(f) review and reversal of class certification. She also secured dismissal and a unanimous affirmance from the Fifth Circuit in SureShot Golf Ventures v. Topgolf International, a broad and complex antitrust action testing novel market theories.

A former Supreme Court clerk, Ashley has argued in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits, as well as multiple Texas appellate courts. In addition, she has briefed a diverse set of cases in the United States Supreme Court, including high-profile victories in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (U.S. 2018), Bank Markazi v. Peterson (U.S. 2016), and Black v. United States (U.S. 2011).

Ashley is ranked by Chambers USA for Litigation: General Commercial and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Practice (2024–2026).

She has also been named in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America in Employment, Commercial Litigation, and Appellate (2025-2026), and is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

 

Representative Experience

Appellate

  • West Texas Gulf Pipe Line v. FERC (5th Cir. 2025) – Lead counsel for West Texas Gulf Pipe Line in challenge to FERC’s denial of market-based rate authority.
  • In re Sensipar Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Tablets (3d Cir. 2024) – Lead appellate counsel defending dismissal of antitrust class action complaint.
  • ERISA appeals (2022-23) – Lead counsel in multiple ERISA class action appeals for a Fortune 50 company in the Second and Ninth Circuits.
  • City of Dallas v. Oxley Leasing North Loop, LLC (Tex. App.—Dallas 2021) – Lead appellate counsel defending denial of City’s plea to the jurisdiction.
  • In the Interest of Y.J., a Child (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2019) – Lead appellate counsel; reversed joint conservatorship order in ICWA dispute.
  • Sureshot Golf Ventures, Inc. v. Topgolf International, Inc. (5th Cir. 2018) – Lead appellate counsel; unanimous affirmance of dismissal in major antitrust suit.
  • Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Ass’n (U.S. 2018) – Successfully overturned PASPA on constitutional grounds before the Supreme Court.
  • Sause v. Bauer (U.S. 2018) – Lead appellate counsel; obtained per curiam reversal of dismissal of constitutional claims.
  • United States v. Ogoke (7th Cir. 2017); United States v. Poff (9th Cir. 2017) – Lead appellate counsel in criminal contempt and veterans’ benefits matters.
  • Bank Markazi v. Peterson (U.S. 2016) – Represented victims of terrorism in landmark Supreme Court case involving foreign sovereign immunity and Congressional authority.
  • Opulent Life Church v. City of Holly Springs (5th Cir. 2012) – Argued and won unanimous decision in religious discrimination case.
  • Black v. United States (U.S. 2010) – Won reversal of multiple white-collar criminal convictions in high-profile case.

Trial Courts / Arbitration

  • Represent Honeywell and major telecommunications company in ERISA class actions alleging violation of actuarial equivalence requirements
  • Lead counsel for major telecommunications company in ERISA class action challenging reasonableness of recordkeeping fees
  • Represent multiple Fortune 500 defendants in ERISA class actions alleging fiduciary breach based on theories including 401(k) fund forfeitures, tobacco surcharge challenges, and fee challenges
  • Represent Amgen in antitrust suits challenging patent infringement settlements and rebate practices
  • Represent major telecommunications company in nationwide class action regarding WiFi calling
  • Represented Merck & Co., Inc., in antitrust class action regarding alleged reverse-payment agreement
  • Co-lead trial counsel in FLSA case resulting in immediate defense verdict during early COVID-era jury trial

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Ashley served as a law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United States and to Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She earned her law degree in 2004 from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she was a John W. Wade Scholar, Editor-in-Chief of the Vanderbilt Law Review, and recipient of the Archie B. Martin and Robert F. Jackson Memorial Prizes for academic excellence. She graduated from Vanderbilt with a B.S. in Mathematics and History and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Ashley is actively involved in alumni activities at Vanderbilt Law School, where she serves on the Vanderbilt Law Review Alumni Board of Advisors and has delivered guest lectures through the Branstetter Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program. In 2014, she invited Justice Clarence Thomas to deliver the Cecil Sims Lecture at Vanderbilt.

