After many fulfilling years as a full-time practitioner, I am transitioning into a more measured role—one that allows me to offer the benefit of decades of experience while maintaining a balanced pace. I still welcome opportunities to provide insight, review important documents, or consult on key decisions. I’m here not for the day-to-day grind, but for the moments that count: when experience can clarify complexity, when a seasoned perspective can simplify your path, and when careful attention can make all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients through both significant and smaller challenges, forging relationships based on trust, respect, and clarity. My career has been built on the belief that the best legal advice comes from experience, careful consideration, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for my clients. As I transition into a lighter phase of my professional life, I remain fully dedicated to assisting those who appreciate my decades of experience and my calm, measured approach to complex legal matters.
While I no longer engage in large-scale, time-intensive projects, my expertise remains available for those who value precision and a steady hand in navigating their legal challenges. I now focus on offering a more bespoke and thoughtful approach, ensuring that my clients receive the attention and strategic guidance they need without the unnecessary overhead of large firms. My current areas of focus include:
With over 35 years of experience in law, primarily in the City of London, I have had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading international firms, including as a partner in two top-tier firms (see Profile). Throughout my career, I have focused on commodity finance, structured finance, derivatives, and commodity trading, becoming one of Europe’s leading specialists in these areas. My extensive background in handling high-stakes transactions and complex disputes has shaped my ability to provide clear, actionable advice in a calm and measured way.
I also have a long track record in international arbitration, having acted both as counsel and arbitrator in numerous cases under major rules such as ICC, LCIA, and the Swiss Arbitration Centre. I take pride in being recognized for my strategic approach to resolving disputes, helping clients avoid lengthy, costly litigation where possible and always working toward practical, efficient solutions.
Though my pace has slowed in recent years, my commitment to providing high-quality, personalized legal advice remains unwavering. I continue to offer a service that is grounded in decades of experience and a passion for delivering real value to my clients. If you seek an advisor who understands the nuances of complex legal matters, values long-term relationships, and takes a pragmatic, client-focused approach, I would be honored to assist you as you navigate your legal challenges.
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Pestalozzi Lachenal Patry, Geneva, Switzerland - Partner specialised in finance. Practice covers commodity finance, structured finance and M&A.
BNP Paribas, Geneva, Switzerland.
Andersen Legal, London, UK - Joined to create the global capital markets practice of Andersen Legal, part of Arthur Andersen. As a result of Enron, Andersen Legal was disbanded in the UK in June 2002.
Norton Rose, London, UK - Partner. Established this top 20 City law firm in capital markets, derivatives and securitisation.
BNP Capital Markets Limited, London, UK - Head of legal department in charge of documenting the activities of BNP Capital Markets.
EBRD, London, UK - Lawyer in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
UBS Phillips & Drew, London, UK - Director and deputy-head of the Corporate Finance transaction management team.
Credit Suisse First Boston, London, UK - Joined the transaction management team as a lawyer.
Gilles Thieffry has acted and acts as non-executive director on the Board of Directors of several companies (listed or non-listed).
University of Pennsylvania, Law School, Philadelphia, PA, USA. - Post graduate law programme at this Ivy league University (Wharton).
Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI), Geneva, Switzerland - Diploma of the Institute. Diploma awarded with very high honours.
Université de Franche-Comté, Faculté de Droit, Besançon, France - Licence en droit (Bachelor of law), awarded with honours.
Lycée d'Etat, Saint-Gaudens, France - Baccalauréat (D, major in Sciences). Awarded with honours.
Nationality: British, French and Swiss.
Languages: Bilingual French and English. German (basic)
GTLaw ® currently advises many types of clients in the following fields:
GTLaw ® currently advises many types of clients in the following fields:
Solicitor (England and Wales), Member of the New York bar, Avocat au Barreau de Genève, Avocat Honoraire au Barreau de Paris
Address: GTLaw - Case postale/PO Box 4 - 1294 Genthod - Geneva - Switzerland
For hand delivery only: Route de Collex 32 -1294 Genthod - Geneva - Switzerland
DDL +41 (0)22 774 03 97 Fax +41 (0)22 594 8585 Mobile +41 (0) 79 230 51 41
Email Address gilles.thieffry@gtlaw.ch