Allen & Overy LLP‘s versatile team is able to deal with all types of disputes; spanning corporate, commercial, financial and regulatory cases. The practice frequently acts for leading banks on high-stakes matters pertaining to investment products, notably defending banks in two class actions which are among the first ones to be launched in France. A good portion of the caseload has a major international component, for example international arbitration proceedings and foreign court enforcement cases before French courts. Disputes involving African jurisdictions are also handled. Additionally, the practice acts in sensitive M&A-related disputes and was recently appointed to handle a major case in relation to liability issues linked to the bankruptcy of a major company. Recently, the firm has also been retained to handle a high-stakes unfair litigation dispute concerning a future pharmaceutical blockbuster, a case which further illustrates further the practice’s large scope of intervention. Denis Chemla, Erwan Poisson and Dan Benguigui are in charge.
Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation in France
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Denis Chemla; Erwan Poisson; Dan Benguigui
Testimonials
‘They provided high-ranking expertise on judiciary and legal issues and all the help we needed.’
‘Erwan Poisson is a high-ranking lawyer, well aware of his clients needs. He helped in a tough and technical environment.’
‘Really good and proactive advice.’
‘They were very clear and crisp in their presentations of the elements in our case and very clear in their advice of what could and could not happen while still clearly outlining the risks.’
‘The team members are very responsive and diligent. They have shown great involvement in the files managed on behalf of our institution.’
‘The team is endowed with precision and competence.’
‘Reliability in terms of advice and compliance with deadlines.’
‘The team has provided expertise in a highly sensitive matter. They have excelled, both in the level of their legal advice and in representing the client in court. This has been a matter that has now lasted quite a few years and the team has maintained a high professional level throughout the entire period.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Cale Street
Citigroup
Shell
ACT
Alcatel
Huawei
Indagro
Groupama
UBS
Work highlights
- Representing BNP Paribas in the first class action initiated in the financial sector before French Courts by consumer association UFC-Que Choisir.
- Assisting Huawei with a complex multi-jurisdictional dispute regarding various projects conducted in West African countries for the supply of equipment and services in the context of implementing and operating a global system for mobile communications.
- Assisting an American multinational company in relation to a post-M&A dispute.
BDGS Associés
BDGS Associés is a strong reference for complex disputes. The firm is popular with leading French corporations, including state-owned companies, for high-stakes corporate disputes, often pertaining to publicly listed M&A deals and shareholder conflicts. The team notably acted for Engie in the landmark recent Suez-Veolia M&A battle. In addition to intervening in high-stakes commercial disputes, the practice must also be acknowledged for its expertise in resisting French discovery procedures and is also highly qualified to handle highly strategic regulatory disputes, notably in the banking sector. For instance, the team recently acted in a high-profile price manipulation securities case before the stock-market regulator (AMF)’s sanction committee. Practice head Kyum Lee and Antoine Gosset-Grainville, who regularly acts for banks in strategic regulatory cases, are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Kyum Lee
Other key lawyers:
Antoine Gosset-Grainville
Testimonials
‘Kyum Lee is exceptional, accurate, calm and reliable.’
‘Kyum Lee and his associates are remarkable lawyers, able to handle the most complex and strategic litigation.’
‘Kyum Lee is a specialist in contract law and corporate law. He analyses the files in depth and meticulously. All avenues are considered and explored; nothing is left to chance. Combined with an unrivalled knowledge of contract law and corporate law, he is a formidable lawyer.’
‘Kyum Lee is a truly remarkable lawyer. He combines extremely fine legal analyses with an always relevant and pragmatic approach to cases. He always knows his files down to the last detail. He is supported by a solid team and in particular by Florian Dessault who is an outstanding lawyer.’
‘Kyum Lee is an excellent practitioner, technically and in his approach to litigation and the client. Available, responsive, attentive; his advice and his writings are remarkable; as is his team.’
Key clients
Engie
Morgan Stanley
Bpifrance
Ceva Santé Animale
Electricité de France (EDF)
MBDA France
Société Générale
TechnipFMC
Crédit Agricole Assurances (Predica)
La Banque Postale
Lov Group
Air Madagascar
Groupe Partouche
The Bureau (GPG group)
Cybergun
Altice
CMA CGM
Diageo
Bourrelier Group
Work highlights
- Assisting Engie before the Commercial Court in connection with multiple proceedings initiated by Suez against Engie and Veolia in the context of the sale of Engie’s interests in Suez to Veolia.
- Assisting Morgan Stanley with appeal proceedings launched against the Sanctions Committee’s decision of the French Financial Market Authority (AMF) that imposed a fine for alleged manipulation of the price of sovereign bonds.
- Assisting Diageo in connection with a claim for dividend payment against LVMH, related to Diageo’s stake in Moët Hennessy and Moët Hennessy International.
Bredin Prat
Leading French business firm Bredin Prat is a staple name on the market for litigation work. Building on the firm’s first-class M&A capabilities, the litigation team naturally handles the largest M&A-related disputes, especially in the field of high-profile publicly listed transactions. The practice notably played a front role in the handling of the Suez-Veolia M&A battle. The team’s impressive credentials also earns it mandates in highly sensitive shareholder and governance conflicts pertaining to top companies. Besides corporate litigation, the practice is retained by the largest French and international corporations to assist with their most strategic cases, handling commercial and liability litigation, as well as proceedings mixing civil, criminal, regulatory or major international aspects. For instance, the practice successfully defended a client before French courts in a strategic liability case relating to the use of the ‘agent orange’ chemical gas during the Vietnam war. The practice is co-headed by Jean-Daniel Bretzner
, Florian Bouaziz, Sébastien Prat
and Eve Duminy; as well as by Didier Martin, who primarily acts in stock-market litigation, and by white-collar crime star Eric Dezeuze
. Calmann Bellity, Aurélie Patrelle and Tom Vauthier made counsel in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Didier Martin; Eric Dezeuze; Jean-Daniel Bretzner; Florian Bouaziz; Sébastien Prat; Guillaume Pellegrin; Ève Duminy
Other key lawyers:
Calmann Bellity; Aurélie Patrelle; Tom Vauthier
Testimonials
‘Jean-Daniel Bretzner is undoubtedly one of the stars of business litigation in France, thanks to a rare combination of encyclopedic knowledge in a large number of fields and his ability to develop new lines of thoughts in defence of his clients. He will examine every possible argument, procedural and substantive, leaving absolutely no detail behind. Jean-Daniel changes the dimension of his ‘à la carte’ team, according to the needs and budgetary constraints of the clients; such flexibility is appreciated.’
‘The partners are accessible and available to their clients. They can be reached on the cellphone, which is very practical and makes the relationship smoother.’
‘The team demonstrates its mastery at managing cases through an appropriate distribution of roles, and an ability to mobilise resources to understand subjects at hand.’
‘Great experience and expertise.’
‘The firm is a true heavyweight litigation powerhouse in France. We have dealt with a number of partners and senior associates, and the quality is consistently exceptional.’
‘Florian Bouaziz is a great litigator.’
Key clients
Airbnb
Bayer/Monsanto
DAF
Danone
Delfin
Domino’s Pizza
Euronext
Foncia
Lactalis
Lagardère
Legrand
Rothschild & Co
Stellantis (former PSA)
Suez
Uber
Work highlights
- Advising Suez in connection with the public offer project launched by Veolia.
- Advising Lactalis in disputes led in different countries against the US based bank Citi Bank, in the context of the bankruptcy of the Italian-based company Parmalat.
- Advised Lagardère in connection with joint demand for seats on its supervisory board issued by Vivendi and activist fund Amber Capital.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is the go-to-firm for high-profile M&A and corporate litigation as its work on the groundbreaking Veolia-Suez dispute attests. The practice acts for leading companies, banks and investment banks, including for high-stakes commercial and financial litigation. Among many other recent headline cases, the firm acted in the major dispute concerning football broadcasting rights. The team is also managing a number of strategic private enforcement cases following condemnation by the competition authorities. The team is co-headed by the excellent Jean-Yves Garaud, Delphine Michot, who was promoted to partner in 2021, and senior attorney Aude Dupuis, another promising member.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Yves Garaud; Delphine Michot; Aude Dupuis
Testimonials
‘Targeted and effective advice. Excellent quality of work delivered.’
‘Recognised and proven competence of Delphine Michot.’
Key clients
Veolia
IronSource
Vocus International BV and Cision
STIC Private Equity Fund III L.P. and STIC Shariah Private Equity Fund III L.P.
Canal + Group
DuPont
3M
Novasep
Capgemini
Work highlights
- Representing Veolia Environnement in several proceedings relating to its €12.9bn hostile bid on rival company Suez.
- Representing Google in connection with several follow-on damages claims launched by providers of online comparison shopping services.
- Representing SuperSonic, a mobile game publisher and gaming studio based in Israel, in a dispute with French competitor Voodoo due to alleged breaches of a contract.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance stands out through its ability to manage a wide range of cases and its high-profile French and international client base, made up of leading banks and corporations, including from the retail, sport, healthcare, telecoms and energy sectors. The team has particularly strong know-how in high-stakes commercial disputes, often handling cases opposing leading competitors in their field, for example in the telecoms sector. The practice also has a strong presence in the retail sector, acting in high-stakes disputes involving complex consumer rights and regulatory issues for several giant distributors. It is also the go-to-firm for high-profile commercial disputes in the sports industry; notably acting in a hard-fought headline case concerning the stakes of French football competition broadcasting rights after that business was severally impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Product liability cases are another area of strength. Thomas Baudesson, Diego de Lammerville and Thibaud d’Alès form the lead trio.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Baudesson; Diego de Lammerville; Thibaud d’Alès
Testimonials
‘Diego de Lammerville and his team intervene for our company on the most complex and strategic disputes. They stand out through their ability to build the most effective strategy by identifying the commercial issues associated with litigation. The results obtained are excellent.’
‘Thibaud d ‘Alès showed stubbornness and enthusiasm, which enabled us to succeed.’
Key clients
Carrefour
Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP)
SFR
Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
Construcciones Y Auxiliar De Ferrocarriles (CAF)
World Rugby
Novartis – Sandoz
Pfizer
JP Morgan
AXA IM
Airbus
Europcar
Kaufman & Broad
Rexel
IPSEN
Work highlights
- Representing the LFP in litigation against Groupe Canal+ and beIN Sports France in the wake of Mediapro’s business defaulting.
- Representing the banks in the context of Veolia’s hostile tender offer on Suez.
- Representing CAF in the context of the public tender launched for the replacement of the trains operating on one of the lines of the Paris regional train service (RER B).
Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier
Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier ‘s first-class litigation practice is able to handle every type of high-stakes dispute. In line with the firm’s thriving M&A practice, the litigation team excels in the field of corporate and M&A litigation and is called upon by the most high-profile clients to deal with the market’s most high-end disputes, often involving landmark public M&A transactions such as the recent Suez-Veolia case. The team also manages an outstanding commercial caseload, representing various leading French companies, international corporations and investors in high-stakes disputes. Class action disputes, for example a highly sensitive matters in the healthcare sector, are another area of strength. The practice recently secured a significant first-instance proceedings victory for defendant Vivendi which was being sued by many investors in relation to stock market investments. High-stakes private enforcement cases in relation to previous antitrust condemnations are also handled. The stellar team is headed by Cyril Bonan and includes the legendary Jean-Michel Darrois and Emmanuel Brochier, as well as the excellent Matthieu Brochier, Nicolas Mennesson and Julie Pasternak. Former of counsel François de Bérard left the firm in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Cyril Bonan
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Michel Darrois; Emmanuel Brochier; Matthieu Brochier; Nicolas Mennesson; Julie Pasternak
Testimonials
‘The best law firm for litigation: it is haute couture. No firm is as connected on the market, and provides services of as good quality as this firm.’
‘Matthieu Brochier is an excellent professional, and his human qualities (availability, wit, humor) make it very pleasant to work with him. He has a lot of tact, shows absolute discretion, and has a real understanding of situations. He is a real asset for negotiations and transactions.’
‘The team is distinguished by an experience in litigation which is very reassuring for the client.’
‘Matthieu Brochier demonstrates remarkable listening and understanding. He is available and very fine in his analyses.’
‘Fixed price billing, known in advance and deadlines are respected.’
Key clients
Lagardère SA
Ligue de football professionnelle
LVMH
Rigoni
Safilo
Suez
Accor
Bertin Technologies
bioMérieux
BPCE
Bouygues
CNAJMJ
CNIM
Crédit agricole
Daimler
Danone
Europcar
Famille Costes
Fimalac Entertainment
Kelkoo
Kering
KKR
Korian
Matra Défense (Airbus’ subsidiary)
NHIS
NRJ
Sanofi
TDE
Vivendi
Webedia
Zhen Sun
Work highlights
- Advised Suez on Veolia’s hostile takeover bid, notably on the aspects of stock market litigation.
- Advised Lagardère SA on the negotiation of a settlement agreement with Amber Capital after several years of disputes.
Orrick
Orrick Rambaud Martel is often called upon by leading French and international corporations to handle their most challenging cases. The versatile team, led by Frédéric Lalance, acts in complex matters, mixing commercial litigation with notably competition, corporate and insolvency law issues. Lately, the practice has been handling particularly significant cases in relation to major debt restructuring and insolvency cases which have set up several precedents. The team is also handling a high-stakes dispute opposing two of France’s leading telecoms operators. The practice’s range of expertise also extends to securities and criminal matters and includes complex cross-border matters, with the firm’s international capabilities a clear asset in dealing with exequatur matters and other international disputes. The highly renowned Jean-Pierre Martel is another well-known market figure in the team. Senior associate Cécile Biadatti provides key support.
