Debevoise & Plimpton Strengthens European Disputes Leadership with New Co-Chairs
On March 17, 2026, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announced an important leadership transition within its European Disputes practice by appointing partners Jeffrey Sullivan KC and Ina Popova as Co-Chairs. This strategic move underscores the firm's commitment to delivering top-tier legal services across its offices in Paris, Frankfurt, and Luxembourg.
Catherine Amirfar, who co-chairs the firm's global International Dispute Resolution Group, expressed confidence in the duo's ability to uphold Debevoise's robust reputation in handling significant disputes throughout mainland Europe. She noted, "Ina and Jeff's leadership will build on Debevoise's long-standing strength in major disputes across mainland Europe, ensuring we continue to deliver the highest level of advocacy and strategic counsel to our clients." This leadership expansion is part of a broader strategy, aligning with other key regional heads such as Dietmar Prager in Latin America and Tony Dymond in Asia, emphasizing an integrated approach to dispute resolution across geographies.
Jeffrey Sullivan KC brings extensive expertise to his new role, maintaining his responsibilities as Co-Chair of the International Dispute Resolution Group. With a practice focused on international arbitration and public international law, Sullivan stands out as one of the industry's most respected advocates. He has represented a myriad of companies and private equity sponsors in commercial and investor-state arbitration cases, demonstrating a profound understanding of the landscape and the intricacies involved. Furthermore, Sullivan also participates as an arbitrator, contributing to his well-rounded experience and insight into the arbitral process.
On the other hand, Ina Popova complements Sullivan's expertise with her rich background in international arbitration, public international law, and related court litigation. Popova has successfully represented clients ranging from corporations and sovereign states to private individuals, assisting them in navigating, managing, litigating, and settling international disputes. Her dual qualification in civil and common law enables her to handle matters in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish, further broadening her capacity to serve diverse clients and complex cases. Notably, Popova has been a Member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, showcasing her deep-rooted involvement in the arbitration community.
For over 40 years, Debevoise's International Dispute Resolution Group has earned acclaim for its commitment to excellence, showcasing unparalleled advocacy, commercial acumen, and a deep dedication to client success. The team, well-versed in both common law and civil law traditions, spans over 35 languages, reflecting its global reach and diverse capabilities. Recent cases handled by the group have significantly impacted over 125 countries, with more than $110 billion at stake, reinforcing their reputation for achieving noteworthy outcomes in international arbitration and public international law. Furthermore, observers from Global Arbitration Review have praised the team for its consistent ability to secure successful results in high-stakes disputes.
As Sullivan and Popova transition into their new roles, their leadership is expected to further enhance Debevoise's standing in the legal community and ensure that clients continue to receive exemplary representation in an increasingly complex international landscape. This appointment not only reinforces the firm's position as a leader in dispute resolution but also symbolizes its dedication to fostering expertise within its ranks, preparing for the future challenges of the legal industry.
In conclusion, the elevation of Jeffrey Sullivan KC and Ina Popova to Co-Chairs represents a significant step for Debevoise & Plimpton as it charts its course forward in European disputes, promising clients exceptional legal services backed by decades of experience and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.