Elisabeth Malafa
Biography
Elisabeth Malafa is an associate in the Dispute Resolution Group of Baker McKenzie in Paris. Her practice includes commercial litigation and international arbitration across a broad range of sectors, including defense, oil and gas, telecommunications.
Drawing on her experience as a former legal intern in the EMEA Legal Department of Louis Vuitton Malletier in Paris, Elisabeth also advises clients in the luxury and fashion industry on distribution agreements and consumer law issues.
Admitted to practice in Paris and New York, Elisabeth is fluent in French and English.
Practice Focus
Elisabeth focuses her practice on complex, cross-border commercial disputes involving French and international companies, with a focus on breach of contract, product liability and private international law matters.
Representative Legal Matters
- Representing a US manufacturer in court proceedings against EUR 250 million product liability claims relating to an accident in an oil refinery.
- Representing a defense contractor in court proceedings relating to the performance of a government contract involving national security issues.
- Representing a US transport company in appellate proceedings against claims alleging breaches of a distribution agreement and violations of French law provisions on commercial agents.
- Representing a UK telecommunications company in multiple court proceedings pertaining to the illegal offering of financial services.
- Represented a UK investment firm in summary proceedings relating to the enforcement of a French security (pacte commissoire).
- Representing a North African state in ICSID arbitration proceedings against investment claims relating to the operation of transportation systems.
- Represented a real estate fund in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to the performance of a put option agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining the Firm:
- Assisted a major French company in court proceedings relating to the acquisition of another major French company valued at USD 15 billion.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Association des Professionnels du Contentieux des Affaires
- American Bar Association - International Law Section
- French-American Foundation
Admissions
- Paris~France (2022)
- New York~United States (2021)
Education
- University of California, Los Angeles (LL.M.)
- University of Versailles (Licence, Master 1, Master 2 in Arbitration and International Commercial Law)
- Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas (Diploma in Technology and Digital Law)
Languages
- English
- French
Baker & McKenzie A.A.R.P.I. is a member of Baker and McKenzie International.