Practice head(s):
Frédéric Lalance
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Pierre Martel; Cécile Biadatti
Testimonials
‘The team is made up of very competent and specialised members. The availability of the team is a real plus. The team listens and knows how to adapt to our requests while keeping their role of legal advisor.’
‘Very high level of competence. Extensive experience in arbitration and litigation, and at ease working in an international and multicultural environment.’
‘Strong partner involvement.’
‘Frédéric Lalance has successfully supported us for a long time. The involvement has always been very good.’
‘Frédéric Lalance shows availability, clarity and efficiency.’
‘Frédéric Lalance and Cécile Biadatti are a real safe harbor to navigate through complex jurisdictions in both English and French-speaking African countries.’
‘A wonderful disputes team consisting of Frédéric Lalance (partner) who is extremely good at analysing complex cross-border disputes and formulating legal strategies across a range of jurisdictions.’
‘Frédéric Lalance is extremely knowledgeable, client friendly and a great strategist.’
Key clients
Arcole Industries
Bpifrance
Bureau Veritas
Consortium de Réalisation
Coriolis
Crédit Agricole
Diane Wildenstein
DNCA
Elliott
ENEL
Etablissements Peugeot Frères
Eurotitrisation
GIMV
Natixis
Nvidia
Officiis Properties
Opel Bank
Production Resources Group
PwC
Rothschild & Cie
SFR
Syma
Work highlights
- Represented SFR in a €3bn competition law follow-on damages claim against Orange.
- Successfully represented Arcole Industries in securing the dismissal of almost €400m worth of claims brought by the judicial liquidator of Mory Ducros, the AGS, 1,000 former employees and two trade unions in relation to the insolvency of two of the client’s former subsidiaries, Mory Ducros and MoryGlobal.
- Obtained major victories for Italian energy company Enel in 2021 after a fierce and long-running battle involving Albanian judgments against the company over a partnership dispute with more than €430m at stake.
Viguié Schmidt & Associés
Viguié Schmidt & Associés represents well-known corporations and investment funds in their most challenging matters. The litigation practice perfectly complements the firm’s M&A capabilities as several partners of the firm can intervene both as corporate advisers and as litigators in relation to M&A transactions. The team regularly deals with pre-litigation in the context of M&A deals and is frequently retained to act in disputes linked to high-profile public M&A transactions. Governance and shareholder conflicts are another strong field of expertise, as are high-stakes commercial disputes. Recently, the practice has been entrusted with the handling of French proceedings connected to large international disputes or exequatur cases, notably assisting with litigation proceedings linked to a prominent arbitration award which raised major compliance issues. Yves Schmidt, Olivier Loizon, Nicolas Viguié and Martin Donato head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Yves Schmidt; Olivier Loizon; Nicolas Viguié; Martin Donato
Testimonials
‘Great business acumen, creativity, pragmatism and availability.’
‘Yves Schmid is an excellent lawyer; very fine and intelligent.’
‘Rigour, responsiveness, strong legal competence.’
‘Olivier Loizon is available, responsive and brilliant.’
‘The team has strong legal knowledge and also has a very practical approach to analysing and presenting a case.’
‘Olivier Loizon is very talented, cutting through all of the minutiae to get to the heart of the matter. His presentation style – both written and oral – is concise and convincing. Olivier and his team are also good colleagues. Aside from being extremely capable lawyers, Olivier and his team were a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
RENAULT
EDF Renouvelables
AXA
FIMALAC
SONEPAR
RALLYE
SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT France
ALTER EQUITY
SUEZ
OCP REPARTITION
Pathé
OTCex
Work highlights
- Representing the board of directors of Suez SA (as well as to the ad hoc committee) in the context of the hostile takeover offer initiated by Veolia on Suez.
- Representing the State of Libya in various proceedings.
- Representing AXA in the defense of mass claims brought by companies seeking indemnification for lost profits suffered as a result of the Covid-19 sanitary crisis.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is appointed by a prominent client base comprising many of France’s leading companies, as well as major international corporations and investment funds. The practice is regularly entrusted with high-stakes M&A-related disputes; it recently acted in a landmark public M&A case. The team also manages a good amount of high-stakes commercial and contractual disputes, including several unfair competition cases. The highly regarded Didier Malka is the head of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Didier Malka
Key clients
Blank
Montefiore
Lagardère
Hilton International
Casino Group
Atos
Engie
Idemia
Worldline
Banque Palatine
Work highlights
- Representing Lagardère in multiple proceedings led against Amber Capital and Vivendi.
- Representing Hilton International in a contract dispute with the owner of a luxury hotel in Paris, SIHPM.
- Representing Casino Group in various strategic commercial matters.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is retained by leading companies and management boards to assist with high-stakes M&A and shareholder conflicts pertaining to major French public companies. The team was recently appointed by Meridiam to act in the high-profile Suez-Veolia dispute. High-level governance issues and the management of high-stakes commercial disputes are other areas of strength. Leading market figure Georges Terrier and counsel Alexandre Vermynck co-head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Georges Terrier; Alexandre Vermynck
Key clients
BRED Banque Populaire
Casigrangi (subsidiary of Groupe Philippe Ginestet)
Groupe Philippe Ginestet
LVMH
Mayhoola
Meridiam
Pierre Balmain (subsidiary of Mayhoola)
Renault’s Board of Directors
Tag Heuer (subsidiary of LVMH)
Work highlights
- Representing Meridiam in a matter concerning the alleged accusation that Veolia had coordinated its takeover bid of Suez with Engie, and that Engie illegally transferred confidential information on Suez to Veolia and Meridiam.
- Advising Mayhoola on its action against the majority shareholders of Lanvin for breach of the agreement whereby the latter had granted Mayhoola the exclusive right to acquire control of Lanvin.
- Advising Groupe Philippe Ginestet in proceedings with the minority shareholder and former manager of one of its subsidiaries.
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is a great choice for high-stakes commercial disputes, regularly involving complex international aspects. Notable recent work includes a high-stakes case concerning supply issues in the automobile parts sector and several particularly strategic private enforcement claims in competition law, following condemnation by regulators. Barbara Levy is the key contact. Dominique Lefort excels in banking disputes while Paul Talbourdet is particuarly active in real estate-related litigation. Finally, the firm also manages corporate litigation.
Practice head(s):
Paul Talbourdet; Philippe Dubois; Barbara Levy
Testimonials
‘Very good responsiveness.’
‘Outstanding and responsive.’
‘Barbara Lévy is an excellent lawyer who is used to ‘thinking out of the box’; the results of her work are impeccable.’
‘Unique practice in commercial business litigation on complex files.’
‘Barbara Levy has a level of expertise and litigation strategy well beyond the norm on the Paris market with an impressive track record of won deals.’
‘Remarkable work. Irreproachable file follow-up and technical knowledge.’
‘Barbara Levy manages her team perfectly.’
Key clients
GECINA (EUROSIC)
BOOKING.COM
BNP PARIBAS
CA CIB
PELI
VALEO
SHAFTESBURY
INTESA BANK
AXA REIM
SIEMENS HEALTHCARE
GENERALI
THE NORTH FACE INC.
NAPAPIJRI
TIMBERLAND
MANPOWER GROUP
COMPAGNIE EUROPEENNE DE CREDIT
VEOLIA
MAN TRUCKS
ROBERT BOSCH
BLACKBERRY
ALIER
TALESUN SOLAR
Work highlights
- Assisting FRENCH PRESS MAGAZINES ASSOCIATION (SEPM) with a litigation initiated against GOOGLE.
- Advising MAZARS on a shareholder dispute initiated by minority shareholders against ARCELOR MITTAL.
- Assisting VOLKSWAGEN and MAN TRUCK with private enforcement proceedings launched further to the EU Commission’s condemnations relating to the ‘trucks cartel’.
FTMS Avocats
FTMS Avocats deals with all types of disputes, ranging from mainstream business litigation to niche litigation areas. The practice is particularly sought after by leading banks and asset management firms, notably managing several large-scale liability claims relating to the commercialisation of financial products and complex professional liability issues. Marc Henry and Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac are top recommendations in the that field. In addition, the team manages a solid caseload of complex commercial and industrial litigation, notably in relation to construction work, acting for French and international clients. Cédric Fischer and Tristan Dupré de Puget are the key contacts here.
Practice head(s):
Cédric Fischer; Marc Henry
Other key lawyers:
Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac; Tristan Dupré de Puget
Testimonials
‘Responsive with an excellent business approach, taking into account pros and cons of the matter at stake.’
‘I have worked with Cédric Fischer; much appreciated his problem-solving and enthusiastic approach.’
‘A medium-sized firm with the client at the heart of the relationship.’
‘Technical excellence, creativity, proactivity, fair value for money.’
‘Good understanding of the priorities of our company, very good interpersonal skills.’
‘Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac leads a team of very eclectic experts able to effectively handle any type of litigation such as: the distribution of complex financial products, the regulations applicable to financial players, the recovery of debts arising from the right to commissions, creating sophisticated schemes for marketing products.’
‘Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac has a long experience in banking and financial litigation which allows him to have excellent reflexes and an immediate strategic vision of each file. Beyond the purely legal aspect of the litigation procedure, he is able to offer, in a very short time, practical solutions to the best of our interests. He is perfectly attentive to the needs and challenges of his clients and offers detailed and personalised follow-up of each case, which clearly sets him apart from other lawyers in Paris.’
Key clients
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
BPCE
Banque Populaire Rives de Paris (BPRI)
Caisse d’Epargne Ile de France (CEIF)
Caisse d’Epargne Rhône-Alpes (CERA)
Caisse d’Epargne Loire Centre (CELC)
Caisse d’epargne normandie (CEN)
Berkshire
Banque populaire mediterrannée (bpmed)
Banque de nouvelle caledonnie
Lloyds banking Group
European Commission
European Investment Bank
Monoprix
Schneider Electric
ALP
ALFYMA INDUSTRIE
Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn ‘s team’s strong versatility translates into a highly diverse caseload. The team, which also runs one of the market’s most regarded insolvency practices, is foremost recommended for tackling highly challenging insolvency and debt restructuring-related cases and is handling several high-stakes disputes, including several mass claims disputes involving many investors and former employees. The practice is also regularly entrusted to manage complex and high-stakes regulatory, commercial and mass litigation disputes. It has notably been appointed by a leading corporation to assist with the handling of a new type of regulatory dispute relating to moral loss, pain and suffering linked to tax evasion practice. The team is also currently assisting a client with a major Covid-19 insurance coverage case. Corporate and product liability litigation, such as asbestos-related claims, are also handled. The firm’s international capabilities make the firm a good choice for cross-border matters. Practice head Jean-Pierre Farges, Pierre-Emmanuel Fender and Eric Bouffard are highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Pierre Farges
Other key lawyers:
Pierre-Emmanuel Fender; Eric Bouffard
Testimonials
‘Complementarity of the team. Extensive litigation experience.’
‘Jean-Pierre Farges is very intelligent, very committed and endowed with high moral values, reliability and willingness to win loyally. Tenacious.’
‘A very close-knit and a very complementary team of lawyers, very attentive to their clients and their business constraints. A team with whom it is very pleasant to work.’
‘Proximity, professionalism, dedication.’
Key clients
Orchestra
Tapie
Camaieu (CVC, Farallon & others)
LBI Development
DomusVi
Vinci Energies
La Halle
Scan’up
L’immobilière Groupe Casino
Bain Capital LLC
Work highlights
- Represented Vinci Energies’s subsidiary Cegelec Renewable Energy in a dispute before French courts with a Senegal-based client in connection with an engineering and construction (EPC) contract concerning a photovoltaic plant.
- Representing LBI Développement in a dispute with Biogroup regarding the acquisition and control of several independent laboratories.
- Representing a large pool of senior lenders led by CVC, Farallon, Ochziff, Goldentree, HIG Capital/Bayside and Carval in a litigation relating to the insolvency of Modacin France, the holding company of Camaieu.
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP has considerably strengthened its commercial and corporate caseload since Arthur Dethomas joined the firm at the end of 2019. Able to handle a mix of commercial, corporate and criminal law issues, Dethomas has notably been retained by leading investment funds to assist with high-stakes corporate disputes. He has also been entrusted with the management of a high-profile case following the occurring of a fire in a data center. Disputes in the IT and healthcare sectors are other areas of strength, with the practice handling France’s first data class action proof of its expertise in the former, while several high-stakes product liability disputes are a core part of the practice’s healthcare caseload. Christine Gateau, Christelle Coslin and counsel Charles-Henri Caron are the key contacts here. Marine De Montecler and Pauline Faron made counsel in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Dethomas
Other key lawyers:
Christine Gateau; Christelle Coslin; Charles-Henri Caron; Marine De Montecler; Pauline Faron
Testimonials
‘A strong team in dispute resolution, with an appreciated ability to be flexible and informative to clients in other jurisdictions.’
‘Both Christelle Coslin and Victor Fabré provide excellent service.’
‘Mastery of complex procedural issues which allows for elaborate and far-sighted strategic advice; efficient approach for serial and mass litigation, particularly relating to medical law and product defects.’
‘Christelle Coslin: brilliant and strategic lawyer who is totally up to the big challenges and has the habit of considering various solutions; she is practical and creative (‘thinking outside the box’). Charles-Henri Caron: very careful and scrupulous work.’
Key clients
Merck
OVH
CBRE
Eurofins Group
Wendel
Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU)
Wikimedia Foundation
Work highlights
- Representing data hosting service provider OVH in torts actions following a massive fire which destroyed one of its datacenters and led to the loss of data for certain customers.
