Michael Polkinghorne is a Franco-Australian dual-qualified lawyer based in Paris, heading White & Case’s Paris arbitration group and co-leading the firm’s pro bono practice. Specializing in arbitration and litigation across energy, telecommunications, project finance, and infrastructure sectors, he has served as counsel and arbitrator under major institutional rules. Formerly the Australian member of the ICC’s International Court of Arbitration, Michael has handled disputes in over thirty countries and has significant mediation experience in the industrial gas sector. He has served as an arbitrator in over two dozen cases, primarily in the energy sector, under various arbitration rules including ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL.
Michael is a member of the panel of arbitrators for multiple international arbitration centers, including the BVI International Arbitration Centre and the Asian International Arbitration Centre. He is also listed on the Global Arbitrators and Counsel Lists of the Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes.
In addition to his arbitration work, Michael advises clients in energy and infrastructure development, particularly in South East Asia, India, China, and Africa. Admitted to practice in both common and civil law jurisdictions, he serves on the Legal Advisory Taskforce of the European Energy Charter Secretariat and is a published author and educator, having taught at the Paris Bar School and various business schools.
