“A supremely skilled communicator and an effective, ferocious advocate in the courtroom.”
My story
Passionate about driving change, Oriane is recognised for her innovative leadership in law and for her relentless determination for excellence. A firm believer in leading by example and in the transformative power of innovation and optimisation in the legal field, Oriane has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking international disputes practitioner who combines deep technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver groundbreaking solutions to her clients.
Oriane was educated at the University of Oxford (BA in Law, First-Class degree and Harris Law Prize), Université Panthéon-Assas and HEC Paris Business School (Master in Law and International Management, Valedictorian). Trained in both civil and common law, Oriane is also triple-qualified in Paris, New York and England. She acts as both counsel and advocate on complex high-value disputes, with extensive experience in international arbitration proceedings under the major institutional rules, including ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, and ICSID. Oriane’s work spans a range of economic sectors, including technology, banking, life sciences, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and mining. Her notable cases include:
- Acting in a multi-billion Euro shareholder international arbitration dispute under the DIFC-LCIA Rules (Dubai seat, English governing law).
- Representing two heirs of the oldest private banking family in Geneva in a high-value, ad hoc arbitration against all the former partners of the private bank (Swiss seat, Swiss governing law).
- Defending an ultra-high net worth individual in a multi-billion, multi-jurisdictional ICC arbitration (Swiss seat, Kuwaiti governing law).
Oriane joined Aavagard to drive innovation in the legal sector. For her, Aavagard is transformative because it tackles a structural problem: the misalignment between what clients need and how lawyers are incentivised to deliver it. Oriane explains: “Clients feel overcharged and underheard, and lawyers are incentivised to work hard instead of smart. Aavagard advocates for a model that promotes outcomes over hours, transparency in legal services, and embraces AI as a strategic lever to optimise collaboration between in-house teams and law firms. This is the future of law.” See Oriane’s feature in the Lettre des Juristes d’Affaires on how AI is reshaping legal collaboration between in-house legal teams and law firms here.
Admissions
Solicitor, England & Wales
Avocat à la Cour, Barreau de Paris
Attorney-at-law, New York Bar
Education
University of Oxford, BA and MA in Law (First Class Honours)
Université Panthéon-Assas, Master in European Law
HEC Paris Business School, Master in Law and International Management (Valedictorian and Best Leader Prize)
Previous associations
Winston & Strawn London LLP (2020-2022)
Hogan Lovells Paris (2018-2020)
Languages
English, French (bilingual)
Spanish, German (moderate)
Soft spot
Soft spots – plural!
- A deep love for Scotland – the rainier the better!
- A passion for the intersection of law and art – explore her virtual art gallery spotlighting lawyers who moonlight as artists: www.lawand.art.
- An insatiable curiosity for both the law and the world, and a strong belief that one should be able to combine both. Oriane lives and breathes international dispute resolution, even while hiking the Inca Trail, diving in the Galápagos, or driving through the surreal landscapes of the Sur Lípez desert.
Accolades
Lexology Index 2025 – Arbitration Future Leaders
Legal Leaders 2025 – Rising Star, Shortlist
Legal 500 UK 2022 – Key Lawyer, International Arbitration
Women, Influence & Power in Law UK Awards – Innovative Leaders, Shortlist
Contact
orianecannac@aavagard.com
+44 7828 031 172
Feedback from clients and research by Lexology Index (former Who’s Who Legal-Global Arbitration Review) 2025
“A supremely skilled communicator and an effective, ferocious advocate in the courtroom.”
“Oriane’s command of the courtroom and of witnesses is palpable – and the best part is – she can do it in English or in French with the same ease and efficacy, but more importantly, poise – one of the most distinct aspects of her personality and work product.”
“A very sharp lawyer who cuts to the heart of the matter.”
“She is very smart and is a great advocate.”
“A natural leader.”
“Oriane’s oral advocacy skills are incredibly impressive.”
“Always thinking ahead and prioritising her clients’ objectives to find a way to deliver.”
“Her ability to think on her feet and respond adeptly to unexpected challenges during oral arguments is remarkable.”
“Oriane approaches matters with a combination of rigor and pragmatism in line with clients commercial and strategic needs.”
“Oriane has an innate talent for presenting arguments in a clear, compelling and persuasive manner.”
“Oriane’s energy! Her mastery of English law, bilingualism and open-mindedness is impressive.”
“Oriane is a creative thinker, she always thinks outside the box and will always find a solution even when it seems like there is none.”
“On matters she is leading; she always ensures the work gets done efficiently and to a very high standard.”
“She is fantastic.”
“She brings her best self to every matter, so whether you are on the client side or are working alongside her, you know that you will be well served.”
“Her exemplary performance and dedication are invaluable strengths.”
“Her work ethos is second to none.”
“She consistently demonstrates an extraordinary ability to manage multiple workstreams and complex topics, often highly technical in nature.”
“Her patience and keenness to understand the particulars of cases gives her the ability to distill intricate information and ensure that her clients receive the most compelling and informed representation.”
“Oriane’s meticulous preparation and confident delivery leave a lasting impression on any Tribunal.”
“She manages matters extremely well, and is very good at developing the case theory and arguments.”
“Oriane consistently demonstrates leadership, enthusiasm and intelligence.”
“I was impressed by Oriane’s drive to get the best possible result for the client, as well as her desire to push forward the dispute resolution process.”
“Oriane has a thorough understanding of both legal and commercial issues involved in a case, enabling her to build a global strategy very quickly.”
“She is very responsive and a strong oral advocate.”
“She demonstrates creative thinking in addressing complex legal issues.”
“Oriane is full of creativity and energy when it comes to tackling legal challenges in commercial arbitration.”
