Sophie Michalski

Associate

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London

Tel: +44 20 7786 9060

Overview

Sophie Michalski is an associate in the Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group and Data Strategy ... Read Full Biography

Experience

- Hess in its landmark victory against ExxonMobil and CNOOC, in one of the most significant arbitrations in recent years. The victory was a major success for Hess, and also cleared the final hurdle to one of the largest and most geopolitically significant M&A transactions in the energy sector in decades, namely Chevron’s $53 billion acquisition of Hess – a transformative deal that reshapes the global energy landscape.
- Multiple UK subsidiaries of a major European industrial manufacturer in relation to a long-standing HM Revenue & Customs criminal investigation into possible export control breaches, including under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulation 2019.
- Stone Point Capital in its equity investment in the Ardonagh Group, one of the world’s largest independent insurance distribution platforms, which values Ardonagh at $14 billion.

Education

The University of Law, 2021, LPC MSc
University of Cambridge, 2020, B.A.

Sophie Michalski is an associate in the Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group and Data Strategy & Security practice. Ms. Michalski has experience conducting internal investigations for large multinational companies. Her practice has a particular focus on multijurisdictional matters including anti-corruption, fraud, and economic sanctions matters, as well as cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience. She has experience advising clients on high-value, complex international litigation matters, including in proceedings before the UK Supreme Court and the English High Court. Ms. Michalski also advises clients on Environmental, Social and Governance matters. She contributed to articles including “Addressing ESG Considerations in the M&A Context,” GLI Mergers & Acquisitions 2025 (July, 2025) and was a member of the team that edited and contributed to “Environmental, Social & Governance,” the second edition of a publication in the Law Over Borders series published by Global Legal Post (April, 2025). Other publications co-authored by Ms. Michalski include “United Kingdom’s Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation – New Trade Sanctions Enforcement Powers,” Global Trade Law Journal (January, 2025) “The New ‘Failure to Prevent Fraud’ Corporate Offence — UK Government Publishes Guidance,” NYU Compliance & Enforcement (December, 2024); and “Much work to be done in private credit ESG,” New Private Markets (October, 2021). Ms. Michalski joined Debevoise as a trainee solicitor in 2021. She graduated from St. John’s College, University of Cambridge in 2020 with a B.A. (Hons) and subsequently completed the LPC MSc in Law, Business and Management at The University of Law (with distinction). She is also fluent in Swedish and French. Ms. Michalski was admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in 2023.