She is admitted to practice in Texas and North Carolina and before the U.S. Supreme Court; the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits; and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas.

George J. Hazel is a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. A former federal trial judge and criminal prosecutor, George brings a broad range of trial experience, having presided over approximately 50 jury trials in federal court and handled 20 jury trials and 30 bench trials as an attorney in federal and state court. Since his return to private practice, George has been named by The Best Lawyers in America® in their 2025 and 2026 guides for Criminal Defense: White Collar. Additionally, Lawdragon has named him in both their 2024 list of “500 Leading Global Litigators” and their 2025-2026 “500 Leading Litigators in America” guide.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, George had an 18-year career in public service, most recently serving for nearly nine years as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. After his nomination by President Obama, George was confirmed in 2014 by the Senate in a 95-0 vote. At the time of his swearing in, he was the youngest-sitting District Court judge at age 39.

During his time on the bench, George presided over all manner of criminal proceedings, including but not limited to prosecutions for wire and mail fraud, mortgage fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, racketeering and drug trafficking. Similarly, he presided over and published opinions in a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including but not limited to employment litigation, Qui Tam / False Act Claims, intellectual property and Administrative Procedures Act claims. George also served as one of three Patent Pilot Judges assigned to handle an increased number of patent litigation matters.

From 2011 until his appointment to the bench, George served as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Maryland. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia from 2005 to 2008 and in the District of Maryland from 2008 to 2010, where he served as Southern Division coordinator for Project Safe Neighborhoods. George began his legal career as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of a major law firm from 1999 to 2004.

George received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, cum laude, in 1996, and his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1999, where he served on the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy.

George’s recent speaking engagements include:

  • Podcast, “Motions Practice and Beyond,” Order in the Court with Paul W. Grimm, April 22, 2024

Chris Chorba is co-chair of the firm’s Class Actions Practice Group.  He specializes in defending class actions and complex litigation.  He has substantial experience across a broad range of complex commercial matters at the trial and appellate level in California and throughout the country, and in multi-district litigation (MDLs).  His litigation and counseling experience includes work for companies in every industry—including automotive, beauty / cosmetic, consumer products, education, entertainment, financial services, food and beverage, health care, insurance, life sciences, retail, social media, sports and gaming, technology, telecommunications, and utility / energy.

Chris has been recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation. Benchmark Litigation acknowledges Chris as a “Litigation Star,” and Law360 also named Chris a “Class Action MVP,” which profiles attorneys who have “distinguished themselves from their peers by securing hard-earned successes in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters and record-breaking deals.”  The National Law Journal also identifies him as a “Trailblazer” for his work defending consumer class actions, and Lawdragon recognizes him as one of “500 Leading Litigators in America” and the “500 Leading Global Litigators.”

After graduating cum laude from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Chris received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Virginia Law Review. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.             

Class and Representative Actions

Chris is a nationally recognized expert in defending class actions, including claims involving California’s Unfair Competition and False Advertising Laws (Business & Professions Code § 17200 and § 17500), the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (California Civil Code § 1750 et seq.), the Lanham Act, and the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005. His representative class and representative actions include the following:

