John Crothers specializes in project finance, PPPs, banking transactions and privatizations, both in the developing and developed world.

John has over 35 years' experience in large-scale projects, legal transition work, legislative drafting and assistance to governments, IFIs, lenders, sponsors and equity investors, from initial feasibility analysis to international bidding processes and financial closings, where he ensures a clear and early identification of legal issues with a view to proposing the most suitable contractual schemes.

A dual U.S. and France-qualified lawyer, John is fluent in both English and French and has extensive experience working in both civil and common law jurisdictions.

He has advised international financial institutions, concession companies, operators and bidding consortia in infrastructure projects around the world including the following sectors: motorways, airports, ports, solar power, energy, water treatment and desalination facilities and telecommunications. He frequently advises national governments, local governments and other authorities granting concessions or setting up Public-Private Partnerships. He has also drafted international ?best practice? concession and PPP laws in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Before joining Gide, John Crothers was a counsel in the Office of the General Counsel of the EBRD in London. As such, he was involved in over forty projects in fifteen different Eastern European countries and in the CIS.

John Crothers is consistently ranked as a Leading Individual in Project Finance and Energy by international legal guides Chambers Global, Legal 500 and IFLR1000. He has been inducted into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, which highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.

legal500emea2018_halloffame.png

« Marie Bouvet-Guiramand , specialist in transport infrastructure and public facility projects, co-leads the sizeable practice at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I., alongside Thomas Courtel , John D Crothers , Farah El-Bsat, Victor Grandguillaume, Nicolas Jean , Laetitia Lemercier and ‘outstanding business lawyer’ Stéphane Vernay.  »
Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Project Finance

« John Crothers handles a range of mandates on behalf of IFIs and governmental bodies throughout francophone Africa. He has particular expertise in PPP models, as well as privatisation and financing transactions. Active from the firm's Paris office, his industry expertise covers transportation infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Strengths: "John Crothers is a very strong partner." »
Chambers Global 2023 - Projects & Energy

« John Crothers has notable experience advising states and private actors on infrastructure and energy mandates in Africa and the Caribbean. Strengths: "He is a very strong partner with extensive experience." »
Chambers Europe & Global 2023 - Projects & Energy: International

« [...] Marie Bouvet-Guiramand, John Crothers, Victor Grandguillaume, Nicolas Jean and Stéphane Vernay are all excellent.  »
Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Project Finance

« John Crothers handles a range of mandates on behalf of IFIs and governmental bodies throughout francophone Africa. He has particular expertise in PPP models, as well as privatisation and financing transactions. Active from the firm's Paris office, his industry expertise covers transportation infrastructure and renewable energy projects. "John is very proactive with a focus on trying to get the deal done." »
Chambers Global 2022 - Projects & Energy

« [...] John Crothers has notable experience advising states and private actors on infrastructure and energy mandates in Africa and the Caribbean. He is described by a satisfied client as "extremely experienced in all matters related to the legal, regulatory, fiscal, and technical elements of a matter," and they add: "He has a great sense of client relationships and goes out of his way to assist us. He is also very reliable and has a great capacity to adapt to the unpredictable nature of our business." »
Chambers Europe & Global 2022 - Projects & Energy: International

« [...] Marie Bouvet-Guiramand, John Crothers, Victor Grandguillaume, Nicolas Jean and Stéphane Vernay are the key names for international work. »
Legal 500 EMEA 2021

« John Crothers handles a range of mandates on behalf of IFIs and governmental bodies throughout francophone Africa. He has particular expertise in PPP models, as well as privatisation and financing transactions. Active from the firm's Paris office, his industry expertise covers transportation infrastructure and renewable energy projects. »
Chambers Global 2021

« John Crothers is well regarded for his representation of financial institutions and sovereign states in PPP projects, with further activity assisting with project development. He has extensive capabilities in transport infrastructure and energy matters, particularly across Africa. »
Chambers Europe & Global 2021