A lawyer with a strong commitment to international relations and exceptional skills of diplomacy and administration, Michel Gaudet not only served his native France but also pursued a distinguished career in Europe. He led the legal departments first of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community and then of the Commission of the European Communities, championing with his compatriots Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman a new approach to international cooperation.

When, in 1977, Michel Gaudet became Chairman of the ICC Court of Arbitration, as it was then known, he brought to this institution the same commitment that he had previously shown in Europe. With a critical eye and great foresight, he introduced several reforms to equip the ICC Court for its increasing activity. These included the creation of a Committee of the Court with powers to make decisions on behalf of the Court between Plenary Sessions. He also expanded the Secretariat, creating the position of Deputy Secretary General and placing particular emphasis on international recruitment. These and other reforms he pursued with courage, conviction and integrity.

During his period as Chairman of the ICC Court from 1977 to 1988, Michel Gaudet travelled throughout the world to bring arbitration to a wider public and into regions where it was little known. After 1988, he continued this educational role through the ICC Institute of World Business Law, notably by creating and directing its PIDA seminars, which continue today.

Michel Gaudet's commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and to finding harmonious ways of developing the world, his respect for cultural differences, and his optimism, patience and encouragement won him affection and esteem wherever he went and a special place in the hearts of his friends and colleagues at ICC, which bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Chairman of the ICC Court.