  • Secured an order denying Rule 23(b)(2) and (b)(3) certification in a putative class action challenging the accuracy of Facebook’s ad targeting.
  • Defended major technology manufacturer in nationwide multi-district litigation (MDL 2827) involving flagship smartphone devices.  Secured early ruling dismissing all statutory and common law fraud claims with prejudice, as well as all claims based on a broad theory that the devices were “defective.”  Negotiated nationwide class settlement, and assisted with companion state JCCP action and other proceedings across the country.
  • Secured dismissal of entertainment company and content creator in putative class action alleging that placement of videos on YouTube constitutes a violation of federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and California state privacy laws.
  • Served as lead counsel for retailer in multi-district litigation (MDL 3032) involving alleged pest infestation at distribution center.  Negotiated favorable settlement resolving all claims.
  • Secured dismissal with prejudice of UCL and express warranty claims in putative class actions alleging “defect” in 8-speed automatic transmissions in several Toyota vehicles. 
  • Representing online sports-betting company in class actions challenging product marketing and alleged data incident.
  • Serving as national counsel for home warranty company in defending putative class actions and “mass” arbitrations involving home warranty contracts.  Tried several dozen arbitrations to successful resolutions.
  • After defeating class certification, secured case-terminating sanctions in long-running action against pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) for spoliation of evidence.  Secured appellate ruling affirming judgment on separate ground (collateral estoppel).
  • Defeated class certification in a series of significant overpayment recovery class actions against a major health insurer and plan administrator.  Plaintiffs sought certification under every prong of Rule 23—(b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (c)(4)—and the court rejected certification on all grounds, even though other courts had granted certification in similar cases.
  • Obtained order decertifying Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action against major technology company.  Following decertification, obtained summary judgment determining that company’s system did not qualify as an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) as required to support TCPA claim.
  • Defended University of Southern California against high-profile ERISA retirement fees class action.  Secured dismissal of all individual defendants and all claims for breach of duty of loyalty and “prohibited transactions,” and persuaded court to strike demand for jury trial.  Negotiated classwide settlement.

Appeals

Chris has argued several appeals before the federal and state courts of appeal, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit:

  • Secured dismissal with prejudice of novel “car hacking” claims against Toyota based on the lack of Article III standing, and defended that judgment on appeal.
  • Represented leading technology company in data privacy class action alleging violations of Wiretap Act, California Invasion of Privacy Act, and other statutes. Secured denial of certification of all claims for statutory damages, and prevailed on appeal in defending classwide settlement for only injunctive relief.
  • Obtained dismissals with prejudice of all five product liability actions against major technology company involving alleged liability for “distracted driving” accidents, and successfully defended all of these wins on appeal. 
  • Secured the reversals on appeal of judgments totaling $295 million in three certified class actions in New Mexico and California involving installment payment plans for auto insurance policies. 

Trials

  • Assisted in the defense of a complex fraud and civil conspiracy action brought by the California Insurance Commissioner, which resulted a favorable defense verdict on five of six liability claims and all claims for monetary damages following a lengthy federal jury trial spanning several months, and a post-verdict order rejecting any punitive damages.  Secured favorable jury verdict in limited retrial, resulting in no award of compensatory damages despite the Commissioner’s demand for $4 billion.  The Daily Journal recognized this victory as one of its Top Defense Verdicts of the year.
  • Retained by product manufacturer to handle federal Lanham Act trial following an adverse, eight-figure jury verdict after initial trial.  Secured exclusion of all damages evidence on the eve of the retrial, which resulted in a complete win for our client on all of plaintiff’s claims.  Successfully defended the favorable judgment on appeal. 

Selected Publications

  • Associate Editor, American Bar Association, A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions (and co-author of chapters on “Other Due Process Challenges to Class Device” and “Aggregation or Stacking of Penalties or Punitive Measures”)
  • Chapters on “Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 and 17500, and the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act,” in California Civil Procedure Before Trial: Claims and Defenses(The Rutter Group)
  • “Expert Analysis of Class Certification Issues,” in Litigation Services Handbook: The Role of the Financial Expert

Selected Presentations

  • Served as Co-Chair of Steering Committee, Cambridge Forum on Defense of Class Action Litigation
  • “Class Action Trends in the Appellate Process,” Western Alliance Bank 3rd Annual Class Action Law Forum, April 22, 2021
  • “Drafting Blow-Up Provisions in Class Action Settlement Agreements,” Strafford Webinars, October 28, 2020.
  • “Resolving The Dispute Over Injunctive Relief Class Actions,” Bridgeport Consumer Class Action Litigation Conference, January 8, 2016
  • “State of the Law on Consumer Class Actions,” 2015 National Consumer Class Action Litigation & Management Conference (Bridgeport), January 9, 2015
  • “Other Pivotal Residential Mortgage Class Action Issues Currently in Play and Coming Down the Pike from the U.S. Supreme Court: Class Certifications, CAFA, Removal and More,” 12th National Forum on Residential Mortgage Litigation & Regulatory Enforcement (ACI), January 16, 2014
  • “Overview of U.S. Class Actions, Defending and Managing Litigation Against Financial Institutions” (C5 Global Conferences, London UK), November 28-29, 2012

