Nicolas Jean, Officer of the Ivorian Order of Merit and former partner and member of Gide Loyrette Nouel’s executive committee, founded STORK Avocats in 2023. He specializes in the structuring, development and financing of strategic projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

He collaborates with key stakeholders driving growth and development across the African continent (governments, state-owned companies, African and Pan-African national champions and international investors), overseeing significant development projects, particularly in the fields of agriculture, energy, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, the public sector and the digital economy.

Nicolas Jean has also specialized in assisting governments and public authorities during complex legislative and regulatory reforms incorporating a sovereignty dimension.

In 2020, Nicolas Jean created the first-ever think tank within a law firm, A New ROAD (A New Round-Table On African Debts), dedicated to public debt. It brings together decision-makers, institutions, commercial banks, and private operators as well as internationally renowned financial and legal experts to offer innovative solutions regarding the sustainability of African debt and the promotion of foreign investments on the continent.

Nicolas Jean is recommended in Project Finance and Energy by renowned international legal guides including Legal 500, IFLR1000 and Décideurs. His contributions to the African continent are widely acknowledged and since 2020, he has systematically ranked among the top 10 in the Jeune Afrique’s list of the 100 most influential business lawyers in French-speaking Africa (les 100 avocats d’affaires les plus influents en Afrique francophone), securing 1st place in 2021.

The Financial Times has named Nicolas Jean as one of the 5 pioneering leaders in sustainable development in 2021.

Nicolas Jean was also highlighted among the 100 qui transforment l’Afrique (100 who are transforming Africa) by Financial Afrik in 2020.