Government & Public Sector.
Advising sovereign clients with the same rigour we bring to private-sector mandates — because public interest demands nothing less.
Government entities and sovereign institutions require legal counsel that understands the unique pressures of public sector decision-making: accountability requirements, procurement transparency obligations, inter-ministerial coordination, and the political dimensions of high-profile projects. At the same time, they need advisors with the commercial sophistication to structure PPP concessions, negotiate with international investors, and defend sovereign interests in investment treaty arbitrations.
GSDA Legal Consultants has a long track record of advising government ministries, public works authorities, sovereign wealth funds, and state-owned enterprises across France, the Gulf states, and Egypt. Our government practice spans public procurement and concession structuring, foreign investment regulation, sovereign immunity issues, and the representation of states in international arbitration proceedings.
Our team understands that government clients operate within constraints that private-sector entities do not face — legislative mandates, oversight bodies, and public scrutiny. We provide advice that is legally rigorous, commercially sound, and defensible under the standards of good governance and public accountability.
With offices across 8 jurisdictions and lawyers who have served as legal advisors to government entities in France and the Middle East, we bring institutional knowledge that outside counsel rarely possess.
Industry challenges
Problems We Solve.
Investment Treaty Exposure
BIT and FTA claims brought by foreign investors alleging expropriation, fair and equitable treatment violations, or breach of investment protection standards.
PPP Concession Complexity
Structuring public-private partnerships that balance commercial viability for the private sector with value-for-money and risk transfer for the government.
Procurement Challenges
Designing procurement processes that comply with transparency requirements while attracting qualified international bidders and achieving competitive outcomes.
Sovereign Immunity Issues
Navigating the boundaries of sovereign immunity in commercial transactions, arbitration proceedings, and enforcement actions across multiple jurisdictions.
Regulatory Reform Implementation
Translating policy objectives into legal and regulatory frameworks that are clear, enforceable, and compatible with international best practice.
State-Owned Enterprise Governance
Balancing commercial objectives with public policy mandates in the governance of state-owned enterprises and sovereign investment vehicles.
Our expertise in government & public sector.
Investment Treaty Arbitration
Representing states in ICSID, UNCITRAL, and SCC investment treaty proceedings, including expropriation claims, FET disputes, and umbrella clause allegations.
PPP & Concession Structuring
Advising government authorities on the legal framework for PPP concessions, including risk allocation, step-in rights, government guarantees, and termination compensation.
Public Procurement
Designing procurement processes, drafting tender documents, evaluating bids, and managing challenges arising from public procurement procedures.
Foreign Investment Regulation
Advising governments on foreign investment screening mechanisms, negative lists, and the legal frameworks governing foreign participation in strategic sectors.
Sovereign Fund Advisory
Advising sovereign wealth funds on investment governance, co-investment structuring, and the legal aspects of direct investments in infrastructure, real estate, and operating businesses.
Regulatory Drafting
Assisting government authorities with the drafting and implementation of new regulations, including stakeholder consultation processes and transitional provisions.
Inter-State Legal Relations
Advising on bilateral investment treaties, free trade agreements, and other inter-governmental legal instruments that affect cross-border investment flows.
State-Owned Enterprise Governance
Advising on the legal governance frameworks for state-owned enterprises, including board composition, accountability mechanisms, and the relationship with oversight ministries.
Frequently asked questions.
Do you represent states in investment treaty arbitration?
Yes. We represent sovereign states in ICSID, UNCITRAL, and SCC investment treaty proceedings. Our experience includes defending claims based on expropriation, fair and equitable treatment, full protection and security, and umbrella clause obligations.
Can you help design a PPP framework for infrastructure projects?
We advise government authorities on the legal and contractual framework for PPP programmes, including enabling legislation, model concession agreements, risk allocation matrices, government support mechanisms, and dispute resolution procedures.
Do you advise sovereign wealth funds?
We advise SWFs on investment governance, deal structuring, co-investment arrangements, and the legal aspects of direct investments across infrastructure, real estate, and operating businesses in Europe and the Middle East.
Can you assist with public procurement processes?
We design procurement processes, draft tender documents, establish evaluation criteria, and advise on the management of procurement challenges and protests, ensuring compliance with applicable transparency and competition requirements.
Do you advise on foreign investment screening?
We advise governments on the design and implementation of foreign investment screening mechanisms, including the assessment of national security implications, the definition of strategic sectors, and the processing of investment notifications.
What is your experience with Gulf government entities?
We have advised government ministries, public works authorities, and sovereign investment vehicles in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman on a range of matters including infrastructure procurement, regulatory reform, and international arbitration.
Do you handle regulatory reform projects?
We assist government authorities with the drafting and implementation of new legal and regulatory frameworks, including comparative analysis of international best practice, stakeholder consultation, and transitional implementation support.
Can you advise on sovereign immunity issues?
We advise on the application of sovereign immunity doctrines in commercial transactions, arbitration proceedings, and enforcement actions, including the distinction between sovereign and commercial acts under the laws of relevant jurisdictions.
GSDA defended our sovereign position in a USD 800 million BIT claim with the precision and discretion that government mandates require. The claim was dismissed in full.
Senior Legal Advisor, Gulf Government Ministry
The GSDA advantage
Why clients choose GSDA for government & public sector.
Direct experience advising government ministries, royal commissions, and sovereign entities in France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt.
Investment treaty arbitration capability — representing states in ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings with a team that understands both sides of BIT disputes.
Cultural fluency across European and Middle Eastern government institutions, with lawyers who operate in Arabic, French, and English.
PPP and infrastructure concession expertise that combines public-law knowledge with commercial transaction structuring.
Discreet, politically sensitive advice that accounts for the accountability requirements and public scrutiny facing government decision-makers.