- Representing the interests of the Wikimedia Foundation in various disputes brought before French Courts.
- Defending Merck & Co and its French subsidiary MSD Vaccins in product liability claims brought by French plaintiffs in relation to alleged adverse events of the Gardasil vaccine.
Laude Esquier Champey
Laude Esquier Champey is an established litigation boutique with extensive sector expertise. The firm regularly acts for leading French corporations, notably in the luxury goods, technology and industrial fields, as well as for many international companies and investors. In addition to shouldering a substantial commercial caseload, the practice also handles challenging shareholder conflicts and insolvency-related litigation. The practice also deals with product liability and insurance related work, with recent work including several Covid-19-related coverage disputes. The practice is co-headed by Olivier Laude, Victor Champey, Richard Esquier and Florent Bouderbala, who was promoted to partner early 2021.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Laude; Richard Esquier; Victor Champey; Florent Bouderbala
Testimonials
‘A good expertise in technical fields. Very fast responses and great availability.’
‘Olivier Laude has good business acumen which helps him settle disputes.’
Key clients
KERING
BLABLACAR
MITSUBISHI LOGISNEXT EUROPE
EURELEC TRADING
MATISA MATÉRIEL INDUSTRIEL
VALLOUREC
MGA ENTERTAINMENT INC
LAFARGEHOLCIM
MARIE BRIZARD WINE & SPIRITS (MBWS)
Work highlights
- Representing Kering and its subsidiary Yves Saint Laurent in a dispute with Yves Saint Laurent’s former artistic director Hedi Slimane.
- Representing LAFARGE SA and LAFARGEHOLCIM in a dispute with D&O insurer AIG EUROPE linked to the ongoing criminal inquiry raised in France against LAFARGEHOLCIM and some of its former directors and employees, regarding the Syrian activities of the company in years 2014 and 2015.
- Representing BlaBlaCar in various lawsuits initiated by several contractors in connection with the breach by BlaBlabus (subsidiary of BlaBlaCar) of contracts in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Linklaters
Linklaters ‘s practice notably covers post-M&A and commercial disputes in France, including securities and white collar-criminal law litigation. Lately, the team has also seen an increase in matters involving emerging risks of liability litigation and reputation damages linked to social and environmental issues. The firm’s regulatory caseload is also keeping the team increasingly busy, notably in the energy sector. The Paris litigation practice has a strong focus on African-related commercial and criminal law litigation and arbitration, in particular on matters involving Gabon. Practice head Arnaud de La Cotardière and Jean-Charles Jaïs are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Arnaud de La Cotardière
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Charles Jaïs
Testimonials
‘The team has good knowledge of the French legal context, but also of other European countries.’
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP handles a very diverse caseload. Led by Kami Haeri, the team offers experience in disputes spanning commercial, corporate, securities and criminal aspects. The practice's strong know-how of commercial disputes involving IP aspects and the firm's international capabilities are further assets. Disputes involving African jurisdictions are a core part of the practice's highly international caseload. Leading French and international companies are clients. Of counsel Alexandre Kiabski joined the team from Linklaters in October 2020.
Practice head(s):
Kami Haeri
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Kiabski
Testimonials
‘Experts in procedure and criminal law, know their cases inside out.’
‘Kami Haeri: always available and very valuable advice.’
Key clients
Francis Baillet
Elliott
ArianEspace
Work highlights
- Representing Google Ireland and Google Limited in France’s first class action regarding the processing of personal data.
- Representing US investment fund Elliott in AMF investigation concerning investments made by Elliott in Norbert Dentressangle’ securities.
Racine
Racine is an excellent choice for high-stakes M&A and shareholders disputes, with practice head Bruno Cavalié's as the key contact in that area. The firm has been recently playing a front role in the Suez-Veolia M&A battle, defending Suez, and was also involved in a heated dispute in the media sector. The litigation practice also draws on expertise from the firm’s corporate, competition and restructuring departments to handle commercial, insolvency and real estate-related cases. Antoine Diesbecq, Laurent Jourdan, Valérie Ledoux and Sandra Graslin-Latour are particularly involved. The firm assists a prominent client base, including several of France’s leading companies.
Practice head(s):
Bruno Cavalié
Other key lawyers:
Antoine Diesbecq; Laurent Jourdan; Valérie Ledoux; Sandra Graslin-Latour
Testimonials
‘Finesse and great analysis, and a lot of psychology to win!’
‘The team has a ‘business first’ vision which is essential for companies, in particular to assess the legal risks associated with entrusted files.’
‘Maître Ledoux works efficiently by understanding the economic framework and the activities of our company. She is committed to understanding the industry of her clients in order to provide them with the best possible advice.’
Key clients
Suez
Kering
Fides
Work highlights
- Representing Suez in various disputes in connection with the acquisition by Veolia of part of Engie’s stake as well as the public offer filed by Veolia on the client.
- Representing Kering in various proceedings.
- Representing Fides in relation to a liability action led against the former administrators and management of Crédit Martiniquais.
Reinhart Marville Torre
Reinhart Marville Torre has a large and experienced team able to tackle a wide range of cases. The practice is notably strong in commercial litigation where it acts for many large French and international clients, including in several particularly significant matters in the retail sector. The practice is also regularly appointed to handle post-M&A and shareholder conflicts. White-collar crime and banking and finance litigation are other areas of strength. Disputes in the sports sector area also handled, including a high-profile case before sport arbitral institutions. The practice is co-headed by Louis-Marie Absil, Antoine Dérot , Jérôme Marsaudon, Marc Susini and Jean Reinhart.
Practice head(s):
Louis-Marie Absil; Antoine Dérot; Jérôme Marsaudon; Jean Reinhart; Marc Susini
Testimonials
‘Jérôme Marsaudon and his team were chosen after a benchmark of numerous litigation firms and were distinguished by their attention to client expectations, both in terms of responsiveness, inventiveness in the technical approach to cases and, from an internal point of view, through their understanding of billing issues.’
‘A very available team, attentive, and which always has a very business-oriented answer to our questions.’
‘Antoine Dérot is very available and attentive, whatever the type of file involved, and I appreciate his knowledge of the industry and the markets concerned.’
‘Availability and commitment of the team, with multidisciplinary skills according to the subjects addressed and access to the best experts.’
‘Analysis and anticipation of situations and perfectly familiar with my case. Louis-Marie Absil challenges internally, with other lawyers, strategies and options before adopting them.’
Key clients
FC NANTES
GENEANET/FILAE (My Heritage)
LA MONDIALE
SOLETANCHE BACHY
JUNE PATNERS
SYSTEME U
MONTANA
BRINK’S
GOODYEAR
LIDL
BOULANGER
BURGER KING
DXC TECHNOLOGY
MONDADORI AXEL SPRINGER
Signature Litigation AARPI
Signature Litigation AARPI is the market’s go-to-firm for high-stakes civil liability disputes, notably acting for many French and international industrial companies concerning highly sensitive asbestos claims. The practice is also involved in several strategic liability cases in the automobile and telecoms sectors, initiated by regulators, consumer associations or individuals. Lately, the team was also chosen by Casino to act on France’s first liability claim concerning the retail industry in connection with the group’s alleged non- compliance with the recent law on duty of vigilance in relation to its activities in Brazil and Columbia. The practice’s varied caseload also includes commercial disputes and disputes involving cross-border elements, including foreign judgment enforcement cases. It was recently appointed in two distinct high-stakes commercial disputes in the media and hospitality sectors. Thomas Rouhette
and Sylvie Gallage-Alwis co-head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Rouhette; Sylvie Gallage-Alwis
Testimonials
‘This practice offers a tailor-made and quality service, combined with availability at all times and great responsiveness. It is unrivaled from this point of view.’
‘I work very regularly with Sylvie Gallage-Alwis. In addition to her great legal skills, I particularly appreciate her availability and responsiveness, her understanding of the world of industry, and her ability to work in a team with other law firms at an international level.’
Key clients
Airbnb
Boeing
Casino
Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank
Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA)
Polaris
Renault
Société Générale
Thalès
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Work highlights
- Assisting Casino with a dispute arising from the alleged non-compliance to its obligations deriving from the duty of vigilance.
- Assisting the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA), the Russian state-controlled fund overseeing bankruptcies in the Russian banking sector, in dealing with the French aspects of the so-called Pugachev case.
- Representing Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co in the first civil case relating to fear of developing a cancer because of the alleged exposure to dozens of chemical substances by hundreds of non-employees.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP ’s Diane Lamarche has made her reputation acting in corporate M&A and shareholder disputes, acting for companies, directors and executives, as well as investment funds. Lamarche has also been appointed by private clients for high-stakes cases and is well versed in civil liability disputes in the context of insolvencies. Competition and distribution partner Yann Utzschneider specialises in consumer, commercial and economic law litigation. He is notably acting for major retailers and distributors in high-stakes disputes such as unfair competition, breach of contractual relationships and parasitism matters. Former practice head Philippe Métais left the firm in October 2021.
Practice head(s):
Diane Lamarche; Yann Utzschneider
Testimonials
‘Diane Lamarche has great expertise, shows high availability and is very attentive to the needs of her clients. She is pragmatic, always strives to provide solutions that suit her clients, is excellent in litigation, inspires confidence… and is very nice.’
‘Professionalism and responsiveness.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas Personal Finance
Dyson
Atol
Intermarché
BNP Paribas
Free
Amber Capital
Alec Jr Wildenstein
Deloitte
Robert Zarra (Toys’R’Us Former Director)
Mrs Cristiana Crociani and al.
Work highlights
- Representing Intermarché in a dispute recently initiated by the French Minister of Economy before the Paris Commercial Court regarding alleged disproportionate advantages.
- Successfully represented ATOL before the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) against Optical Center, a competing optical equipment retail network, in a lengthy dispute.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is recommended for high-profile corporate, M&A and shareholder disputes. The practice acts for a number of leading French companies as well as for international clients. High-stakes liability cases and disputes involving African jurisdictions are other areas of strength. The team is also involved in a rare private enforcement case that followed a condemnation by the French Financial Market Authority (AMF). Dominique Mondoloni and Grégoire Bertrou co-head the team which includes special European counsel Sophie-Jeanne Laroche.
Practice head(s):
Grégoire Bertrou; Dominique Mondoloni
Other key lawyers:
Sophie-Jeanne Laroche
Testimonials
‘Sophie-Jeanne Laroche has an attention and a reflection of rare efficiency. Immediate adaptation to hazards and immediate intervention. The team is available and efficient.’
‘Good listening skills, analysis and efficiency.’
‘Dominique Mondoloni showed great rigor, good listening skills and was very diligent in handling the file submitted. He stood out through his experience and responsiveness.’
‘Dominique Mondoloni fully understood and addressed all the issues and aspects of the case, however very sensitive, which was entrusted to him. His advice and expertise were greatly appreciated.’
‘Sophie-Jeanne Laroche is an extremely competent lawyer with whom it is very pleasant to work.’
‘Team very involved up to the partner. Very good listening skills and very good pedagogy of what will work in court. Careful analysis of opposing conclusions and preparation of conclusions for our part. Perfect transparency on our strengths and weaknesses.’
‘Working with Sophie-Jeanne Laroche is a joy: she knows how take the drama out of a dispute, clearly explain the issues, and, as she pleads herself in court, she has excellent knowledge of the judges at the Commercial Court; as a result, she knows how to write strong and well-founded conclusions on the one hand, and prepare the salient points of a pleading that will mark on the other hand. She is exceptionally available and works sufficiently in advance for all questions to be addressed calmly. Finally, she is very balanced on a personal level, which is quite unusual in this environment of great lawyers and it is very appreciable.’
Key clients
Suez
Transdev
Besix/Icade
Air France/Air France-KLM
Arkema
Carl Bayard
Agence Française de Développement
Sportfive
SCI du 12 rue Oudinot
ADVANT Altana
ADVANT Altana is able to deal with a broad range of disputes, acting for French and international companies, and is particularly experienced in disputes in the financial and insurance sectors. The practice notably acts for leading banks and insurers in high-stakes matters concerning loans, insurance and investment products, regularly involving a high number of plaintiffs. The practice also handles a good amount of commercial litigation, product liability and industrial risk cases in addition to assisting clients with M&A and corporate disputes. The firm’s insolvency and restructuring practice regularly handles strategic disputes, with Michel Jockey as the key contact. The practice is co-headed by Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy and Julien Balensi. Counsel Benjamin Dors is also involved.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Michel Jockey; Benjamin Dors
Testimonials
‘Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy is very helpful. She perfectly integrates the challenges of the disputes entrusted to her, and is very involved in the defense of clients’ interests.’
Key clients
AMUNDI
ARKEMA
BOUYGUES
BOUYGUES TELECOM
ONXEO
PROXISERVE
RENAULT
SALINI
SAMSUNG
SCHINDLER
VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT
VINCI
CATL BATTERY
EATON
HAGER
TUI
CFAO
BNP PARIBAS
CARDIF ASSURANCE VIE
MALAKOFF MEDERIC SERVICES
MMA VIE ASSURANCES MUTUELLES
MAAF
EURAPHARMA
AXA
PIMBA – IMPORTAÇÃO E EXPORTAÇÃO DE VESTUÁRIO LDA
GUIECKAL – COMERCIO E INDUSTRIA DE CONFECÇOES LIMITADA
TICTEL CONFECÇOES S.A.