Fabiana Obermeier is an associate in the Frankfurt office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Private Equity and Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Groups.

Fabiana advises on cross-border and national mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital transactions. She further advises on general corporate law matters and joint ventures.

Her experience* includes include advising:

  • H.I.G. Capital on its strategic investment in TIMETOACT GROUP
  • Valeo Food, a CapVest Partner portfolio company on its acquisition of confectionary manufacturer Schluckwerder
  • Eight Fifty Food Group, a CapVest Partners portfolio company, on its acquisition of AliSa Internation GmbH (Greenland Seafood)
  • Gantner Electronic Austria Holding GmbH, an ARDIAN portfolio company, on its acquisition of Contidata Datensysteme GmbH
  • ARDIAN on its sale of Gantner Electronic Austria Holding GmbH
  • STARK Group on its acquisition of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution
  • Insight Partners in connection with its investment in commercetools, Jedox, SimScale, and camunda services

She studied law at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. Before completing her Second State Examination at the Higher Court of Frankfurt (Main), Germany, Fabiana was a trainee in the Frankfurt and London office of a renowned U.S. law firm. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the American University of Paris. She has been admitted as a German lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) since 2019.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Fabiana worked as an associate in the Frankfurt office of a renowned U.S. law firm.

Fabiana is fluent in German and English and speaks French.

 

*Includes Experience Prior To Joining Gibson Dunn

Lora MacDonald is of counsel in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. She practices in the Firm’s Litigation Department, focusing on white collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and corporate compliance.

Lora has extensive experience representing multinational corporations as well as individuals in connection with internal investigations related to potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and U.S. antitrust laws. As part of her practice, she regularly interacts with attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lora has particular experience guiding companies towards the resolution of DOJ and SEC investigations, as well as prophylactic and post-resolution corporate compliance. She has advised multiple publicly-traded companies regarding the structure and effectiveness of their anti-corruption compliance programs, working closely with corporate legal and compliance professionals to enhance policies and procedures, third-party due diligence systems, benchmarking, and corruption risk assessments. Lora regularly advises on anti-corruption aspects of proposed mergers and acquisitions, and conducts related due diligence as well as compliance program reviews and pre- and post-acquisition due diligence.

She also assists clients under investigation by the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency and companies already subject to World Bank sanction.

Lora is recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Criminal Defense: White-Collar.

She received her law degree from The University of Michigan Law School in 2013. During law school, she was an Articles Editor for the Michigan Journal of International Law. In 2009, Lora graduated with High Distinction from The University of Michigan, where she earned degrees in political science and English.

Lora is admitted to practice in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Kahlil T. Yearwood is co-partner in charge of the San Francisco office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department and serves on the firm’s Diversity Committee.

Kahlil’s practice focuses on commercial real estate finance and capital markets. He represents various portfolio lenders (including specialty finance companies, life insurance companies, hedge funds, and banks), debt fund managers, and private equity firms in transactions involving loan origination, loan purchases and sales, subordinate debt financing and acquisition, post-closing modifications, workouts, restructurings, foreclosures, and other exercises of remedies.

