Two partners
A senior arbitration practitioner and a partner with complementary experience. Both are available as counsel, arbitrator or legal expert.

Giulio Palermo
Arbitrator
Giulio Palermo is an arbitration specialist qualified in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. He has participated in over 90 international arbitration proceedings, serving as arbitrator in more than 50 of them (see full list of cases). The proceedings were conducted in English, Spanish, French, and Italian and administered by all major arbitral institutions (e.g. International Court of Arbitration, Court of Arbitration for Sport, Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution, Corte de Arbitraje de Madrid, London Court of International Arbitration, Milan Chamber of Arbitration, etc.), in matters including transnational sales contracts, construction, shareholders’ agreements, agency, distribution and license agreements, joint ventures, post M&A disputes, sport etc. In 2023, he has been ranked among the 40 best lawyers (worldwide) in the category Global Elite Thought Leader – Under 45 by Who’s Who Legal. In 2020, he was voted as the most highly regarded arbitration practitioner in Europe by Who’s Who Future Leaders. Clients and peers single him out as “an excellent lawyer with unquestionable advocacy skills” who “tackles complex issues with ease and is a pleasure to work with.” Recognized for his sharp intellect, he is also praised for being “incredibly quick at resolving issues as they arise.” His extensive knowledge in arbitration and “unparalleled experience in several countries” make him stand out from his competitors. Described as “likeable, amiable, straight to the point and always delivers,” Giulio combines expertise with a pragmatic and client-focused approach. Giulio is a CEDR-accredited mediator and advises clients on contractual matters, pre-arbitration/litigation assessments, negotiations and mediations. He is also deeply involved in sports disputes, with a special focus on disciplinary matters. In particular, he is an arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a judge of the Swiss Sports Tribunal. Moreover, in his role as UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, he represents UEFA in proceedings before the latter’s internal disciplinary and appeal bodies.
- giulio@placeholder.com
- Languages
- en, de, es
- Bar admissions
- Geneva, Italy

Franco Colapinto
Arbitrator
Giulio Palermo is an arbitration specialist qualified in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. He has participated in over 90 international arbitration proceedings, serving as arbitrator in more than 50 of them (see full list of cases). The proceedings were conducted in English, Spanish, French, and Italian and administered by all major arbitral institutions (e.g. International Court of Arbitration, Court of Arbitration for Sport, Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution, Corte de Arbitraje de Madrid, London Court of International Arbitration, Milan Chamber of Arbitration, etc.), in matters including transnational sales contracts, construction, shareholders’ agreements, agency, distribution and license agreements, joint ventures, post M&A disputes, sport etc. In 2023, he has been ranked among the 40 best lawyers (worldwide) in the category Global Elite Thought Leader – Under 45 by Who’s Who Legal. In 2020, he was voted as the most highly regarded arbitration practitioner in Europe by Who’s Who Future Leaders. Clients and peers single him out as “an excellent lawyer with unquestionable advocacy skills” who “tackles complex issues with ease and is a pleasure to work with.” Recognized for his sharp intellect, he is also praised for being “incredibly quick at resolving issues as they arise.” His extensive knowledge in arbitration and “unparalleled experience in several countries” make him stand out from his competitors. Described as “likeable, amiable, straight to the point and always delivers,” Giulio combines expertise with a pragmatic and client-focused approach. Giulio is a CEDR-accredited mediator and advises clients on contractual matters, pre-arbitration/litigation assessments, negotiations and mediations. He is also deeply involved in sports disputes, with a special focus on disciplinary matters. In particular, he is an arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a judge of the Swiss Sports Tribunal. Moreover, in his role as UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, he represents UEFA in proceedings before the latter’s internal disciplinary and appeal bodies.
- placeholder@gpa-law.com
- Languages
- en, fr, de
- Bar admissions
- Geneva, Italy
Predictability and rigor over advocacy.
THE FIRM'S APPROACH