SIDI TRADE LDA
HERMANDAD NACIONAL DE ARQUITECTOS (HNA)
BANCO COMERCIAL PORTUGUES (BCP)
ATOTECH
Comité national olympique et sportif français (CNOSF)
TENREIRO DA CRUZ
CARDIF LUX
APAGOR
VEOLIA
AXA
APG
APG's dedicated litigators handle a varied caseload that includes high-stakes regulatory and economic law disputes. The practice recently won several landmark victories against Airbn’b on behalf of the City of Paris. Additionally, the firm is experienced in post-M&A disputes and shareholder conflicts and is recommended for strategic commercial disputes in the distribution sector. Product liability litigation is also handled. Gilbert Parleani and Jean-Marie Gazagnes co-lead the practice which includes Olivier Parleani.
Practice head(s):
Gilbert Parleani; Jean-Marie Gazagnes
Other key lawyers:
Olivier Parleani
Testimonials
‘High relevance and industry knowledge.’
‘Proactive.’
‘Very pragmatic and business-oriented approach. Very good responsiveness, very attractive prices, very good knowledge of our business sector.’
‘Jean-Marie Gazagnes is a trusted lawyer. Very pragmatic and business-oriented approach, he shows excellent responsiveness and has very good knowledge of our business sector.’
Key clients
E. Leclerc
Manpower
Crédit du Nord
Les Indés Radios
British American Tobacco Caribbean
Enedis
BMW
Fiat/Chrysler
ALPHABET France
CNH Industrial
FCA Group (Fiat/Chrysler)
Emerging Capital Partners
ANTARGAZ
AIG Europe SA
FPT Industrial S.p.A.
Invivo
Société Générale
Carmignac Gestion
Birkenstock
Work highlights
- Representing Paris City Hall in disputes with Air BnB before the European Court of Justice and French courts.
- Represented E. Leclerc (Galec) in connection with a lawsuit brought by the French Ministry of Finance which was dismissed by the commercial court of Paris.
Archers A.A.R.P.I.
Archers A.A.R.P.I. covers commercial and corporate litigation, including shareholder conflicts. The team also deals with disputes linked to the firm’s M&A, restructuring and insolvency practices. The practice is able to deal with complex matters, including disputes involving cross-border elements, and is experienced in assisting French clients with proceedings abroad. Recent matters include a high-stakes dispute in the media sector and a major investment product dispute. Antony Martinez is the head of the practice. Associate Pierre Mounier provides key support.
Practice head(s):
Antony Martinez
Other key lawyers:
Pierre Mounier
August Debouzy
August Debouzy‘s deep bench allows the firm to handle the full range of disputes. The practice shoulders a busy commercial caseload in addition to frequently acting in post-M&A and industrial risk litigation. The team’s prestigious client base includes many blue-chip French and international companies from various sectors, including the aeronautics, energy, insurance and retail sectors. Practice co-heads Marie Danis and Benjamin van Gaver are highly recommended. Counsel Marie Valentini is also involved.
Practice head(s):
Marie Danis; Benjamin van Gaver
Other key lawyers:
Marie Valentini
Testimonials
‘Involvement, tenacity, creativity.’
‘Efficiency and responsiveness are the main qualities of the teams. They also know how to look for the right skills internally in order to solve a problem.’
‘Professional, courteous and attentive to client issues.’
‘Fantastic ability to handle a wide range of matters in a complex international litigation. They have been able to understand complex local politics, and how that affects outcomes. Overall, remarkable ability to handle extremely varied and complex matters.’
‘Flexible, imaginative and loyal.’
Key clients
VALEO
Carbonnier Lamaze Rasle
Carbonnier Lamaze Rasle frequently acts for French and international banks in litigation pertaining to financial products, but is also experienced in corporate litigation and fraud proceedings. The firm is also well established among leading French companies and family-owned companies, primarily acting in commercial, corporate and bankruptcy-related cases. Edouard De Lamaze heads the practice which includes Jean-Hugues Carbonnier, Dorothée de Bernis, Fanny Desclozeaux,who handles banking litigation, Michel Rasle, who has particular expertise in media/IP litigation, and criminal law expert Eric Morain.
Practice head(s):
Edouard de Lamaze
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Hugues Carbonnier; Dorothée de Bernis; Fanny Desclozeaux; Michel Rasle; Eric Morain
Testimonials
‘Fanny Desclozeaux provides sound advice and a proactive vision over our criminal cases.’
‘They provide enormous support to our organisation in resolving disputes in France. Their technical knowledge is excellent and they help us navigate legal landscape with confidence (including dealing with the language/ translation issues).’
‘We work regularly with Guillaume Carbonnier, who provides us with an excellent level of service. He is responsive, proactive and provides sound commercial advice and strategy. He is able to support us to enable an efficient management of disputes.’
Key clients
LES EDITIONS JALOU
QUINTA COMMUNICATIONS
BAUDINTER (FRANPRIX/LEADER PRICE)
Work highlights
- Advised publishing company Les Editions Jalou on the early termination of a licence agreement.
- Advised production company Bleufontaine (previously Quinta Communications) on a contractual infringement in the context of a shareholders dispute against Technicolor and its shareholders.
- Represented SCI Beniguet in relation to the purchase by Casino of the BAUD family shares in Franprix and Leaderprice.
CBR & Associés
CBR & Associés‘ experienced team is a very good choice for high-stakes commercial and consumer-related cases. The high-profile practice’ well-established client base includes many leading names, with the energy, media, retail and tobacco sectors as core areas of expertise. Recently, the practice has acted in highly sensitive Covid-related contractual disputes involving high financial amounts and opposing leading companies, especially energy and broadcasting players. In the telecoms and media sectors, key client SFR has entrusted several strategic cases to the practice. The practice’s expertise in enforcement matters came to the fore in a high-profile dispute following an antitrust condemnation. Practice heads Pierre-Olivier Chartier and Judith Vuillez are highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Pierre-Olivier Chartier; Judith Vuillez
Testimonials
‘A very responsive and complementary team with great listening skills. The team is very committed and available.’
‘A very well recognised practice. Pierre-Oliver Chartier and his team show excellent skills in managing their cases.’
‘Pierre-Oliver Chartier is a recognised expert in commercial litigation. He has perfect knowledge of civil procedural rules; is highly invested and has excellent pleading skills.’
‘The firm is truly dedicated to its client. Judith Vuilliez is pragmatic and always looking for a solution acceptable to her client from a legal, operational and economic point of view.’
‘An ultra-responsive team, very attentive and complementary. The team is dedicated to our company and is available even under very tight timings.’
‘The lawyers are particularly involved and provide much appreciated support in terms of handling advertising and product regulation disputes. Judith Vuilliez is particularly appreciated and recommended because of her availability at all times, her in-depth knowledge, and her pragmatic opinions on different subjects and different points of law.’
‘The firm distinguishes itself by its mastery of litigation matters. Pierre-Olivier Chartier has detailed and comprehensive expertise in commercial litigation, combined with a pragmatic approach ensuring a perfect match between issues and strategy. Each file is treated thoroughly, no aspect nor any argument is forgotten.’
‘Judith Vuilliez’s team is very dynamic and attentive to our needs. She knows how to respond and adapt to any emergency by delivering high-flying performances.’
Key clients
ADIDAS
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO
BACARDI MARTINI FRANCE
PRIMAGAZ
KAEFER WANNER
PROCTER & GAMBLE
SFR
NEXTRADIOTV
SPORTSCOTV
TOTALENERGIES
PMU
EUROVIA
TF1
EUROPCAR
ARAMIS
ITV
Work highlights
- Representing PMU in damage claim proceedings initiated by sports betting operator BETCLIC further to a decision of the French Competition Authority .
- Acting for the client in a dispute with internet service provider Free relating to the distribution of our client TV channels by the latter.
- Representing TotalEnergies in a dispute with EDF regarding the suspension of TotalEnergies’s nuclear power supply contract for force majeure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Chemarin & Limbour
Dispute resolution boutique Chemarin & Limbour bolstered its team in 2021 with the addition of two new associates and Valentine Foucher-Créteau's partner promotion. The firm deals with the full range of commercial disputes, including contractual, consumer law and unfair competition cases. The successful practice recently earned new mandates for major companies from various sectors, including the aviation, finance, consumer, press and IT sectors, and continues to manage a high volume of strategic work for key client Orange, including several high-stakes cases in proceedings involving other leading names in the TMT sector. The team also has prominent longstanding clients in the luxury goods, energy and retail areas. The excellent Alexandre Limbour is the head of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Limbour
Testimonials
‘They are formidable litigators who fiercely defend their cases; and have very good knowledge of consumer and business law.’
‘Alexandre Limbour is a very great professional who pleads brilliantly; he knows his clients and their activities perfectly well (for this purpose he maintains constant relations with them even when there is no file).’
‘Very good knowledge of commercial litigation. Perfect mastery of the procedure.’
‘Alexandre Limbour is probably one of the best litigators today. He is a brilliant lawyer and particularly pugnacious.’
‘I particularly appreciated working with Alexandre Limbour because of his availability, his practical approach and his skills.’
Key clients
HAC
Sferis (Group SNCF)
Yves Rocher
Auchan Group
Docaposte Group (La Poste Group)
Lorient Football Club
Orange Group
Orientis
Rabobank
Sofrecom
Vallourec
Louis Vuitton (LVMH Group)
Newrest
Globecast
Bagelstein
Pimkie
Sun’R
Editions Odile Jacob
Eurodep
Facilit’rail France
Viveo France
Orano
Terreal
Banque Internationale du Luxembourg
Ingenico
Primavista
Loomis
Suckle
Groupe Les Echos – Le Parisien (LVMH Group)
Cohen & Gresser LLP
Cohen & Gresser LLP‘s compact team rests on the shoulders of practice head Loïc Henriot who is able to handle a substantial and varied caseload. The practice is appointed by companies and shareholders to act in M&A litigation and shareholder disputes and offers experience in representing former CEOs and other high-ranking executives in sensitive contract termination disputes. The team also takes on commercial disputes and is involved in a major private enforcement litigation in the telecoms sector following a previous antitrust condemnation.
Practice head(s):
Loïc Henriot
Testimonials
‘I worked with Loic Henriot who is a remarkable technical colleague who knows how to combine psychology and strategy in complex situations. He immediately understands the issues, the angles and the strength and weaknesses of the case. He works perfectly in a team, particularly with other disciplines, and his past experience in mergers and acquisitions is very useful in litigation matters relating to company law or post-acquisition litigation. It is a pleasure to work with him.’
Key clients
Digicel Antilles Françaises Guyane
Buffalo Grill
Mr. Pierre Pélissier & other managers
PHS SA & Mr. Yves Watelot
Kuantic SAS
Nerim Groupe
Akuo Energy
Healthy Group
Mrs. Virginie Calmels
Grant Thornton
Flowbird SAS (f.k.a Parkeon SAS)
Loewe
Tordjmans family
Ackermans & van Haaren NV
Manuchar
CS Groupe
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP runs a busy practice. The team has strong expertise in international cases, notably acting in enforcement proceedings of foreign judgements in France, lately especially in relation to Lebanon, and arbitration exequatur cases. The life sciences sector is another core area of expertise, notably in the field of product liability. Corporate litigation completes the firm’s range, with the team recently acting in a hard-fought shareholder disputes mixing commercial and criminal proceedings. Jacques Sivignon is in charge of the practice. Laurent Martinet left the firm in October 2021.
Practice head(s):
Jacques Sivignon
Testimonials
‘The team has shown a high level of professionalism. The lawyers have answered our queries in a swift and efficient manner. Their legal opinions and studies are straightforward, well structured and denote a deep knowledge of the law and legal practice.’
‘We are working mainly with Laurent Martinet and Vincent Rouer have shown high level of professionalism and knowledge and are always ready and available to answer our queries. Their advice and opinions were very useful to our corporation.’
‘In-depth knowledge of commercial litigation at an international level with defined strategies and consistent coherent communication.’
‘Jacques Sivignon has systematically provided high-quality work with sound advice and guided strategies. His in-depth knowledge of commercial litigation which he can explain to the client in comprehensible terms is an asset that is very much appreciated.’
‘Jacques Sivignon’s advice has always been excellent and remarkable. Thanks to his insightful analysis, which allowed us to have a clear idea of our legal position and his invaluable advice which went beyond legal interpretation, we were able to find a winning solution for all parties. What sets Me Sivignon apart is his vast experience in the field of litigation and his legal expertise.’
Key clients
Albéa Group
Alten
BYD
Comsa Emte
Dow Chemical
Enedis
Eurogroup
Groupe Casino
Signify (Philips)
Steva
Work highlights
- Successfully represented COMSA against BOUYGUES before the Paris Court of Appeal in a complex litigation.
- Successfully represented Dow Chemical Company before the Civil Court of Evry at the final hearing of the Agent Orange matter.
- Successfully represented a medical device company in a strategic product liability case regarding heart valve implants.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is able to provide litigation expertise to a varied client portfolio. Investment funds and corporations turn to Marine Lallemand for corporate litigation, recently for a major M&A dispute in the telecoms sector. Senior counsel Bruce Mee and Vonnick Le Guillou offer high-level product liability and insurance expertise and are often involved in sensitive international cases, mainly acting for leading industrial companies, insurers and financial institutions. Le Guillou is particularly renowned in the aviation sector. Fabienne Panneau fields a varied commercial litigation practice, including in the IT sector where she has particularly strong expertise.
Practice head(s):
Vonnick Le Guillou; Marine Lallemand
Other key lawyers:
Bruce Mee; Fabienne Panneau
Key clients
ABN Amro
AIG
Airbus helicopters
Airbus SAS
Arconic
Atlas Copco
AXA
AXA XL
Blackstone
Carlyle
Cube Communications Infrastructures S.A.R.L
Howmet
Idinvest
ING Bank N.V.
