Christophe Cougnaud Partner, Forvis Mazars Legal

Qualifications

• French qualified lawyer (“Avocat”)
• Postgraduate Master’s Degree in Business law (“DJCE”) - Cergy-Pontoise University (France)
• Bachelor of laws LLB (London - United-Kingdom)
• FIDIC Module 1 (Practical Use of the 2017 FIDIC Conditions of Contracts Red and Yellow Book), FIDIC Module 2 (Claims under FIDIC 1999 + 2017 update), FIDIC Module 4 (Contract Management and Administration Course), FIDIC Module 5 (EPC/Turnkey Projects Course - Silver Book), FIDIC Module 6 (Design, Build and Operate Projects - Gold Book).
• ACIArb - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Dispute Board Administration & Practice (Dispute Resolution Board Foundation - DRBF).  

Background

• After practicing for more than 10 years in major British and French law firms in France, Christophe has worked 5 years in Vietnam in a top ranked law firm before joining Forvis Mazars as a Partner in January 2024.
• In Vietnam, Christophe advises foreign investors and companies in many facets of their corporate life, from their establishment to various aspects of their evolution (mainly in corporate law, commercial law and labor/social security law - immigration).
• Christophe has also an in-depth knowledge of international construction projects and develops the International Construction Project & Energy practice. He provides practical advice on and assistance on operational matters to Vietnamese and international clients across a wide range of industry sectors (especially railways, water, infrastructures). Over the last 5 years, Christophe has advised different stakeholders on the 3 Metro line projects in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and is recognized as an international expert by the Society of Construction Law Vietnam (SCL-V). He handles all aspects of international contractual work, from negotiation (bidding process) to drafting (EPC contracts, FIDIC), supporting clients’ day-to-day operations and strategic business activities (claims, variation, suspension, payment, termination, bank guarantees, etc.).
• Christophe is also the General Secretary of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-Vietnam (CCIFV).