Chérine Sophia FTOUKI

Chérine Sophia FTOUKI is an International Arbitrator, Expert Consultant in Energy and Environmental Policy, and Academic Researcher with expertise in International Dispute Resolution and Public International Law. Combining practical experience with academic insight, she taught Investor-State Dispute Settlement as a Visiting Lecturer at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Her previous role as a Global International Arbitration Specialist (Consultant) at a leading international law firm established her as a trusted advisor in arbitration, particularly within the energy, maritime, infrastructure, and resources sectors. In 2024, she was appointed as the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) YAAF Representative for Algeria, as part of her mandate for Africa (2024-2026).

Having received dual training in civil and common law, with an LL.M. in International Dispute Resolution from King’s College London and a Master’s in International Law from La Sorbonne-Panthéon Paris I, Chérine Sophia brings a versatile and robust background to her practice. Her expertise spans Investor-State Arbitration, International Commercial Arbitration, Public International Law, and International Energy Trade Law , enriching her approach to arbitration proceedings for energy and infrastructure projects. She also maintains strong multi-jurisdictional connections, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

Before launching her independent consultancy, Almatura & Partners, Chérine Sophia gained experience at a boutique firm in London and subsequently at a major American law firm in the UK, working on complex energy, construction, and maritime disputes across the US, Latin America, and the MENA region. She brings deep expertise in cross-border energy negotiations, including green energy transitions, LNG, and infrastructure issues. Chérine Sophia leads initiatives and research on Environmental, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Dispute Resolution. Notably, she plays a key role in research projects concerning the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and issues related to sovereign and diplomatic privileges and immunities in interstate and investor-state arbitrations. She has contributed to significant cross-border international investment and commercial arbitrations conducted under major international arbitration institutions such as ICSID, ICC, and LCIA, as well as through ad hoc arbitration proceedings .

In addition to her roles as an arbitrator and academic, Chérine Sophia is a consultant specializing in Energy and Environmental Policy, collaborating with a diverse array of partners to address global sustainability challenges. She assists clients in advancing their climate and sustainability initiatives through innovative solutions, integrating sustainable practices, and maximizing the impact of these initiatives. Her work involves partnerships with notable organizations such as United Nations bodies, the World Bank, other international agencies, governmental bodies, and regional entities. Algeria recently nominated her as a Lead Author for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, due in 2025.