LFPI Gestion
MTU France
Rockwell Collins
Tesla Motors France
Tokio Marine
Transdev
Travelopia
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Cube Communications Infrastructures S.à r.l. in the context of the sale of the entirety of the share capital of Covage to SFR.
Fierville Avocats
Dispute resolution boutique Fierville Ziadé represents several leading industrial corporations as well as financial investors and smaller companies. The practice is able to deal with a broad range of cases from corporate and commercial litigation to major industrial and international cases. It is notably handling sensitive matters in relation to industrial plant and nuclear facilities involving sites in France and in many foreign jurisdictions. The growing team also handles international arbitration cases as counsel or arbitrator. Founding partner duo Jérémie Fierville and Marie-Aude Ziadé is warmly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Marie-Aude Ziadé; Jérémie Fierville
Testimonials
‘Very professional, competent and pugnacious firm.’
‘Jérémie Fierville and Marie-Aude Ziadé are both class acts. They have established a brilliant firm that really fills a gap in the market. They are great lawyers, very commercial and client-focused.’
‘Great understanding and analyses, while taking into account the personality of the clients. The options were discussed at length and were not chosen when we had fully understood all the issues. The team takes the time to explain and… to re-explain. The collaboration was very easy because they are very responsive and attentive to the requests of their clients. Invoicing is clearly announced and respected, the deadlines have been validated together.’
‘During our collaboration, the team (and more particularly Jérémie Fierville) demonstrated great availability, which is very appreciable. We would like to underline the great professionalism of Jérémie Fierville and his sense of humanity. He is very attentive and gave us moral support throughout the procedure. Nothing has been left to chance, everything has been mastered and he has achieved great success (of which we have been the beneficiaries) in the resolution of our dispute.’
‘Great listening, strategy and efficiency.’
‘Very responsive and attentive team.’
‘Jérémie Fierville and Marie-Aude Ziadé have extensive experience.’
Galembert Avocats
Litigation firm Galembert Avocats is a go-to firm for CEOs and individual shareholders facing challenging corporate governance issues and shareholder conflicts, as demonstrated by its large caseload in the field. The firm is highly visible in the private equity circle where it acts alongside managers and minority shareholders in disputes with leading investment funds. It also represents CEOs of leading companies facing complex governance and termination issues. Founding partner Noémie de Galembert and counsel Florence Portal is are recommended.
Practice head(s):
Noémie de Galembert
Other key lawyers:
Florence Portal
Testimonials
‘High professionalism and great follow-up.’
‘Excellent contact and an excellent working relationship.’
‘Fast learner. A very high capacity for synthesis; precise, fluid and clear communication. Focused on the fundamental interests of the case and not to be distracted by minor interests. Relevant analyses and pragmatic advice.’
‘There are very few litigation firms with the level of experience and quality that the firm offers for executive and corporate matters. Their track record in this area in particular is unique. I always recommend the firm and they have never disappointed.’
‘Noémie de Galembert combines great listening, technique, fighting spirit and integrity that distinguish her from many of her competitors.’
‘Noémie de Galembert has succeeded in building a leading commercial litigation practice on the Paris market, acting independently in a dedicated structure.’
‘Noémie de Galembert and her teams are excellent professionals, combining a very good capacity for analysing cases, taking into account the psychology of the stakeholders and they show finesse in negotiation.’
‘Great professionalism of the team, great involvement of Noémie de Galembert who has a great mastery of law and procedure. Her ability to grasp the issues and her strategic vision of pre-litigation or contentious discussions are very reassuring and allow cases to be handled as effectively as possible. She listens attentively to her clients and takes their wishes into account without giving up on making the recommendations that seem to her to be the best, even if this may go against the clients’ a priori.’
Key clients
Greenflex (Frédéric Rodriguez, founding CEO and shareholder)
Azimut (founding CEO and shareholder)
Faiveley Participations
Erik Maris (former CEO of Messier Maris)
Palais des Thés
Wansquare
WFS
Saint Mamet and Hivest
Eurogroup Company
Tunstall Group Acquisitions
Onduline Group (Richard Seguin, former CEO and shareholder)
Remy Cointreau
Edenred
Z Nautics
Siaci Saint Honoré (key management team)
Belive
John Ozinga (Accor Invest)
Centre Privé de Radiothérapie de Metz
Olivier Melwig (CEO of Acorus Networks)
Work highlights
- Representing the Faiveley group and its majority shareholders in their dispute with one of the minority shareholders in order to prevent a cross-border merger between two of the group’s companies.
- Representing the founding shareholder and former CEO of Greenflex – a fully owned subsidiary of the Total group – in a dispute with Total as to the application of the ‘earn out’ clause provided in the SPA concluded with Total.
- Representing Palais des Thés and its majority shareholders in their conflict with their ex-CEO and minority shareholder who refuses to transfer its shares to the company accordingly to the shareholders agreement.
Grandjean Avocats
Dispute resolution boutique Grandjean Avocats handles a substantial amount of commercial disputes in addition to acting in corporate litigation. The firm also has strong industrial risk and product liability expertise, for example acting in a high-profile case in the healthcare sector, and frequently handles construction and real estate-related disputes. Recently, the firm has advised several hospitality and restaurant chains on disputes involving insurance issues arisen from the Covid-19 crisis. The practice is co-headed by founding partners Jean-Pierre Grandjean, whose expertise extends to mediation, Marguerite Aynès and Thomas Lambard.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Pierre Grandjean; Marguerite Aynès, Thomas Lambard
Testimonials
‘Thomas Lambard and the team have a very high expertise on procedural matters and the team capacity for international work is outstanding. Very high quality and most impressive work.’
‘Very good understanding of a situation where French and English laws and legal concepts are totally interconnected. Thomas Lambard: a brilliant brain with impressive knowledge of proceedings and business law.’
‘Beyond the seriousness, the rigour and the relevance of the firm’s approach, this team considers you (its client) as unique and treats you as unique. It’s amazing.’
‘The team is made up of very complementary partners and works in perfect harmony.’
‘The experience and competence of Jean-Pierre Grandjean are unique. Marguerite Aynès is also very talented.’
‘Excellent service from Thomas Lambard and his associate.’
‘‘Very good practice.’
‘Particularly stable and very well integrated team.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline Santé Grand Public
Rewe Group
Rallye – GO Sport
Savencia Group
Caisse Nationale de l’Assurance Maladie (CNAM)
AEW Europe/AEW Ciloger
Vaneau
Comeca
Arpent Capital
Algebris
Bénéteau
Katara Hospitality
Project 44
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has particular strength in the banking and insurance sectors, where it deals with regulatory, financial and commercial disputes for several leading banks and insurers. The team demonstrates particular strength in handling mass litigation pertaining to financial products and complex regulatory issues. Antoine Juaristi and Martin Le Touzé are excellent references in that area. Through Clément Dupoirier, the practice covers a wide of commercial disputes which also includes litigation involving African jurisdictions. The energy sector is a core sector in Dupoirier’s caseload. Associate César Michel also deserves a mention.
Practice head(s):
Antoine Juaristi; Clément Dupoirier
Other key lawyers:
Martin Le Touzé
Testimonials
‘A very good business vision, very pragmatic, excellent advice, total availability.’
‘Clément Dupoirier is an excellent lawyer on all levels: very smart, excellent understanding of business, total availability, a very pleasant way of being (and interpersonal skills). I have no doubts about the good management of the files entrusted to him. Absolutely reliable.’
‘The strength of the Paris team lies in its individuals and the complementarity of each other’s expertise. The client relationship is excellent. What inspires us the most is the ‘economical optimistic’ state of mind: nothing is impossible.’
‘The strength of the team in Paris lies in its expertise of our issues, its responsiveness, its listening skills and its relational proximity.’
‘Very competent.’
‘The partners with whom I work are very reactive and proactive.’
‘The team has a wide range of skills to cover the various issues encountered in international banking and finance litigation, often requiring cross-border analysis, which they can easily address through their long experience in the field.’
‘We work closely with Clément Dupoirier and other members of his team. They are very quick to respond, attentive to our needs, always available and have a thorough knowledge of the legal and financial regulatory environment. The preparation of our case is meticulously done and thoroughly analysed, enabling them to deliver excellent quality work.’
Key clients
Generali
Crédit Agricole Brie Picardie
Jones Day
Jones Day‘s well rounded practice is popular with large industrial and energy companies as well as with banks. The firm handles a busy financial, corporate and commercial caseload, including several contractual termination and insolvency-related disputes. Additionally the practice acts in several industrial and product liability cases, including a dispute opposing two large companies concerning the payment of environmental liability indemnities. Practice head Ozan Akyurek, Elie Kleiman and Françoise Labrousse are the key contacts. Cyril Philibert made partner in early 2022. Frédéric Gros and of counsel Isabelle Maury bring finance litigation experience to the table.
Practice head(s):
Ozan Akyurek
Other key lawyers:
Elie Kleiman; Françoise Labrousse; Frédéric Gros; Isabelle Maury; Cyril Philibert
Testimonials
‘Very good understanding of our environment.’
‘Thank you to Alexandre de Verdun and Ozan Akyurek for the quality of their support’.
‘Elie Kleiman is an exceptional litigation lawyer and a great strategist.’
‘I had the opportunity to collaborate on a file with Ozan Akyurek whom I recommend.’
‘Highly competent and experienced.’
‘I worked with Ozan Akyurek who stands out for his know-how and experience in the aviation sector. He is calm and focused.’
‘The team has always demonstrated a great ability to understand well practices and the philosophy of its customers. As far as we are concerned, we benefit from a strong relationship based on good experience and constructive and fruitful exchanges. As far as billing is concerned, there are never any unpleasant surprises and we can also have exchanges outside the very coded framework of time spent = time billed. It is these sides that build trust. ‘
‘Ozan Akyurek always shows great availability and pragmatism. Ozan is very attentive and in search of the most appropriate solutions to enable files to be completed the best way and within a reasonable time.’
Key clients
Société de Financement Local
Dexia Crédit Local
Vestergaard Frandsen SA
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is active in good amount of commercial litigation, notably relating to the IT and healthcare sectors. The practice also regularly manages corporate and M&A disputes, recently representing an investment fund in a complex matter concerning some aspects of one of France’s recent landmark M&A dispute. As part of the practice’s insolvency litigation caseload, the team assists audit firms facing disciplinary proceedings. Lately, the team has acted for clients facing difficulties in the supply of electronics components, notably in the automobile sector, advising on strategic pre-litigation issues. Private enforcement litigation, antitrust condemnation damage proceedings, and mediation proceedings are growing practice areas. Fabrice Fages and Myria Saarinen are in charge. Elise Auvray made counsel in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Fabrice Fages; Myria Saarinen
Testimonials
‘The litigation team performs high quality work in partnership with our internal teams. The depth of analysis and strategic thinking of this team is remarkable.’
‘Fabrice Fage is very pragmatic, adaptable, flexible and open to ideas. Myria Saarinen provides rigorous in-depth work, has a great sense of synthesis, and is combative.’
‘High availability and responsiveness.’
‘Unique strength-in-depth. Highly organised. Extremely approachable and collaborative.’
They are all extremely approachable, concise, do extensive research and are extremely well joined up. Proactive and very client-focused.’
‘Fabrice Fages has shown great listening skills and great intelligence of the mechanisms of our markets and the regulatory systems that shape these markets. He has identified complex AND effective strategies for managing and resolving commercial disputes. These strategies and the legal analyses of the regulations and the arguments of the proposed opposing parties and our points of view have allowed us to build a coherent argument.’
‘The team is very responsive, serious and professional, the files are handled by experts each in their field.’
‘The members from the firm that I have been able to work with make themselves available; the information is clear and the advice precise to measure the risks and support decision-making. Support in negotiation is very professional.’
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown is a particularly good choice for corporate, M&A and financial litigation involving listed and non-listed companies and recently played a central role in one of France’s most high-profile listed M&A disputes. The versatile team assists clients from a wide range of sectors, including the insurance, industry and the banking and finance sectors, with French and US listed companies on the client roster. The practice’s varied caseload also features commercial disputes and, increasingly, multijurisdictional disputes for which it frequently collaborates with the firm’s offices abroad. In a highly sensitive case, the team successfully resisted a 'commission rogatoire' involving the International The Hague Convention. The team is also building a practice in duty of vigilance disputes, an emerging litigation area in France. Emilie Vasseur heads the practice. She is surrounded by counsels Nathalie Morel and David Bakouche.
Practice head(s):
Emilie Vasseur
Other key lawyers:
Nathalie Morel; David Bakouche
Testimonials
‘Nathalie Morel has great writing skills and is very incisive in her arguments.’
‘The firm always provides quick answers and puts a team at our disposal so that we can carry out our work with the greatest possible legal certainty.’
Key clients
AGPM
Geoxia Maisons Individuelles
Groupe Demathieu Bard
Lovestate
Synutra
Veolia
WHA Holding
Work highlights
- Represented Veolia on its takeover battle with Suez.
- Assisted Ingeneria Franco Espanola Omega, a Spanish company, sued by the judicial liquidator of French company Sutra International, in proceedings regarding payment of €4,5m in damages to compensate for an alleged loss of opportunity.
