Image

Arthur Sauzay

Partner

Arthur’s expertise covers regulatory and environmental law, in various sectors, in particular energy and Space.

He has developed a particular focus on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) implications of environmental law. As such, he regularly assists clients on all environmental regulations required for the management and transition of their business, with a strong focus on key EU Green Deal legislation (Energy, Hydrogen, Products-related regulations as well as Corporate disclosure) and their implementation in France.

In that context, Arthur advises several companies with respect to the implementation of ESG disclosure obligations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). He is an active member of the Paris Office and European ESG groups of A&O Shearman.

He regularly represents clients in high-profile legal proceedings before administrative courts and tribunals, including as part of sanction proceedings and claims against EU and French legislation.

Arthur’s keen interest in Tech has also led him to develop expertise on Space law and Space-related public policies. He is an expert for a prominent French Think Tank, Institut Montaigne.

Experience

Representative matters

An American multinational oil and gas company on site-level environmental law and related regulatory advice 

A global energy company on the development and financing of a green hydrogen/ammonia project in South Africa. 

A French group on its first Taxonomy Article 8 reporting obligations. 

A global airlines on its global environmental policy re noise reductions, fleet renewal and related impact studies at various airports. 

A large Moroccan industrial group on the development of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel and related ICAO, US and EU regulations 

Hy24, the world's first investment manager fully dedicated to scaling up the hydrogen economy, on the development of hydrogen in France. 

An investment company in relation to the Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Project (including solar and wind generation). 

Engie on the development and marketing of hydrogen from renewable energy source on a worldwide basis. 

Vitol in the context of sanction proceedings in relation to gas trading under REMIT. 

A global retail group on greenwashing-related legislation and case-law in 5 EU and non-EU countries, covering existing and contemplated legislation at EU level. 

A global group on the implementation of its internal ‘Green’ label and the related risks in 10+ jurisdictions. 

A major group on its French vigilance plan obligations as well as on its general ESG strategy (climate strategy, product sustainability, greenwashing risks, directors’ liability). 

A global retail group on key Sustainability requirements for its products under Green Deal legislation, including the Circular Economy Action Plan. 
 

Pro bono

Arthur has been advising the Paris Peace Forum in relation with the PPF’s administration, objectives and means. In addition, he advises on more specific subjects depending on the Forum’s agenda, including the Space Net Zero initiative.

He also advises Space Pride, a charity focused on fostering more inclusion and LGBTQ+ visibility in the Space sector.

Arthur has been representing for several years Peterson Ceus, a rhythmic gymnast champion striving to open this discipline to male participants at the Olympic Games.

Published Work

  • State support mechanisms – learning from the past to accelerate the future, 2024
  • EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: The countdown has started report, 2023
  • European Commission publishes proposal for the Green Claims Directive, 2023
  • EU carbon border adjustment mechanism – the transitional phase has begun: Are you ready?, 2023
  • CBAM - how the EU's new carbon border tax will impact non-EU businesses, 2023
  • Co-written, ISSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards – challenges in global regulatory implementation and market adoption Publication: The new space race: Managing disputes risks in a lawless and limitless environment, 2023
  • The new space race: Managing disputes risks in a lawless and limitless environment, 2023
  • Co-written, Mining and manufacturing in outer space: The new frontier in disputes risks, 2023 
  • Regulatory developments in carbon leakage and carbon border adjustment mechanisms, podcast, 2023
  • RED II Delegated Acts hydrogen updated analysis, 2023
  • Environmental and sustainability outlook 2023
  • Co-written, Supply chains must evolve to keep pace with drive to Net Zero, 2022
  • Co-written, Hydrogen: “Latest EU policy updates”, 2022
  • Co-written, RED II Draft Delegated Acts - The missing pieces of the EU’s hydrogen puzzle, 2022
  • Co-written, The EU Commission's proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, 2022
  • Co-written, The European Parliament’s wish list on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), 2022

Speaking Engagements

  • Moderator, the luncheon organised by The France China Foundation with Yong Wang PhD, Chairman, Shanghai Greenment on "Will China meet its climate commitments?" with Laurie-Anne Ancenys, 2023
  • Speaker at Diner Future Disputes Campaign - Space Media, 2023
  • Speaker at A&O Webinar “Global Environment Group - COP27 global”, 2022
  • Speaker at A&O Webinar "Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure – meeting regulations and managing expectations" with Soline Louvigny, 2022
  • Guest Speaker at Paris Infraweek 2022 workshop "L'allocation des risques dans les projets d’investissements publics" organised by IGD (Institut de la gestion déléguée), 2022
  • Speaker at A&O Webinar "Energy crisis in Europe: “A&O Live” webinar on latest EU Council Regulation to address high energy prices" (first episode of the webinar series "New EU Energy Regulation"), 2022
  • Guest Speaker at HEC Alumni Panel "Climat, l’impératif de dire ce que l’on fait et les risques de ne pas faire ce que l’on dit : les fonds et les entreprises sous tension", 2022
  • Guest Speaker at the Environmental Lawyers Club Conference, 2022
  • Guest Speaker at panel "Environnement et Climat : Nouveaux enjeux et nouvelles réponses" "Prévention et gestion des nouveaux risques", 2022
  • Guest Speaker at France China Foundation - Cycle Tech 2022 : "Conquête spatiale : nouveaux acteurs, nouveaux enjeux", 2022
Recognition
Arthur Sauzay is outstanding. Always a pleasure to work with
Legal 500 EMEA, Environment, France, 2022
Arthur Sauzay is outstanding in his depth of knowledge and wider contextual understanding of almost all topics
Legal 500 EMEA, Environment, France, 2022

Awards

  • Recommended, Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - France (Administrative and Public Law)
  • Rising Star, Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - France (Environment)

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted to the Paris Bar, France, 2011

Academic

Masters Degree, Public Law, University of Paris I Sorbonne - 2010

Masters Degree, Public Affairs, Sciences-Po Paris - 2007

Languages

French, English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.