Kahlil has been recognized as a leading lawyer by:

  • Chambers USA in Band 1 for California Real Estate. Chambers notes, “He is one of the most skilled real estate finance lawyers in America. Clients go to him for their toughest, most complex and high-stakes matters and they don’t know anyone that can compare.”
  • The Legal 500 US for Real Estate Finance
  • Lawdragon‘s 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers in 2024 and 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law

Additional relevant information about Kahlil includes:

  • Kahlil received his Juris Doctor in 2005 from the University of California, Berkeley. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Before joining Gibson Dunn, Kahlil was a partner at another leading international law firm.
  • Kahlil is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and a fellow in the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.
  • He is a frequent speaker on commercial real estate lending and subordinate debt structures.

Clarisse Bouchetemblé is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Corporate Transactions, Private Equity, and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Groups.

Her practice focuses on public and private M&A transactions for domestic and international clients, notably stock and assets sales, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations, and corporate general counseling.

She advises industrial companies, investment funds, insurers, and banks.

Admitted to the Paris Bar, Clarisse received a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2008 from Auckland University, New Zealand. She also graduated from University Paris II – Panthéon Assas with a master’s degree in Commercial Law in 2006 after obtaining an undergraduate diploma in Commercial Law in 2005 from Drake University.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Julia-Barbara Michalon is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as a member of the firm’s Finance and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

She specializes in structured finance transactions (particularly in the context of LBO transactions), complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions, and real estate financings. She seamlessly represents senior and junior lenders, financial sponsors, borrowers, and distressed investors in their significant strategic transactions.

Julia-Barbara is experienced in acquisition finance (whether using all-senior, senior, second lien, unitranche, mezzanine, or PIK financing), advising lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs, build-ups, and corporate acquisitions. She also has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans, and bridge financing.

Julia-Barbara also advises on bespoke financings for companies that require more complex corporate financings, including “special situation” financings for companies struggling to raise debt post-restructuring.

Best Lawyers in France has recommended her for Banking & Finance Law, Insolvency, and Structured Finance since 2025. Previously, she was recommended as One to Watch for Banking and Finance Law by Best Lawyers in France since she entered the ranking in 2022.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Julia-Barbara practiced for four years with a leading British law firm.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2015, she graduated from University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas with a master’s degree in banking and financial law in 2011, a master’s degree in business law, and an MBA in 2010, and graduated from King’s College London in 2012 with a Master of Laws in financial law. Julia-Barbara teaches financial law at the Bar school of Paris.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Pauline Portos is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group.

Pauline specializes in infrastructure and energy transactions as well as M&A transactions in the infrastructure and energy sectors in France and abroad. Her expertise includes both financing and projects matters.

She advises clients ranging from investment funds, debt funds, and corporates to financial institutions, multilateral institutions, and governments with a particular focus on telecommunications, electric mobility, transport, and renewable energy projects.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Pauline practiced several years in the acquisition financing (LBO) department and the Energy and Infrastructure department of two Magic Circle law firms.

Admitted to the Paris bar in 2014, Pauline holds a Master’s degree in Corporate and Tax Law and a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Law from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University.

She speaks French and English fluently.

Adam Dawson is a partner in the Brussels office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition Practice Group.

Adam specializes in merger control and foreign investment screening. He regularly manages the assessment of merger and FDI filings and has represented numerous clients in global merger investigations, including complex transactions that require negotiating remedies with various competition authorities.

He has also assisted many clients with competition law complaints and investigations conducted by the European Commission and national competition authorities. Adam frequently advises companies on the merits of potential Article 102 TFEU complaints.

Additionally, Adam is regularly called upon to advise clients regarding potential exposure under competition law. He has helped develop effective compliance programs and often guides companies on their local and international distribution and pricing strategies.

His recent experience spans a wide range of industries, including human and animal health, digital platforms, chemicals, energy, heavy machinery, packaging, and air transport.

Admitted to practice in Belgium, Adam earned a Bachelor of Laws from King’s College London and the Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2007, a Master of Business Law and Taxation from the Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2008, and an LL.M. in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in 2009.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, Adam practiced at a prominent American law firm in Brussels.

He speaks English and French fluently.

Alex Bluett is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group.