Paul Hastings LLP
Paul Hastings LLP hired Laurent Martinet in October 21 from Dechert LLP to boost its practice, notably in the commercial litigation area. Martinet has strong expertise in industrial risk litigation, notably handling a busy caseload in the energy sector. He was also recently appointed to act on a range of Lebanese financial disputes, acting alongside banks. The very experienced Philippe Bouchez El Ghozi demonstrates strength in corporate, commercial and financial disputes for banks and leading corporations. Nicolas Faguer left the firm in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Philippe Bouchez El Ghozi; Laurent Martinet
Key clients
Ausy
Colisée Patrimoine Group
Faurecia
Fives
Hutchinson
Monoprix (Casino/Franprix)
Reed Midem
Rhodia-Solvay
Sodexo
Sodica
Qualium
BKW
Primexis
Energie Mutuelle
Sicame
Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés
Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés is recommended for complex financial, corporate disputes and shareholder conflicts, with practice head Frédéric Peltier's extensive in high demand from several prestigious investment funds. Corporate and white-collar expert Clément Wierre made partner at the end of 2021. Nicolas Partouche handles litigation linked to insolvency and restructuring cases, often involving major fraud elements.
Practice head(s):
Frédéric Peltier
Other key lawyers:
Clément Wierre; Nicolas Partouche
Key clients
BTSG
MJA (Mandataires judiciaires Associés)
FAJR
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
Apax Partners
Concorde Finance
Boticinal
Corpore+Sano
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons handles a wide range of disputes in corporate and commercial litigation. The practice has a strong footprint in the healthcare sector, with practice head Jacques-Antoine Robert a leading market figure, where it acts in many high-profile product liability cases. Industry leaders and investors seek out the practice for various commercial, distribution and corporate disputes. The corporate litigation recently grew thanks to Guillaume-Denis Faure who is increasingly mandated by private equity funds and whose recent work includes a highly complex dispute pertaining to a securitisation portfolio. Disputes involving commercial agents, criminal, regulatory, distribution and insolvency elements also feature in the caseload. Etienne Kowalski and Alexandre Regniault, who specialises in healthcare industry litigation, also contribute. The excellent Louis-Marie Pillebout (ex Villey Girard Grolleaud) joined the firm in early 2022, strengthening the corporate dispute practice.
Practice head(s):
Jacques Antoine Robert
Other key lawyers:
Guillaume-Denis Faure; Etienne Kowalski; Alexandre Regniault; Louis-Marie Pillebout
Testimonials
‘Excellent expertise; perfect knowledge of court functioning; in depth understanding of legal framework.’
‘Available; solution-oriented; highly wise in their judgement.’
Work highlights
- Representing Entrepreneur Invest in the context of a fraud affecting Smart Treso Fund.
- Representing Synlab France in the context of a complex litigation with the president of one of Synlab France’s most important subsidiaries.
- Represented EDF Renouvelables and EDF Renewables Canada in a commercial agent dispute.
Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston & Strawn LLP is capable to handle the full range of disputes, spanning corporate, securities, commercial and regulatory issues. The firm has established niche expertise in the healthcare sector where it is the go-to-practice for many investors, clinics, mutual insurers, medical and healthcare manufacturers. The team is often acknowledged for its very creative practice, with several of the practice's past disputes having broken new ground in the healthcare sector. In parallel, the team manages a large caseload in relation to many other fields; its ability to handle financial and corporate disputes alongside investment funds must be noted in particular. The practice is led by the excellent Gilles Bigot who is surrounded by Anne-Carine Ropars-Furet, Mathilde Lefranc-Barthe and Sara Susnjar.
Practice head(s):
Gilles Bigot
Other key lawyers:
Anne-Carine Ropars-Furet; Mathilde Lefranc-Barthe; Sara Susnjar
Testimonials
‘Anne-Carine Ropars-Furet distinguished herself by the quality of her listening skills and her understanding of issues, her analytical capacity, her legal competence, her ability to explain the strategy she proposes and her assessment of risks and costs.’
‘The team is of high quality and appreciated for its professionalism and thoroughness. Its lawyers always deliver excellent work. The partners are very involved and know their files inside out.’
‘Gilles Bigot is a litigation specialist, particularly in the healthcare sector, but not only. He intervenes in complex and high-level cases. He is an excellent professional that I recommend with my eyes closed. His strategic proposals are decisive. His judgement of the situation is always perfectly correct. Anne-Carine Ropars-Furet and Mathilde Lefranc-Barthe are also excellent. They are particularly experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods that they have been practicing for several years.’
Key clients
MNH/Groups NEHS
PointVision
Ramsay Générale de Santé
SC Johnson
OPCO EP
PrivatBank
Vert Marine
GEN BIO
Union Asset Management Holding (UAMH)
Vivalto Santé
Biopath
Holding Portugal Luxembourg
Work highlights
- Representing two private hospitals, members of the Ramsay Générale de Santé (Clinique Iris Marcy Etoile and Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz) in two disputes with ambulance companies regarding alleged wrongful termination of commercial relationship.
- Representing German pension fund Union Asset Management Holding (UAMH) in the aftermath of the Vivendi scandal.
Aramis
Practice head(s):
Cédric de Pouzilhac
Testimonials
‘Cédric de Pouzilhac shows excellent understanding of industrial issues; careful analysis of contracts; effective advice and pragmatism.’
Key clients
EDF S.A.
Amundi Immo
Alstom Transport S.A.
Techint
Enedis
Izivia
Work highlights
- Representing EDF in a multi-counterpart-litigation about a force majeure clause related to the COVID-19 crisis and French regulated access to nuclear energy (ARENH).
- Representing Techint SpA in construction litigation.
- Represented Cobra Europe (Rema Tip Top Group) in post-M&A litigation.
ARMA
Practice head(s):
Arnaud Péricard; Maximilien Mattéoli
Testimonials
‘The firm is specialised in handling professional accountant liability cases. Arnaud Péricard is always available and very responsive.’
‘High-level drafting skills: always relevant, very explicit and readable. The interlocutors are also very available and have a flawless sense of service. Arnaud Péricard is, in addition to being very competent, always available and accessible, and listens to his interlocutors.’
‘Arnaud Péricard is excellent in litigation, pragmatic, attentive to the needs of his clients, available, and finds solution.’
‘Good expertise.’
Key clients
Covea Risks – MMA
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Gras Savoye
BDJ
Société de courtage des barreaux (SCB)
Deloitte
In Extenso
Eight Advisory
AVVENS – Crowe Horwath
BDO
Ernst & Young
SophiAssur
Chambre Nationale des Conseils en Gestion de Patrimoine (CNCGP)
National Association of Accountants (Ordre National des Experts Comptables)
Ashurst LLP
Practice head(s):
Hortense de Roux
Testimonials
‘Hortense de Roux and her senior associate Aurelien Zilbermann are a great team to whom the client interest are at the front and center of what they do. Hortense is an excellent lawyer who always provides sharp and crisp advice. Availability is outstanding. One of the best lawyers you can work with. Enormously business-minded. Stellar success rate.’
‘Hortense de Roux is a sharp counsel with an excellent prediction of what is possible. Very clear, very structured. Communication is top. Simply outstanding.’
‘Excellent litigation practice with Hortense de Roux!’
‘Hortense de Roux and her team are excellent and provide a very high-quality service on time; remarkable.’
‘Very dynamic, responsive and efficient team.’
‘The team offers us exceptional services in litigation management.’
‘Hortense de Roux is exceptional in the quality of her legal knowledge, her availability and above all her advice and suggestions for handling complex cases.’
‘Very good experience in technical and in international litigation, particularly in the IT world.’
‘Hortense de Roux is a sure bet. She is a very good technician and she is very determined.’
Work highlights
- Successfully advised IBM in a high-profile litigation relating to alleged unfair competition facts.
- Advised RTE on part of three high-profile COVID-19 related summary proceedings concerning a force majeure contractual mechanism as part of the ARENH agreement between a leading operator of the public electricity network and alternative electricity suppliers.
BG2V
Practice head(s):
Camille de Verdelhan; Xavier Carbasse; Roland Gueny; Julien Vernet
Testimonials
‘The team is able to deal with problems with great efficiency. The members of the firm have an excellent ability to work in a team with others firms, in particular in dealing with cross-border disputes.’
Work highlights
- Represented Herta, a major company in food industry, in a delicate matter regarding an accident that caused the death of a 2-year-old boy.
- Represented an heiress of the art dealer Daniel Wildenstein in the tax ‘Wildenstein case’.
Bird & Bird
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Morelli
Other key lawyers:
Anne-Florence Raducault; Djazia Tiourtite
Testimonials
‘Perfect follow-up.’
‘Good listening skills.’
Key clients
Renault
Aéroport de Lyon
SunPower Energy Solutions France SAS
Dayco Europe
Photosol
Airbus
Plastipak
Bjorg Bonneterre et Cie (Ecotone)
Materne
Work highlights
- Advising Renault in relation to pre-litigation and litigation with strategic distressed suppliers, such as MBF Aluminium and Sintertech.
- Representing SunPower Energy Solutions France SAS in several disputes with former subsidiaries of a carved-out overseas division in relation to alleged safety defects of tens of thousands of solar panels.
- Assisting PHOTOSOL in a dispute with 3SUN, 3. ENEL GREEN POWER S.P.A and SHARP (EUROP) ELECTRONICS LIMITED concerning the supply of defective solar panels to PHOTOSOL.
Boken
Practice head(s):
Antoine Beauquier
Testimonials
‘In addition to its technical excellence in business and insurance law, I appreciate the firm for its prompt responsiveness and availability.’
‘Milan Sikyurek is an exceptional lawyer and expert in his field. By his benevolence, empathy and the excellence of his expertise, he is exceptional to us.’
Key clients
BearingPoint
Crédit Coopératif
Holdar
iXblue
Acapace
BPCE
Bouygues Immobilier
Chambres des métiers de Bourgogne
Rio Tinto
Famille Peugeot
iXblue
Soper
Work highlights
- Defense of a former main shareholder of a subsidiary of a major energy actor in France in view of the obtention of a settlement agreement.
- Defended Korelio in litigation against an IT group.
- Defense of Holdar, the holding of a family group, in a post-acquisition dispute.
Bougartchev Moyne Associés
Practice head(s):
Kiril Bougartchev; Emmanuel Moyne; Geoffroy Goubin
Key clients
Lazard
CNES
Generali
LVMH
Dogus
Work highlights
- Defending Turkish conglomerate Dogus as a majority shareholder of companies in the restaurant sector and a party to of a joint-venture agreemen in proceedings arisen from the fraudulent conduct of a minority shareholder following a transfer of shares.
- Representing the interests of the founder of Copernic, a company specialising in the field of health and high technology products, as well as his family office in a dispute with an Anglo-Saxon investment fund having taken a majority stake in the company through an LBO operation.
- Representing the client in civil and criminal proceedings aimed at challenging merger-takeover operations which, according to the plaintiffs, were carried out on the basis of vote buying.
Brunswick La Morinerie
Practice head(s):
Philippe Brunswick; Maxime de La Morinerie
Testimonials
‘Once the strategy has been validated with the client, the team demonstrates formidable efficiency both in in-depth research of legal texts and case law to support our case, and in the drafting of conclusions. Beyond the legal skills, the individuals with whom I worked demonstrated great human qualities and listening skills, as well as an unfailing involvement.’
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Practice head(s):
Constantin Achillas; Philippe Métais; Elodie Valette
Chatain & Associés
Practice head(s):
Antoine Chatain; Jean-Yves Demay Pajot
Testimonials
‘I have never met a firm as committed, and with so much technical expertise combined with exceptional listening and availability.’
Key clients
Compass
Nethys
Cm/Cic
Monoprix
Gigafit
Daher
Galec (Groupe Leclerc)
Aig
Allianz
Biomérieux
Leroux & Lotz Technologies
Fret Sncf
Generali
Hiscox
De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés
Practice head(s):
Louis de Gaulle
Other key lawyers:
Jean-François Paque; Philippe Feitussi; Vanessa Ruffa
Testimonials
‘A team that finds innovative and smart solutions.’
‘Availability and creativity. Very good follow-up of files.’
‘Both highly competent and pragmatic, the firm is a valuable and efficient aid in the negotiation of disputes and the handling of contentious procedures.’
‘Great availability. True professionalism.’
‘Good negotiation skills, strong experience and technique, responsiveness, availability and excellent work.’
‘Louis de Gaulle has a tremendous ability to rationalise the different perspectives of cross-border litigation and he infuses his team with that ethos. Their collective focus on the best result for the client, rather than the likely result of a particular motion or effort, builds confidence in the advice they give.’
Key clients
CAFE OZ
Gilead
Group Desjouis
Marinex Fashion
Prysmian Group
Sanofi
Somogy Editions d’Art
Action contre la faim
Alstom
BNP Paribas
BPCE
CBS
Cegedim
Celio
Colgate-Palmolive
Corporatek
Crédit Agricole Ile de France Paris
Dexia
Dokhan
Foncière Paris Languedoc (groupe Deromedi)
Gemalto Netsize
Genoway
Goliath
Groupe Bel
Ice Watch
Kellogg
Koch Films
LVMH
Maaf Assurances
My Money Bank
Natixis
NBC Universal
Nexity
Ouest France
Photosol
Porhel
Publicis
R+V Versicherung
Royal Bank of Scotland
RSA
Somfy
Taittinger
TF1
Theolia France (Groupe Futuren)
Total
Touax
UEFA
Viacom
Vivendi
XL Airways
DS Avocats
Practice head(s):
Arnaud Constant
Other key lawyers:
Marie-Christine Mergny; Bertrand Potot; Xavier Lacaze; ; Guillaume Selnet; Romain Bourgade; Benjamin Potier; Fabrice Van Cauwelaert
Testimonials
‘Bertrand Potot knows his clients very well and offers litigation strategies tailored to the needs of our business. He is always very available and attentive to his customers. His support is greatly appreciated when making urgent and strategic decisions. His oratorical qualities are remarkable.’
