Global law firm K&L Gates has strengthened its Perth arbitration team with the appointment of a partner from rival global firm Clifford Chance.
K&L Gates has appointed Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia as a partner in its litigation and dispute resolution practice, where he will primarily focus on international arbitration cases across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Ruffié-Farrugia joins from rival global firm Clifford Chance, where he spent over six years and most recently served as counsel.
In a statement, the global law firm shared that Ruffié-Farrugia brings extensive expertise in international commercial arbitration, investor-state dispute settlement, and public international law.
He also brings extensive experience advising parties involved in high-stakes cross-border disputes and projects across regions, including Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, western Europe, and North America.
With Ruffié-Farrugia’s experience as counsel, arbitrator, mediator, and negotiator across both common and civil law jurisdictions, K&L Gates expressed how he brings “valuable multicultural dispute prevention and resolution insights and multi-jurisdictional advisory strategies”.
Admitted to practice in Western Australia, New Zealand, and several US jurisdictions, Ruffié-Farrugia holds degrees in French and English law, international arbitration, and international business law.
Christopher Tung, partner and coordinator of the international arbitration practice group, expressed that Ruffié-Farrugia’s experience and mindset make him a valuable addition to the firm.
“We are excited to welcome Rodolphe to the firm. He is a knowledgeable and well-regarded lawyer with an entrepreneurial mindset,” Tung said.
“His multicultural background and multifaceted experience make him a strong addition to our international arbitration practice, especially with the growing number of global disputes across the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, and investment treaty claims.”
Speaking on Ruffié-Farrugia’s appointment, Jason Opperman, regional managing partner for Australia, said his arrival aligns well with the growing demand for complex cross-border commercial and investment dispute expertise.
“Rodolphe’s diverse experience will add depth and breadth to our regional disputes capabilities,” Opperman said.
“With an increasing volume of complex cross-border commercial and investment disputes, Rodolphe’s arrival is well-timed. His appointment to our partnership reflects our firm’s strategic focus on global markets and commitment to supporting our clients through best-in-class dispute resolution capabilities.”
This news follows the firm’s poaching of the Brisbane managing partner for Baker McKenzie at the start of May, the addition of a partner from rival global law firm White & Case last month, a partner from Norton Rose Fulbright in February, and the firm’s hiring of an IP partner from Corrs Chambers Westgarth in January.
