Chérine Sophia Ftouki

Chérine Sophia Ftouki is an International Arbitrator, Expert Consultant in Energy and Environmental Policy, and Academic Researcher specialising in International Dispute Resolution and Public International Law. She has taught Investor-State Dispute Settlement at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and recently served as a Global International Arbitration Specialist (Consultant) at a leading international law firm, where she built a reputation as a trusted adviser in arbitration. In 2024, she was appointed ICC YAAF Representative for Algeria as part of her mandate for Africa (2024-2026).

Chérine Sophia holds 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. With a dual background in civil and common law and expertise in both Investor-State and International Commercial Arbitration, she is well-equipped to handle high-value, complex cross-border disputes across a wide range of sectors. These include energy and natural resources, construction, engineering, infrastructure, telecommunications, IP and banking.

Before founding Almatura & Partners, Chérine Sophia gained experience at a boutique firm in London and a major US law firm, focusing on disputes across Africa, Latin America, and the MENA region. She has played a key role in high-profile international arbitrations under ICSID, ICC, LCIA, and ad hoc proceedings. She is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish, and participates in proceedings in all of these languages. Additionally, she has working knowledge of Russian.

A specialist in Energy Transition Law, Climate Change, and Environmental Governance, she leads research in Environmental and Natural Resources Dispute Resolution. Her work includes contributing to projects related to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), model agreements developed by non-governmental organisations to facilitate treaty negotiations in the environmental sector, and arbitration involving sovereign immunity. She also advises governments, organisations, and businesses on sustainability and environmental initiatives, collaborating with institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and other international bodies. Recently, she was nominated as an Expert for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, due in 2025.

Chérine Sophia is one of ArabArb’s hub leaders in London, UK.