Key clients
STATE OF BENIN
Landsbanki
Agence Française de développement
FRET SNCF
SNCF Voyageurs
EIFFAGE
ASL Airlines France
DZB BANK
ACTIS
APST
ARENA
AXA
BAZARCHIC SA
EDF
FNIM
INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL INESTORS
FRANCE
PSA
MONTE PASCHI BANK
RESSOURCETHICA
SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
ORANGE
SAGEMCOM
STEARINERIE DUBOIS
VIATEMIS
WELDOM
ELIOR Group
Work highlights
- Representing the State of Benin with the exequatur on the French territory of several arbitrational decisions.
- Representing Fragonard in damages claims based on unpaid bills and brutal rupture of commercial relationship.
- Representing Landsbanki Bank and its liquidator in the context of loans classified as toxic by borrowers.
DTMV & Associés
Practice head(s):
Magali Thorne; Lin Nin
Testimonials
‘Ability to consider all the non-contentious options before considering a contentious option: a real saving of time and money for our company, which sometimes avoids long and costly procedures. The adaptability of the firm also remains a major added value, as does the respect of the deadlines requested by their clients – sometimes short. The firm is made up of specialists in various legal fields, allowing a fair distribution according to the context of the subject, a detailed legal analysis combined by these different specialties, but also associated with this ability of Lin Nin to synthesise and explain certain complex legal situations in an understandable manner.’
‘Lin Nin and his team are very responsive and available in case of emergency. The firm remains a human-sized firm favouring client contact, understanding the specificities of our business sector and knowing how to adapt to the context of a multicultural company like ours. Their ability to first seek a pragmatic rather than contentious consensual solution is also one of the characteristics that are highly appreciated. The multidisciplinary nature of the very diverse subjects that Lin Nin and his team can deal with also remains an undeniable added value.’
‘Lin Nin speaks very good English, is quick to grasp the facts and gives reliable advice on French law. He thinks entrepreneurially and anticipates your questions. A very good cooperation partner for us.’
‘Expert team with extensive experience. Very competent partner and good advice on the culture of the company.’
‘Transparent partner as to the advantages, disadvantages or risks, benefits of the procedures. Listening to the objectives of clients and adapts to the strategy.’
‘The availability of lawyers has enabled us to provide rapid responses to our interlocutors in our negotiations.’
Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP
Practice head(s):
Rémi Kleiman
Testimonials
‘Clear communication.’
‘Very good legal advice.’
‘We believe that the team had people with appropriate skills, both legal and communications, to adequately assist us and to keep us informed each step of the way. Rémi Klein was constantly available, assisted in all manners possible, kept the clients and us in the loop at all times, and generally, created a very collaborative and pleasant working environment in our cases.’
‘The team has a very pragmatic and goal-orientated approach to litigation. The team is able to flex between smaller matters that require pragmatic and cost-effective litigation strategies and large and complex matters that require a more tactical and overarching strategies. The work between the European offices in multi-national litigation works seamlessly.’
‘The team is very experienced and knowledgeable in the medical device space. The team is exceptionally responsive. We appreciate that they take the time to explain the procedural requirements to us, as well providing concise summaries of the potential outcomes of each of these requirements, and what our responsibilities will be for each potential outcome. In short, we have always felt well prepared, and able to effectively manage our risk because they do such a good job educating us through the litigation process. Their fluency in English and French has also been very helpful.’
‘The French team is very professional, competent, quick to give feedback and support.’
Fieldfisher
Practice head(s):
Bruno Paccioni; Philippe Netto; Brigitte Daille-Duclos; Franck Veisse
Key clients
Autodistribution
Akka Technologies
Diesel SPA
H&M
Hema
Maison Margiela
Issey Miyake
Groupe Casino
DXC (ex CSC)
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very competent and available team. Excellent understanding of client needs.’
‘Jean-Philippe Pons-Henry is an excellent lawyer, in particular on disciplinary disputes with supervisory authorities (AMF, ACPR for example), who has excellent knowledge of financial products. A reference in his field in Paris.’
‘There is a sense of genuine expertise in dealing with very high-value claims in complex and difficult circumstances and a strong sense of being able to handle high pressure situations without excitement. Technical expertise is strong, and intellectual ability is evident. Application levels are high, high client service expectations are met and exceeded.’
‘The team is remarkable!’
‘The litigation team made up of specialists in the different areas of law concerned by the case, not only pure litigation specialists, which makes it possible to cover all aspects of our case including with a view on the after-litigation.’
‘The team remained attentive throughout the case, adapting to our needs as the case evolved. Very good listening and great patience, perfectly grasping the strategic dimension of the file as soon as it is taken in hand.’
‘In-depth knowledge of both the regulations and the intricacies of how the regulator works, in the context of a dispute with the AMF, have been invaluable assets. Added to this is an in-depth knowledge of technical subjects such as the functioning of financial markets, the structure of an order book and price formation.’
‘The team demonstrates professionalism and great expertise and availability.’
Jeantet
Practice head(s):
Xavier Pernot; Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié
Other key lawyers:
Florent Prunet
Testimonials
‘Very practical and specific advice; in-depth expertise up to date with the latest developments in case law; an effective strategy, good communication without delay.’
‘A very good strategic approach to cases with a high capacity for negotiation.’
‘The team led by Loraine Donnedieu de Vabres-Tranié is very well suited to high-intensity disputes.’
‘A 360° vision.’
‘High level of service-minded attitude. Clear and concise advise. Gives pushback when needed. High availability level. They did not put a lot of people on the assignment to raise cost, but kept a small and dedicated team.’
‘Florent Prunet is excellent in his support, especially in terms of availability and partner-attention.’
Key clients
LACTALIS
LIDL
DESCOURS & CABAUD
ENI GAS & POWER France
FNAC
SMURFIT KAPPA
BRICO DÉPÔT
LEETCHI
CASTORAMA
K&L Gates LLP
Practice head(s):
Louis Degos; Charlotte Baillot; Barthélemy Cousin
Testimonials
‘Excellent competent, dynamic and available team.’
‘Very high responsiveness. Excellent strength of proposal in litigation strategy.’
Key clients
SIKA Supply Center AG
SIKA France
ENIGMA Software Group
3D SYSTEMS France, 3D SYSTEMS INC., Phenix Systems
Cummins Inc.
POC Sweden
John Bean Technologies AB
Akzo Nobel
Exxon Mobil and KBR
Baltic International Bank
Mercuria Energy Trading Pte Ltd
Société Générale Bank & Trust
Société Générale
Edeis and Bothnia
SAAB
Razel-Bec
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Work highlights
- Representing Sika Supply Center in serial claims regarding insulation problems of photovoltaic roofs.
- Representing ESG and EnigmaSoft Ltd in a dispute against their main competitor Malwarebytes.
- Representing the Swedish company John Bean Technologies in a dispute pending before French court and an ICC arbitral tribunal following the sale of a deep freezer system to the group Holder.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Practice head(s):
Marie-Christine Fournier-Gille; Dominique Penin; Guillaume Forbin; Marie Davy
Testimonials
‘Good team, invested and proposes solutions.’
‘Productive discussions with Dominique Penin and his team.’
‘Highly professional team, covers all aspects for multinational and multidivisional clients.’
‘Comprehensive legal and business knowledge, very client orientated, excellent support in finding optimal solution.’
‘Dedicated follow-up on specialised litigation.’
‘Guillaume Forbin and Marie Davy show careful monitoring of the client and the files.’
‘Reactivity and professionalism.’
‘Good responsiveness, stable team, good quality of work.’
Key clients
Banque Julius Baer
BNP Paribas/BNP ASR
Grant Thornton
LCL Le Crédit Lyonnais
Crédit du Nord et ses filiales bancaires
UBP
UBS
Arkema
International Paper
Schindler
Do & Co / Hédiard
Bank of America
Bostik
DMG Mori
Work highlights
- Defending the client in a court action brought by 97 people claiming the bank neglected its Tracfin monitoring and declaring duty regarding a Dom Tom tax exemption company.
- Representing Banque Julius Baer in connection with a liability claim initiated by Vidalo in relation with its alleged failure of duty to warn.
Largo Avocats DELETE
Practice head(s):
Anne-Jessica Fauré
Testimonials
‘A very committed team that listens.’
‘Anne-Jessica Fauré was remarkable in resolving our dispute; her significant expertise in the field as well as her analytical abilities, without forgetting her human qualities, allowed us to find the solution in line with our expectations.’
‘Remarkable lawyers.’
‘Competent, reactive and available.’
‘Anne-Jessica Fauré and her associate César Fattah have great listening and attention skills, always present by my side when there are questions or doubts. So far, they have followed a winning strategy.’
‘A close-knit, interactive team, knowing how to use mediation when needed.’
‘Very fast response times. They are very attentive. Together, Anne-Jessica Fauré and her associate César Fattah looked for and found a way to settle our case while respecting my priorities and my professional integrity. They knew my file by heart and their way of presenting the case in a very clear way made it very understandable. No billing ‘surprises’ and no charges were incurred without my informed consent. Needless to say, I will call on them again to manage my affairs and recommend them without any reservations.’
Key clients
Eiffage Construction
Eiffage Energie Systèmes
Eiffage Concessions
SQLI
Fiabila
Mr. Serguei Pougatchev
Mr. Bruno Borie
CEO and main shareholder of Ducru Beaucaillou
Generim
Komposite
Groupe PEGASE
JD PROD
Cushman& Wakefield Design & Build France
Work highlights
- Representing Serguei Pougatchev in exequatur proceedings against a Russian state agency, aiming to enforce a judgment sentencing him to pay over €1bn to an insolvent Russian Bank.
- Representing Generim in exequatur proceedings initiated by Crédit du Maroc, aiming to enforce a Moroccan Court decision sentencing Generim and Résidence du Tourisme to pay €24m Moroccan dirhams (about €2m).
- Representing sellers acting against Deloitte France to request the annulment of a global share purchase operation of an aggregated amount of €6.9m and seeking damages amounting to €1.1m.
Le 16 Law
Practice head(s):
Jean-Luc Larribau; Alexandra Szekely; Samuel Sauphanor
Other key lawyers:
Anne-Claire Hans; Morgan Gizardin
Testimonials
‘A real success story firm due to the high quality of its partners, who combine top legal skills with great energy in a very collaborative and caring environment.’
‘A very high-quality litigation and arbitration practice; intervenes in a very responsive, pragmatic and comprehensive manner on the often complex subjects it deals with.’
‘A small, nimble team that punches much higher than its weight. They combine top-flight legal knowledge with excellent judgement, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to understand the factual landscape in all its technical detail. Their work ethic and client service are second to none.’
‘Jean-Luc Larribau, Samuel Sauphanor and Anne-Claire Hans: great listening skills, work force, collaborative work, team spirit and expertise, cheerful; very responsive, desire to learn and to surpass themselves.’
‘The team led by Alexandra Szekely has an excellent knowledge of senior management liability litigation and is well able to manage complex cases in this area. She also has a very good knowledge of the law regarding companies in difficulty and the environment of corporate restructuring.’
‘Anne-Claire Hans, is quite remarkable. She is very lively and intelligent, extremely conscientious, invested and demanding with herself and her teams, so that she never lets anything go. I would recommend her without any hesitation.’
‘Alexandra Szekely thinks outside of the box, she always gives smart strategic advice, she has excellent advocacy skills.’
‘Anne-Claire Hans has a keen instinct for understanding highly technical evidence and marshalling it to her client’s best advantage. She is a skilled, fearless young advocate with a bright future. Jean-Luc Larribau is a wise and seasoned counselor who quickly distills the key dynamics of complex disputes and envisions a path out of the most difficult situations. What I appreciate most about Jean-Luc is that he always provides a menu of options and a recommended course of action with every problem we encounter.’
Key clients
Orange
Exors
ALSO
Infineon AG
Compagnie Européenne de Garanties et Cautions (CEGC)
UPS France
ABC Arbitrage
AEW Ciloger
Axione
Suez Groupe
Patrizia
Monte Paschi Banque
Albioma
Global Wind Power Europe
Work highlights
- Representing Orange before the Paris Commercial Court (Tribunal de commerce de Paris) in proceedings brought on the ground of deceptive commercial practices by the consumer association CLCV regarding 5G cell phone packages.
- Representing a prominent agent in the Middle-East in relation to a claim for payment of outstanding remuneration brought against a worldwide leader in the defence industry.
- Representing the co-founder and minority shareholder of a well-known company specialised in the recycling of plastics in judicial proceedings whereby the client is seeking (and has successfully managed at first instance level) to exclude the two majority shareholders from the company.
LPA-CGR avocats
Practice head(s):
Xavier Clédat; Alexia Eskinazi
Testimonials
‘Very proactive approach. Strategic thinking and a very homogeneous team.’
‘Highly experimented and available, Xavier Clédat makes a difference.’
‘Has at heart to understand and integrate the constraints of its clients to define the right defence strategy.’
‘I work especially with Xavier Clédat whose extreme technical competence, perspective and availability I appreciate.’
‘Very professional team, accessible and available. Very good interpersonal skills.’
‘Alexia Eskinazi is very attentive to the needs and expectations of her clients, and the same is true of her team. They are very available. They’re more responsive than any other team I’ve come across. Issues are understood as a whole, the perspective is global. They know how to lead to negotiation when necessary, in the interest of the client, and at other times, innovate in the defence of the interests of the clients.’
‘Alexia Eskinazi knows her files perfectly. She is very available. She knows how to be very aggressive when necessary in litigation, and to be innovative in defending her client’s interests.’
‘The invoicing is particularly detailed which is very appreciated; the responsiveness of the team is exemplary.’
as a global vision of complex situations allowing it to explore and invest any avenue likely to open to a solution (judicial/transactional) of the dispute.’
