Yas Banifatemi

Yas Banifatemi is a Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Panthéon-Sorbonne University (Paris 1). She is a leading international arbitration and public international law specialist, serving as a founding partner of Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes. She previously led Shearman & Sterling’s Global International Arbitration Practice Group and held roles as Vice-President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and member of the SIAC Court of Arbitration and LCIA Court.

Her education includes an LL.M. from Harvard Law School (1997) and a Ph.D. from Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas (1997). She teaches courses on international arbitration at Harvard and has lectured globally, including at The Hague Academy of International Law. Her research focuses on public international law and international arbitration, with numerous publications and speaking engagements in these fields.

Banifatemi has secured landmark victories, such as the USD 50 billion Yukos award, and is recognized for her strategic acumen and technical mastery. Her accolades include being ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners and named one of Vanity Fair’s most influential French figures. She founded the Arbitration Academy (2011–2013) and led the International Arbitration Institute (2021–2024).

Her professional affiliations include roles as an arbitrator, counsel, and expert in major arbitration systems. She actively contributes to legal education and international dispute resolution frameworks through her academic and institutional engagements.