As a dual-qualified lawyer (English and French law), Alex advises French and international clients on the development, structuring, and financing of large-scale energy and infrastructure transactions across a number of sectors including telecoms, roads, airports, energy transition, and renewables. He has experience in project, acquisition and corporate financings (including loans, bonds and hybrid financings), and M&A transactions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Alex worked for over a decade in the energy & infrastructure group of a Magic Circle law firm in their Paris and London offices.

Admitted to the Paris Bar and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, Alex holds a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Cambridge.

Alex speaks English and French fluently.

Representative Matters*

  • Advised InfraVia in the context of its JV with Play (subsidiary of Iliad) for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Poland.
  • Advised the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and Luminor Bank as lenders on the financial close of the first major public-private partnership (PPP) in Latvia, the Kekava Bypass Project.
  • Advised the arrangers to InfraVia and EIR in the context of their JV for the development and operation of an FTTH network in Ireland.
  • Advised Meridiam, a leading infrastructure investment fund, and Allego, one of the leading developers of European high power EV charging stations, in the context of the structuring and implementation of a pan-European project to build, maintain, operate and finance several EV charging points across Europe.
  • Advised the lenders to Rubis terminals in the context of the refinancing of their portfolio of pan-European port terminals.
  • Advised the lenders on the financing, construction and operation of a wind farm under a corporate PPA by InfraVia Capital Partners located in Sweden.
  • Advised the lenders of a consortium led by Meridiam on their bid submission for the award of a concession for the construction, maintenance, operation and financing of Belgrade airport in Serbia.
  • Advised InfraVia and Alkion in the context of the financing and the refinancing of a portfolio of port terminals.
  • Advised the lenders to Antin in the context of its acquisition of the Idex group.

*Includes experience prior to joining Gibson Dunn.

Benoît Fleury is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s Merger and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Securities law & Governance, Compliance, and Business Restructuring & Reorganization Practice Groups.

Benoît’s corporate practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. He advises European and U.S. clients, particularly banks, insurance companies, and investment funds on their most strategic domestic and cross-border acquisitions. His experience encompasses a wealth of operations in regulated environments, as well as in the context of carve-outs and spin-offs and corporate governance matters.

He has developed particular know-how in securities-related transactions, proposing creative solutions in sensitive contexts, including restructuring and insolvency procedures. Benoit also devotes significant time to advising startups and early stage companies in their development.

Benoît focuses his restructuring practice on complex restructuring and insolvency matters (mandat ad hoc, conciliation and safeguard), regularly representing defaulting and distressed companies, creditors (including banks and CLOs), notable shareholders, and investors looking for the acquisition of distressed targets in some of the French market’s most high-profile cases. He provides strategic advice and business-oriented negotiation solutions to French and foreign stakeholders, counseling on prevention measures and court resolutions. He often assists listed companies, portfolio companies, hedge funds, and investment funds, which he also advises in connection with their strategic investments and day-to-day operations. Due to his restructuring and securities law expertise, Benoît has argued several landmark French cases, setting many precedents over the course of his career.

Chambers Europe recommends Benoît and sources highlight that he “has experience assisting clients with corporate reorganizations and insolvency proceedings” and is “really smart, always available, works quickly and has good business sense”. They appreciate his “straightforward style and clever strategies”. He is a “down-to-earth, commercial, no-nonsense lawyer” and “an astute analyst of critical judicial situations in the bankruptcy field, [that] turns things around very fast whilst providing great advice.” The directory mentions that he is “highly regarded” and described him as “very proactive and client-oriented.” Sources say “Fleury is very strong, reactive and commercial.” Previous editions praised his “responsiveness, dedication and negotiation skills” and referred to him as “patient, able to explain everything and ready to hear what we have to say.”

The Legal 500 EMEA also recommends Benoît for Mergers and Acquisitions and Best Lawyers in France has consistently recommended him for Corporate, LBO, and Insolvency Law.

