Trinity International, pioneering law firm in the field of transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Africa and other emerging countries, is accelerating its development and welcoming Stéphane Brabant as senior partner, and Lucien Bou Chaaya as partner.

Stéphane Brabant and Lucien Bou Chaaya are experts in projects and transactions across the African continent, with a strong track record in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors. Their work has included structuring complex investments between multinationals and States, risk prevention and crisis management, advising multinational corporations, mining companies, business leaders, investment funds and institutional investors.

During the last two decades, Stéphane Brabant has also been recognised for his expertise in the implementation, monitoring and resolution of disputes relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and human rights and this year received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Chambers & Partners at the Chambers Africa Awards.

Speaking on his appointment, Stéphane Brabant said: "After 22 years at Herbert Smith Freehills, whose professional and human qualities I have admired, our arrival is part of Trinity International's desire to accelerate its development in French-speaking Africa. I am very happy to accompany Lucien on this adventure which will continue my work in a continent for which I have a special attachment and respect. Trinity combines a strong entrepreneurial dimension and a responsible approach to projects and transactions, which is a state of mind aligned with my perception of ethics in business life."

Lucien Bou Chaaya adds: “My eight years in the Energy and Infrastructure team of HSF has trained me in complex and specialised subject matters with very talented lawyers, such as Stéphane. Trinity’s focus on projects in emerging and frontier markets, where development impact is most strongly felt, is a clear motivating factor for me joining the practice. Our expertise in projects and transactions in the extractive industries complements Trinity’s existing services and experience, especially in the infrastructure space. My ability to handle files in Arabic will also support Trinity’s response to the growing trend of Gulf and Middle Eastern players pursuing projects on the African continent so we are well set for the future.”

Lead partners in Trinity’s Paris office, Pierre Bernheim and Marianna Sédéfian, add: “The arrival of Stéphane and Lucien allows us to expand our services, particularly across Francophone Africa. Lucien's dynamism combined with his profile is a decisive advantage for transactions in the Middle East. Our skills complement one another very deliberately, and in combination will allow us to offer a full range of expertise on infrastructure and energy projects but also, thanks to Stéphane and Lucien's expertise, in the oil and gas, mining and human rights sectors.”

Kaushik Ray, Partner in Trinity International's London office, said: “Trinity International was founded as an emerging markets law firm, led by senior lawyers, with an innovative approach to managing transactions in markets new to international investors. The growth of our French-speaking practice with the arrival of Stéphane and Lucien reflects these founding principles and testifies to our shared vision of the future in terms of providing legal services and creating solutions to global challenges, based on the principle of sustainable economic development.”