Robert helps corporations and financial institutions with contentious matters and regulatory challenges.
He represents clients in Czech courts, arbitration and administrative proceedings. His recent cases include, for example, claims for damages from a failed joint venture, disputes from derivative trades, disputes from supplies of technical equipment, insurance disputes, unfair competition claims and incidental disputes in insolvency proceedings. Robert has also defended financial institutions against penalties imposed by the Czech National Bank. He is an arbitrator at the Prague Stock Exchange Arbitration Court.
Experience
Representative matters
A global financial institution in a litigation in which an insolvency trustee sought the repayment of cash collateral provided in connection with bank guarantees. The legal questions involved in this case have not been tested in Czech courts before.
A local subsidiary of a foreign construction company as claimant in connection with a damages claim arising from a failed consortium that was to bid for the construction of a motorway in the Czech Republic.
A logistics and technology business as defendant in a dispute with a joint venture partner concerning the shareholding in the joint venture.
Viterra in Czech courts and an ICC arbitration in disputes concerning the validity of its acquisition of key trademarks from the insolvency trustee of SETUZA and Viterra’s subsequent withdrawal from the acquisition agreement.
A multinational investment bank in connection with a CZK5m fine imposed by the Czech National Bank for AML violation.
Pro bono
Representing the descendants of Czechoslovak citizens resettled from Carpathian Ukraine after World War II.
Advising a human rights charity on issues concerning universal jurisdiction in criminal law.
Published Work
Robert Pavlu, (2022) “The endgame of global warming”, Prague: Pravni radce
Robert Pavlu, (2021) “Courts are more receptive to compensation for lost profits”, Prague: Pravni radce
Robert Pavlu, (2019) “Class actions in international comparison”, Prague: Pravni radce
Robert Pavlu as co-author, (2017) “Civil Code. Commentary § 980-986 and 3064-3065”, Prague: C. H. Beck
Speaking Engagements
Guest Speaker, New Czech act on class actions, Hospodarske noviny, December 2019
Guest Speaker, ICC Prague Arbitration Day, February 2018
Recognition
“Clients praise Robert for "his technical knowledge and skill to understand the problem. He understands our business and is able to react. He is also respected in courts.”
Chambers, 2024
“Robert provides a human approach and an understanding of related difficulties. He is precise and practical.”
Chambers, 2023
Qualifications
Admissions
Czech Republic, 2008
Academic
Mgr., Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague, 2005
Languages
Czech, English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.