Benoît graduated from University Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense with a master’s degree in 1996, after having received a diploma from business school EDHEC (École de Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord) in 1993. Benoît teaches corporate law at EDHEC business school, having previously taught for three years at Evry University. He frequently writes on topical legal issues.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Ahmed Baladi is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn. He is the Co-Chair of the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Innovation Practice Group and a member of the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Transactions Practice Groups.

Ahmed has developed renowned experience in a wide range of privacy matters including the implementation of global privacy compliance and governance programs tailored to complex and evolving regulations. He assists clients in navigating the intersection of privacy and other digital related regulations such as the AI Act, the DSA, the Data Act, and the NIS Directive. His practice also focuses on strategic counseling for the development and launching of data driven products and services. Ahmed regularly represents corporates and executives on investigations and procedures before data protection authorities and courts. He also advises a variety of clients on data breach and national security matters, including handling investigations, enforcement defense, and crisis management. 

Beyond regulatory compliance, Ahmed provides strategic counsel to clients seeking to leverage emerging technologies for competitive advantage. His practice covers strategic digital and technology projects such as the development and use of innovative solutions including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, smart devices or industry 4.0 solutions. A broad range of clients from various sectors seek his pragmatic advice from the outset of their projects, and Ahmed enables them to assess and implement innovative solutions where no clear legal guidance is available, bringing awareness on how such development or use could impact their operations and defining practical solutions.

Ahmed has received several accolades:

  • Chambers Europe ranks Ahmed Band 1 for TMT: Data Protection and Band 2 in its TMT: Information Technology category. Clients assess: “In my view, Ahmed is brilliant. He does a fantastic job explaining the law to clients and always leaves a positive impression” ; “I know I can trust him to be responsive, efficient and business-oriented” ; “Ahmed is very business-oriented and he can be creative. I have worked with him on difficult projects in the past and it is very comfortable working with him because he is organized” ; “Ahmed is incredibly quick, articulate and easy to work with. He can distil down complex or messy issues to simple elements and address them in a straightforward manner.”
  • Previous editions of Chambers described him as “on top of his game and a pleasure to work with” ; “a super business partner who finds excellent solutions” ; “efficient and reactive” and with “an excellent grasp of the sector;” “very smart and bright.” Other sources praise his negotiation skills, saying: “He is patient and always tries to find intelligent compromises” underlining his “reactivity and availability”, his “great judgement […] source of clear, calm advice under pressure” and the fact that he is “very patient, reactive, calm and balanced, especially in negotiations.” Sources consistently brand him as an “adept negotiator, pragmatic and practical,” who possesses “strong commercial and technical skills.” Many also note his ability to “understand complex and innovative projects very quickly, and to build a proposal that explores different legal areas but remains simple and clear.”
  • The Legal 500 EMEA has once more named Ahmed a Leading Individual for both Data Protection (Tier 1) and IT and internet (Tier 1) categories, with clients noting that “Ahmed is the market leader when it comes to advising on data protection issues as they apply to novel technologies.’”
  • Previous editions of The Legal 500 noted “Ahmed gives you great comfort when dealing with complex legal topics (whether at national level or on cross-border issues) or difficult business situations, and when having to navigate in grey areas. These are situations where you need to challenge yourself, share views and take decisions taking into account the regulations, but also, and equally importantly for a business, matching with the business interests. Ahmed’s legal expertise, deep business experience, hard-working capacity and humility at work make him a highly valued asset for our legal team.” 
  • Best Lawyers in France named Ahmed its 2025 Outsourcing “Lawyer of the Year”.
  • Lawdragon has recognized Ahmed in its 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors list, which highlights “100 stellar players who capture the state of artificial intelligence in the law today, with a side of interesting legal tech.” (2024, 2025). In addition, Ahmed was named to its 500 Leading Global Cyber Lawyers guide, which highlights “lawyers who connect it all – data and security, innovation and inspiration, litigation and exploration.” (2024).
  • Who’s Who Legal: Data has also selected Ahmed as being a leading figure in Data.

Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2001, Ahmed graduated in 1998 from University of Lyon III Jean Moulin, where he received a DJCE (Legal counsel diploma) in Commercial Law and a post graduate degree in Business and Tax Law. Through an exchange program, he spent two years in the US, at the University of Georgia in 1999, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1997.

Ahmed also graduated from the French Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defence (IHEDN) in 2021 on Cybersecurity and Data Sovereignty. He is a Young Leader of the France-Asia Foundation.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Eric Bouffard is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where he serves as a member of the firm’s Litigation, International Arbitration, Enforcement, Environmental and Social Governance, and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.

Eric is particularly active in cross-border litigation, commercial arbitration, commercial law (including insolvency and recovery of debt), industrial risk (latent defects, interruption of production, delay and disruption claims, consequential losses), international trade, and insurance before both judicial courts and arbitral tribunals.

He is regularly involved in M&A disputes, shareholder disputes, and more generally project partner disputes.

Eric has provided clients with legal and strategic advice for responding to crises and anticipating them. He is knowledgeable in the conduct of risk assessments and the review and implementation of compliance programs in fast-changing regulatory environments. He advises various French multinationals on Loi Sapin II aspects.

The Legal 500 EMEA distinguishes Eric in its Commercial litigation category (Band 2), highlighting he is “highly regarded” and a “key lawyer.” Previous editions described him as an “experienced” lawyer that “provide[s] strategic and spot-on advice” and an “excellent litigator”. “[He] assists both French and international clients with an array of contentious matters”. He is noted for his expertise in restructuring matters and disputes connected to the banking and finance industry. He is appreciated by clients for his “pedagogical skills to explain complex matters” ; “He’s accessible and a straight-talker. He gives constructive advice.”

Benchmark Litigation Europe has named him a Litigation Star every year since he entered the ranking in 2020, while Best Lawyers in France has also consistently recommended him for Litigation and International Arbitration.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2017, Eric practiced at a leading British law firm since 2005. He is a member of the Association Française d’Arbitrage

(AFA), Association Française du Contract Management (AFCM), International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and Association Française de Droit Maritime (AFDM).

A member of the Paris Bar, Eric graduated in 1993 from University of Paris II (Panthéon-Assas) where he received a DESS (postgraduate degree) in litigation and arbitration. He is the co-author of Tactics in M&A Arbitration, a book which gives a pan-European view on the questions which systematically arise in M&A arbitration proceedings.

He speaks French and English fluently.

Amanda Bevan-de Bernède is a partner in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as the Partner in Charge of the office and a member of the firm’s Finance Practice Group.

Amanda specializes in structured finance transactions, in particular in the context of LBO transactions and complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions.

She seamlessly represents senior and junior lenders, financial sponsors, borrowers, and distressed investors in their significant strategic transactions. Amanda is experienced in acquisition finance (whether using all-senior, senior, second lien, unitranche, mezzanine or PIK financing), advising lenders, borrowers and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs, build-ups, and corporate acquisitions. She also has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans, and bridge financing. Amanda has acted on some of the largest French acquisition finance transactions over the last decade, but also on many of the most complex debt restructuring transactions completed in France over recent years, advising clients within a cross-practice team of lawyers combining excellent restructuring expertise with thorough technical knowledge of finance transactions.

The Legal 500 EMEA ranks her as a leading partner for Banking & Finance: Transactional Work and recommends her work in its Insolvency category (Band 1), noting that she is a Key N ame within the practice.

Best Lawyers in France consistently recommends her for Banking and Finance Law, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, as well as Investment.

Prior to joining Gibson Dunn in 2017, Amanda practiced in a leading British law firm’s Paris corporate and banking departments, before joining another leading British law firm’s finance department in 2003.

Admitted to the Paris Bar since 1998, Amanda graduated from University of Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne) with a DEA (master’s degree) in private international law and international commercial law, and received a Magistère (postgraduate degree) in private and public economic law in 1997.

She speaks English and French fluently.