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A boutique consultancy with global impact

Niche specialization, headquarters in the capital of international justice and a multicultural team combining litigation, public policy and training.

Who we are

Ecocide and International Crimes Group is a boutique consultancy based in The Hague, the city that hosts the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. We work at the intersection of the environment, human rights, international criminal law, corporate governance and defence.

We take an integrated approach to decision-making so that we can offer workable solutions to complex problems. Our goal is to ensure that every client has the knowledge, network and resources needed to generate their own positive impact, and to respond with legal strength when the environment, people or institutions are at risk.

We work in a multicultural environment with professionals from Argentina, the Netherlands, France, Colombia and the United Kingdom. Our practice spans international environmental law, international environmental crimes and the relationship between the environment and the economy across all its cycles: keeping resources in use for as long as possible, eliminating waste and regenerating natural systems (circular economy).

Our value proposition

Why Ecocide and International Crimes Group

ISpecializationInternational environmental law and environmental crimes are the whole of our practice. Every mandate is handled from that specialty.

IILocated where international law is decidedOur base in The Hague places us alongside the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and a dense network of institutions, tribunals and organizations we engage with daily.

IIIFrom litigation to public policyWe combine international litigation capacity with regulatory design, compliance and strategic advice: we support clients before, during and after the dispute.

IVA network that multiplies impactWe work in a network with colleagues of the international bar, universities and civil-society organizations, which lets us mobilize knowledge and alliances beyond the size of our team.

VListen firstOur approach is never imposed over the client's idea. We engage, listen carefully and weigh hopes and risks before advising.

VIA multicultural teamProfessionals trained in civil law, common law and international law, who read problems from several angles and work comfortably across borders.

How we work

Our methodology

We believe in making things work, and what matters is flexibility in strategic direction, because many factors shape every decision. We work closely, collaboratively and proactively across four moments.

Listen and understand

We start from the client's real needs, objectives and concerns before proposing anything.

Diagnose

We assess the legal framework, risks, actors and opportunities of the specific case.

Design to measure

We develop tailored strategies and solutions, explaining the implications of each decision.

Support execution

We implement alongside the client and adjust course as circumstances change.

Typical deliverables: diagnostic reports and recommendations; draft legislation and technical notes; investigation protocols; expert opinions and reports; training materials and sessions; and strategic follow-up notes.

Recognition

Credentials behind the practice

2024

ICCBA Presidency Award

Distinction granted by the International Criminal Court Bar Association to Javier Ruiz.

ICC · The Hague

Assistant to Counsel for the Defence and Victims

Admitted to the list of Assistants to Counsel before the International Criminal Court; member of the ICCBA.

ICCBA

Working Group on Ecocide

Member of the ICCBA Working Group on Ecocide, alongside fellow counsel before the ICC.

Professional network

A network that multiplies impact

Our work draws on the institutions we belong to and work with on a regular basis.

Institutions

ICCBA · International Criminal Court Bar Association The Hague
ICCBA Working Group on Ecocide The Hague
National University of Mar del Plata Argentina
CIDIIR · Research Centre for International Law and Regional Integration Argentina

How we work as a network

Collaboration with ICC counsel, the international bar and our correspondent lawyers in Paris Litigation
Universities and schools of international law Training and research
Civil-society organizations and communities Cases and public policy

Correspondents

Correspondent lawyers in Paris

For proceedings, procedural steps and coordination with clients in France we work with a correspondent firm in Paris.

Correspondent firm

Rimailho Avocats

Paris · France

A firm founded in 2014 and registered with the Paris and Toulouse Bars, practising criminal law, human rights and international criminal law, asylum and immigration law.

Visit rimailho-avocats.fr

OfficesParis, France (and Toulouse)
BarsParis Bar · Toulouse Bar
PracticeCriminal law · Human rights and international criminal law · Asylum and immigration
RoleEICC's correspondents for proceedings and clients in France

Let's talk about your case.

An initial meeting at no cost to understand your objectives, timelines and priorities.