Anna GUILLARD SAZHKO

“One of the brightest arbitration practitioners in the market focusing on Eastern European disputes”

WWL 2022

Mastering International Disputes with a Cutting-Edge Approach

About Me

I’m Anna Guillard Sazhko, a multilingual independent counsel and arbitrator based in Paris. My practice brings together the high-calibre quality, expertise, and sophistication you'd expect from top-tier law firms, along with the financial accessibility, responsiveness, and personalized adaptability that are the hallmarks of an independent legal professional.

Throughout my 15-year career, I have garnered extensive experience in international arbitrations conducted under various rules, including ad hoc, ICC, ICSID, ISTAC, UNCITRAL and SCC Rules. My specialized focus lies in Ukraine, Central Asia and the CEE regions, where I have handled significant high-stakes cases. I have also acted as a sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and presiding arbitrator.

My expertise and knowledge are cultivated through my multicultural background, exposure to various national laws including, among others, English, French, Kazakh, Turkish and Ukrainian and a wealth of hands-on involvement in investment and commercial international arbitration cases. This, coupled with my roles as a counsel and arbitrator, forms the cornerstone of my professional journey.

In addition to my arbitration work, I have experience in litigations related to the annulment, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards before French and Ukrainian courts as well as before the ECHR, including notable successes such as winning the cases of Polishcuk v. Ukraine (Application No. 21231/04) and Sokolovskiy v. Ukraine (Application No. 28660/04).

I regularly speak and publish on arbitration-related topics and have participated as a speaker, moderator, and/or organizer in over 40 conferences and webinars across Austria, Georgia, France, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Values

Unwavering dedication: I am committed to my work, always sticking to a foundation of trust. This commitment stays strong whether I’m dealing with large, complex arbitration cases or smaller ones. I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that each case is managed with the same level of meticulous attention and commitment.

My respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds present in arbitration cases is a cornerstone of my approach. This respect, coupled with a heightened sensitivity to the varied procedural traditions and expectations across cultures, enables me to adeptly navigate the complexities inherent in each case.

Business realism: growing up in an entrepreneurial family has instilled in me a unique sensitivity to the business aspects of disputes. My business acumen is an asset, enriching my role as both counsel and arbitrator as I approach cases with a comprehensive understanding of the commercial intricacies involved.

Client-centred approach: as a counsel, my main focus is to understand what each client needs and wants. I shape my approach to fit their specific goals and what’s important to them. By prioritizing their objectives, I strive to create a collaborative and empowering experience where clients feel fully supported and actively involved in every step of their legal journey.

Ethical and professional conduct is a fundamental principle for me, whether I’m serving as legal counsel or sitting as an arbitrator. It is essential to me to exhibit courtesy towards all participants involved in the arbitral proceedings.

Cost-Effectiveness: in my roles as both counsel and arbitrator, I place a high priority on cost-effectiveness. I diligently manage the process with a keen eye for efficiency, striving to minimize expenses without compromising the quality of the outcome. I provide a resolution that respects both the integrity of the process and the economic considerations of the parties involved.

Services

Advice on Drafting an International Arbitration Clause: I offer expert advice to guarantee that your arbitration agreement is valid, enforceable and aligns with your expectations. My service focuses on advising on the essential elements to be incorporated into specific arbitration agreements, reflecting client needs.

Guidance Through Every Dispute Phase encompasses comprehensive support from pre-litigation preparation to assertive representation during the arbitral proceedings. The service includes preparing clients for legal challenges, crafting and implementing tailored case strategies, and effectively presenting client interests before the arbitral tribunals. My approach ensures clients are well-prepared and their cases are compellingly represented.

Lead or Local Counsel and Expert Selection: leveraging my extensive network and professional connections, I assist clients in selecting a suitable lead or local counsel, as well as experts matching their specific requirements. My expertise ensures that you receive the highest calibre of representation and advice. Furthermore, I can construct a carefully curated team of top-tier arbitration lawyers to represent and advocate for your interests effectively.

Second Opinion Services: I offer second opinions on legal strategies and decisions. Opting for a second opinion offers the advantage of gaining fresh perspectives and deeper insights. This approach can lead to more well-informed decision-making and might reveal new, innovative solutions to your legal challenges.

Third-Party Funding Consultation: I guide clients in exploring and securing third-party funding options.

Arbitrator Appointment Acceptance: I offer my professional services as an arbitrator, accepting appointments for various disputes and ensuring a fair, impartial and effective resolution process.

Post-Arbitration Processes: My expertise extends to the critical stages following arbitration, including enforcement and annulment proceedings.

Training and Seminars on Arbitration and ADR: I conduct training sessions and seminars, sharing my knowledge and insights on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. These educational services are designed to empower clients and legal professionals with essential skills and understanding of arbitration proceedings.

Each of these services is delivered with a commitment to professionalism, client-focused approach and in-depth expertise in international arbitration and legal counsel.

Recognitions

“The ‘smart and diligent’ Anna Guillard Sazhko performs well this year and is ‘always in high demand’ due to her ‘natural leadership skills and her ability to think critically with business awareness’”.

Who's Who Legal 2023

“One of the brightest arbitration practitioners in the market focusing on Eastern European disputes”.

Who's Who Legal 2022

“Her knowledge of investment law and arbitration is second to none”.

Who's Who Legal 2022

Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration – Future Leaders (2021-2023)

Ukrainian Arbitration Association

Turkic Arbitration Association

Young ISTAC

Ukrainian National Bar Association

ICC

Istanbul Arbitration Days

Baltic Arbitration Days

VIAC