Overview
Anaïs Harlé is of counsel in the International Arbitration practice of Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Paris office. Anaïs represents states and multinational corporations in investment and commercial arbitrations conducted under leading institutional and ad hoc rules (ICSID, ICC, SCC, LCIA, UNCITRAL).
She has been described as a "top-notch arbitration lawyer," who is "sharp, skillful and extremely professional" and who "integrates and uses the technical arguments of the dispute in the best possible way for her client" (Lexology Index, 2026).
Anaïs' practice centers on complex construction, infrastructure and energy disputes. She has advised and defended clients worldwide, including in Africa, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has a strong interest in offshore and coastal projects, marine renewable energy and seabed governance. She has also worked on disputes in the mining, hospitality, aviation and M&A sectors, as well as on matters involving money laundering and corruption allegations.
She frequently acts in arbitration-related proceedings before French courts, including annulment actions and applications for interim measures relating to first-demand guarantees under FIDIC contracts.
Anaïs is a co-chair of the French Arbitration Committee's under-40 group (CFA40), lectures in international arbitration and regularly speaks at arbitration conferences. Prior to joining Paul Hastings, she worked for over 10 years at another international firm. She has studied in England, the United States, Canada and France.
Accolades
- Arbitration & Mediation, Best Lawyers France (2027)
- Arbitration Future Leader, Lexology Index, France (2026)
- Ones to Watch, International Arbitration, Best Lawyers France (2022-26)
- Kate Bertram Prize for Distinguished Performance in Non-Tripos Examination (LL.M.), University of Cambridge, Lucy Cavendish College (2013)
Education
- University of Cambridge, LL.M. (First Class)
- University of Montpellier, Diploma in Law, Sea and Coastal Areas
- Sciences Po Law School, Master 2, Global Business Law and Governance (in partnership with Sorbonne (Paris I) and Columbia Law School)
- Sciences Po Law School, Master 1, Economic Law
- Sciences Po Paris, Bachelor
Representations
Construction Disputes
- The main contractor on one of the world's largest infrastructure projects located in Central America in DAB and ICC arbitration proceedings.
- A sub-contractor in a dispute against the main EPC contractor in relation to a refinery project in Western Europe.
- A construction consortium in relation to claims arising out of the rehabilitation of an airport in Kenya, as well as in parallel court proceedings in France and Kenya concerning the call of a performance security.
Investor-State Arbitration
- An Eastern European country in an ICSID arbitration regarding the termination of a mining concession.
- Georgia in coordinated SCC and ICSID arbitrations concerning the regulation of electricity tariffs and related enforcement and annulment proceedings.
- The Claimants in Engie and others v. Hungary, an ICSID case under the Energy Charter Treaty and the France-Hungary BIT relating to the regulation of gas tariffs.
Commercial Arbitration
- An international hotel group in an LCIA arbitration in relation to a dispute arising out of the performance of a hotel management agreement.
- Acted as secretary of the arbitral tribunal in an ICC arbitration seated in Paris.
- A French company in an ICC arbitration arising out of a long-term supply contract in the aviation industry.
- A group of Indian companies in annulment proceedings before the Paris Court of Appeal brought by a state against an international award.
- A group of companies in an ICC arbitration regarding tax disputes arising out of a M&A transaction in Central Europe.
Engagement & Publications
Publications
- “Arbitration in France”, Thomson Reuters Practical Law, note w-030-3576, Co-Author, January 2025 (with Nicolas Bouchardie, Lucas De Ferrari and Léa Gouwy)
- “Enforcement of awards in France – a dual system (Ryanair v Syndicate of Charente Airports)”, Lexis PSL Arbitration, Co-Author, May 2017 (with Elizabeth Oger-Gross)
- “Governing Law and Dispute Resolution Clauses in JOAs”, in Understanding Joint Operating Agreements (G. Pereira ed.), Intersentia, Co-Author, 2017 (with T.Timonen)
- “Arbitration procedures and practice in France: overview”, PLC, Co-Author, March 2016 (with Elizabeth Oger-Gross)
- “Litigation and enforcement in France: overview”, PLC Global Guide to Dispute Resolution, Co-Author, January 2016 (with Elizabeth Oger-Gross, A. Pitchouguina and E. Valette)
Speaking Engagements
- "Construire sa pratique: introduction à l’arbitrage de construction", Paris Baby Arbitration, Paris, Speaker, June 2026
- "The FIDIC Red Book: The Effect of Applicable Law”, African Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR), Webinar, S peaker, May 2026
- "Constructing Truth: Taking Evidence in International Arbitration”, Fordham International Law Association (FILA), New York, Speaker, October 2025
- “Inside International Arbitration: Cases, Careers and Global Practice”, New York University (NYU) School of Law, New York, Speaker, October 2025
- “Charting the Deep: An Oxford-Style Debate on the Future of Seabed Governance” (panel on seabed mining and the role of the International Seabed Authority), 2025 International Law Weekend, New York, Speaker, October 2025
- “This house believes that the current treatment of shareholders’ claims for reflective loss in ISDS is appropriate” (Oxford-style panel), IBA Arb40 Symposium: The continuous pursuit of legitimisation and optimisation of international arbitration, London, Speaker, April 2025
- “The Modernised ECT: Climate Change, Arbitration, and Energy Transition”, 10th Cambridge Arbitration Day, Cambridge University, Speaker, April 2025
- “General International Law in International Investment Law-A Commentary”, Book Launch Event (panelist), Sciences PO Law School, Paris, Speaker, March 2025