Thomas Kendra
Partner | Paris,
France
Thomas.Kendra@kennedyslaw.com
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Profile
Thomas is a partner in our commercial and investment arbitration practice.
With over 20 years of specialised experience in international arbitration, Thomas' extensive experience has seen him cover several multi-billion dollar disputes in the energy sector in Europe, disputes relating to the alleged expropriation of mining licences in Africa and also in Central Asia, major telecoms disputes in Central Europe and West Africa as well as investment arbitrations in the food production and also energy sectors in Latin America.
Thomas is a regular contributor to publications and conferences on the topic of international arbitration, whilst teaching at both the Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) and Paris-Saclay University.
Qualifications
- Dual qualified in England and France.
Market recognition
- Recommended lawyer for 'International Arbitration (France)'
"He is very good, extremely pragmatic, pleasant and a hard worker."
"Thomas Kendra is very diligent in preparing for the hearing and demonstrated excellent coordination skills."
Chambers Europe 2023 - Recommended lawyer for 'International Arbitration (France)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - "Thomas Kendra enters the rankings on the back of excellent market recognition. He is much sought after for his experience representing clients in arbitration cases conducted under a wide variety of institutional rules, including those of ICSID and the ICC."
Chambers Dispute Resolution – Africa wide 2023 - Thomas Kendra at Hogan Lovells enjoys a fantastic reputation amongst his peers who laud him as a spectacular lawyer with excellent trial presence”
Who’s Who Legal 2023 - Recommended lawyer for 'International Arbitration (France)'
Chambers Europe 2022 - Next generation partner for 'International Arbitration (France)'
‘I really enjoy working and interacting with Thomas Kendra. He is a recognised and seasoned professional, providing good advice. …We are delighted with their work.’
The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Recommended lawyer for 'International Arbitration (France)'
"He is someone that is so quick-witted that he immediately gets respect and attention in a courtroom."
Chambers Europe 2021 - Next generation partner for 'International Arbitration (France)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Up and coming lawyer for 'International Arbitration (France)'
Chambers Europe 2021 - Next generation partner for 'International Arbitration (France)'
The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 - Thomas Kendra 'leads the market' in relation to arbitrations in Francophone Africa."
Who's Who Legal - Future Leaders in Arbitration 2017 - "Thomas Kendra ‘conducts very effective cross-examinations of both fact and expert witnesses.'"
The Legal 500 2017
Work highlights
- Representing a European oil and gas production company in ICC arbitration proceedings with USD 7 billion in dispute, against another European oil and gas company in relation to price review of a long term gas contract.
- Representing an African telecoms company in an LCIA arbitration seated in Cameroon with USD 300m at stake against a major African company relating to a shareholder dispute.
- Representing a West African mining services company in ICC arbitration proceedings against a global mining major relating to a dispute at a gold mine in West Africa.
- Advising Spotify regarding its risks and litigation policy with regard to its launch in 36 African countries, and subsequently 96 countries across the world, in 2021.
- Representing a West African Central Bank in arbitration proceedings regarding a USD 200 million dispute with a gold refining company.
- Representing a major French construction company in two arbitrations against African States regarding the construction of significant projects in Africa.
- Representing a global oil company in ICC mediation proceedings against a Central African state regarding tax issues linked to the application of its concessions.
- Successfully representing a major pharmaceutical company in an ICC arbitration against an African pharmaceutical company regarding the manufacture and distribution of products.
- Representing a French investor in an ICSID arbitration against a European State relating to the expropriation of its investment in the services sector.
- Representing a central Asian State in UNCITRAL arbitration brought under the Energy Charter Treaty and administered at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in relation to a dispute over a uranium mining licence.
- Representing an Eastern European State against an Asian investor in ICC proceedings relating to a USD 800m dispute regarding the exercise of production at a major oil field.
- Representing a Latin American State in ICSID arbitration relating to the alleged expropriation of a fertilizer plant.
- Acting as arbitrator in two related LCIA disputes regarding investments in the property sector in Africa.
Insurance and reinsurance
Life sciences
Construction and engineering