Key clients
ERAM NOFEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES NAUTIQUES
FRANPRIX/LEADER PRICE (GROUPE CASINO)
NATIXIS NOSFR
GROUPE PRIMONIAL
McDermott Will & Emery AARPI
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Faguer
Testimonials
‘Good for complex litigation work in France.’
Key clients
Corsica Ferries
Qualium Investissement
Malakoff Humanis
Neocom
Hutchinson
Ausy
Euralis
Colisée
PDGB
Practice head(s):
Xavier Hugon; Philippe Laye
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Marie Gueguen; Bertrand Jardel; Philippe Julien; Marie Albertini
Testimonials
‘Good availability and way to resolve disputes: fast and efficient in negotiation.’
‘Bertrand Jardel is responsive, knowledgeable, provides practical and strategic advice and it is a pleasure to work with him.’
‘Proximity and knowledgeable.’
‘Long relationship of trust; intimate knowledge; good listening and ability to propose solutions.’
Key clients
ADILEMA
ASSOCIATION C’PABON
CRISTAL UNION
ALTRAN
Pinsent Masons LLP
Practice head(s):
Melina Wolman
Testimonials
‘The team, led by Melina Wolman, stands out through its strength of proposal, its excellent client service and excellent support.’
‘Melina Wolman is always very present, available, and has an open ear for any problem. If the problem evoked does not fall within her expertise, she will never fail to find THE right person and will always be present to ensure the right follow-up. She was an excellent support during difficult times for my company and myself.’
Key clients
Mondex Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing Mondex in a major dispute on behalf of the heirs of a Jewish gallerist who was dispossessed of the Modigliani painting Seated Man with a Cane during World War II.
Reed Smith
Practice head(s):
Benoît Charot
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Kadar
Testimonials
‘Responsive team.’
‘Committed and very involved personalities. Daniel Kadar leads the team with flying colours.’
‘Good availability, speed and helpfulness.’
Renault Thominette Vignaud & Reeve
Practice head(s):
Renaud Thominette
Testimonials
‘Renaud Thominette is an excellent lawyer. He listens to his clients. His advice is fair and effective.’
‘Human, humble, professional and efficient.’
‘Good cohesion and complementarity in the team. Willingness to go after things while remaining affordable.’
‘Very high pragmatism and availability; listens to the clients and their needs; very good writing skills; systematically searching for intelligent solutions.’
‘The team is made up of complementary lawyers, all technically competent and applying a pragmatic approach to the matters entrusted to them by their clients. Thanks to this complementarity and efficient approach, this firm is an indisputable asset for all SMEs.’
‘Renaud Thominette does not hesitate to adopt a transactional approach when possible, which is often preferable to litigation.’
‘Skilled and easy contact.’
‘Responsiveness and serious advice.’
Key clients
Plaza Immobilier
Bpifrance Investissement
Lafarge Holcim
Autorité des marches financiers
Sodistour
La Boîte Rose
Vivescia
Cholet Dupont
Australie
Nutimpex
Liouba Stoupakova Wildenstein
Edicourtage
Alstom
EMC2
Yara
Rossi Bordes AARPI
Practice head(s):
Dominique Bordes; Eric Boillot
Key clients
DELOITTE GROUP
MOMA GROUP
NATURAL GRASS
SEZANE
EURONEWS
THE FRENCH NATIONAL OLYMPIC AND SPORT COMMITTEE – COMITÉ NATIONAL OLYMPIQUE ET SPORTIF FRANÇAIS (CNOSF)
IN EXTENSO
MAZARS
Seattle Avocats
Practice head(s):
François Ronget; François de Cambiaire
Key clients
YUKA
MJA LIQUIDATOR/NAOS ACCAMAS
EMMAUS FRANCE
MEDIAN DIGITAL PARTNER
INVESTORS IN BIOCBON
INVESTORS IN NOVACCESS
INVESTORS IN ARISTOPHIL AGAINST CNA INSURANCE
UCB PHARMA
ITF C/ XPO (DUTY OF VIGILANCE)
FONDATION CEMAVIE (CREDIT MUTUEL)
PARTI SOCIALISTE (FEDERATION DE SEINE SAINT DENIS)
RIVINGTON
SEMEC (PALAIS DES FESTIVALS ET DES CONGRES DE CANNES)
62 INVESTORS IN ARISTOPHIL
INVESTORS IN APOLONIA
COMMUNE DE PONTAULT COMBAULT
COMMUNE DE PLAISSAN
ECOLE MIROIRS CITOYENS
COLLECTIVE OF 150 CONSUMERS AGAINST THE ONLINE SHOP PEMIBLANC / ELECTROSIGMA
SHERPA & LES AMIS DE LA TERRE
VENDOME REM
AZEA IMMOREC
PSC
BAALBEK MANAGEMENT
BERANGER
CHATENET
EELV (EUROPE ECOLOGIE LES VERTS)
Work highlights
- Representing UCB Pharma as a defendant in 15 medical liability claims (the ‘Distillbène’ cases).
- Representing Fondation CEMAVIE in a dispute with a construction company and its subcontractor due to several defects in the building of a retirement home.
- Representing 15 French municipalities (including Grenoble, Nanterre, Bayonne), region Centre Val de Loire and 5 NGOs (France Nature Environnement, Notre Affaire à Tous, Sherpa, Les EcoMaires & Zea) challenging the French global oil and gas company Total, for its failure to adequately respond to the climate crisis.
Sharp
Practice head(s):
Romuald Cohana; Léopold Farque
Testimonials
‘Romuald Cohana is always available and very responsive; he shows great availability and efficiency and a flexible fee policy that allows us to intervene in all types of cases, which our clients appreciate.’
Key clients
Alexandre de Paris
Aream Capital
3Disc
Cdiscount (Casino Group)
TLC Marketing
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Practice head(s):
Valentin Autret
Testimonials
‘Valentin Autret shows great reactivity and finesse in his analysis in cross-border cases.’
Key clients
SCOR SE
GEODIS
LVMH SE
BELAMBRA CLUBS
AXIAN GROUP
SILVER LAKE PARTNERS
ILIAD
ONE OF THE LARGEST EUROPEAN BANKS
Work highlights
- Advised SCOR SE on its successful strategy against a €8.3bn unsolicited takeover proposal.
- Represented LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.E. in the litigation relating to its $15.8bn acquisition of Tiffany & Co.
- Advised GEODIS on the disputes that followed its acquisitions of Sernam’s assets.
Soffer Avocats
Practice head(s):
Ron Soffer
Testimonials
‘Ron Soffer offers innovative and highly relevant solutions in terms of litigation strategies and is strongly involved in defending the interests of his clients.’
‘They are very knowledgeable concerning the French legal system, the judges, and the practicalities of French litigation. They also have a good grasp on US legal concepts and practices, which enables them to provide good advice when cases implicate both the French and US legal systems.’
‘Ron Soffer is well versed in US legal concepts and speaks excellent English. Thus, it is easy to talk to him concerning how US precedent might be presented to a French court.’
‘Ron Soffer is a brilliant strategist. He has a great analytic sense and an ability to focus on what really matters in the dispute being fought.’
‘Very focused and responsive litigation specialists.’
‘Ron Soffer is very intelligent, commercial and practical, and goes the extra mile for his clients. He is familiar with both civil and common law systems, and adept at managing multi-jurisdictional cases.’
Key clients
STAS & ASSOCIES
Practice head(s):
Renaud Semerdjian; Christophe Ayela
Key clients
Groupe Alrov
Groupe Soufflet
Groupe Intermarché
Group Belambra
Casino Tranchant
LBO France
JJW france
Groupe Sipromad
Work highlights
- Advised Groupe Alrov Hotel Lutetia on all legal aspects of the renovation of the Hotel Lutetia, including negotiation and litigation issues.
Stephenson Harwood
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Demigneux
Testimonials
‘International firm, direct access to partners; extremely well-trained associates; all members of the firm are immediately available to discuss problems that could arise downstream or upstream of a particular case; ability to clearly identify the problems and focus only on the essentials.’
‘We mainly worked with Nicolas Demigneux and Deborah Attias in Paris. The case involved both strategic and legal thinking and above all an immediate implementation and execution of the means chosen. From our first meeting, the case and the problems that it generated were analysed and identified in a very thorough and efficient manner and a proposal for a solution emerged very quickly. Remarkable intellectual and practical intelligence and exceptional availability.’
‘Good listening and team cohesion.’
‘Rigorous analysis.’
‘The file was handled efficiently in a transversal manner with the cooperation of different teams (tax, litigation and corporate).’
‘Nicolas Demigneux is excellent in substance and form. Great responsiveness and availability.’
Key clients
MAERSK LINE A/S
SAS DEGRÉMONT FRANCE
TRANSASIA COMMODITIES INVESTMENT LTD.
LION AIR AIRLINE CIEL VOYAGE, TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS
BIOCON
OPCO EP
LA HALLE BUYING OFFICE LIMITED
BIOCON
QATAR MUSEUMS AUTHORITY
ATALIAN
RAYONIER ADVANCED MATERIALS
Work highlights
- Representing Maersk Line in a dispute with various companies of the Bolloré Logistics group (China, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Italy, etc.) in connection with a fire on board of the ship Maersk Honam, in the Arabian Sea, causing the death of 5 sailors and the loss of a large part of the cargo of 8,000 containers.
- Representing and advising SAS Degrémont France, the water subsidiary of utility giant SUEZ, in a dispute relating to the construction and renovation of a water treatment plant in the South of France with EIFFAGE.
- Representing Biocon, India’s largest biopharmaceutical company, in a cross-border product liability dispute with AB Science, a French listed company specialising in cancer medications.
Taylor Wessing
Practice head(s):
Paul-Albert Iweins; Philippe Glaser; Benoît Goulesque Monaux; Pierre-Olivier Leblanc; Laure Hüe de la Colombe
Key clients
Lubrizol
Mandarin Productions
Teynier Pic
Practice head(s):
Eric Teynier; Pierre Pic
Other key lawyers:
Raphael Kaminsky; Shaparak Saleh
Testimonials
‘I very much appreciated the listening, the availability, the reactivity and especially the fighting spirit of Shararak Saleh.’
‘I strongly feel that the team looked after my best interests both from risks perspective and cost exposure and provided truthful and honest evaluation on the merits of my case. Additionally, the team explored options outside of their original scope and brief in an effort to bring around a satisfactory conclusion.’
‘Shaparak Saleh was exemplary in her approach, her vision and attention to detail in exploring all aspects of my case went over and above what was expected. In addition, her communication and honest assessment of the merits to my case and potential alternative options for consideration was again outside of her original brief, this ensured full transparency of my risks and cost exposures.’
‘The partners of the firm were very available, showed exemplary professionalism and impeccable legal analysis. We especially appreciated their experience. In terms of legal technique (drafting of the transaction agreement) they brought great legal rigour which was greatly appreciated!’
‘What distinguishes the cabinet is first of all a ‘human’ approach in the sense that they were very attentive, educated in their explanations, and offering a complete vision of the situation and the options available. The impression of opening our eyes to all the possible exits with a mapping of the risks associated with each solution. We were thus warned and each decision could be made with full knowledge of the facts.’
‘Knowledgeable, highly motivated and caring. Billing is very fair compared to the high quality of service received.’
‘Pierre Pic is a quite knowledgeable caring person who takes his client’s case to heart.’
‘The team is flexible and responsive, and takes care to provide pragmatic solutions.’
Key clients
ArcelorMittal
GE Thermodyn/Baker Hughes
Mr. Nizar Dalloul
Maroc Telecom
Mr. Barakat
EOLFI
Groupe Soufflet
Metso Outotek
GE Lighting
Ponsse
Suez
Mr Saleh Tassabehji
Mr Toufic Achkar
Mr Hani Abdelnour
Mr Jassem Misnad
Vj Jindal Cocoa
Mr Paul Wei Sun
Hangzhou SinoTytex
Hangzhou Red Import and Export
UGGC Avocats
Practice head(s):
David Gordon-Krief
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Jacques Uettwiller
Key clients
OCEANIS
COLAS GROUP
M.GOUDARD AND MRS. FILLEY
OCEANIS
COLAS GROUP
M.GOUDARD AND MRS. FILLEY
Villey Girard Grolleaud
Practice head(s):
Daniel Villey
Key clients
SA d’Explosifs et de Produits Chimique (EPC)
Baccarat executives
Cleanaway
Vivien & Associés
Practice head(s):
Emmanuelle Bouretz
Testimonials
‘Professionalism, pugnacity and good understanding and daily support. Emmanuelle Bouretz is available and kind.’
Wilhelm & Associés
Practice head(s):
Pascal Wilhelm
Other key lawyers:
Emilie Dumur
Testimonials
‘Pascal Wilhelm and Emilie Dumur show remarkable availability and responsiveness. They analyse problems quickly and very accurately, and propose clear and solid solutions.’
Key clients
KRIEF (SOPHIASSUR)
BETCLIC
FNAC DARTY
CARREFOUR
CHATEAU ANGELUS
GUIBOR
BUT
NOCIBE
FINANCIERE APSYS
UNIQUE HERITAGE MEDIA
ODAS
ZADIG & VOLTAIRE
WILES VENTURE
MAD ATELIER
Work highlights
- Defending a legal auditor in the case involving the French subsidiaries of the company AGRIPOLE and its parent company FINANCIERE TURENNE LAFAYETTE, a major operator in the alimentary industry.
- Defending Château Angelus against two important Bordeaux wine producers/distributors.
- Representing GUIBOR (an investment fund) in an important shareholder’s dispute.