Boutique firm Actance's large and experienced team is in high demand from the largest French and international companies to assist with their most challenging projects. The firm, whose already impressive client roster of large listed and non-listed companies continues to grow, frequently assists with the implementation of strategic transformation plans and mass redundancies involving several hundreds of workers. The practice also handles strategic collective work in relation to headline M&A transactions and mass litigation. Its caseload includes several sensitive cases, often in relation to mass redundancies and transfer of employees issues. The practice has also been consulted by the government to help draft provisions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and acts in a high-profile dispute concerning claims for the repayment of various indemnities to employees during lockdown. The excellent Emeric Sorel, Pierre-Alexis Dumont and Loïc Touranchet co-head the practice which includes other key partners Lucie Vincens and Laurent Jammet. Nelly Pourtier, Marion Robert and Virginie Audet joined the partnership in early 2021.
Employment in France
Actance
Practice head(s):
Emeric Sorel; Pierre-Alexis Dumont; Loïc Touranchet
Other key lawyers:
Laurent Jammet ; Lucie Vincens
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP‘s practice is a popular choice for strategic matters. The team increasingly advises on internal investigations and handling whistleblowing situations, raised in relation to various issues such as sensitive employment criminal law issues and data protection, notably acting in a number of matters involving alert situations started by high-level executives and CEOs of companies that are clients of the firm. The group’s litigation practice includes several CEO departure, harassment and other high-stakes individual and collective disputes. In corporate matters, the team assists clients with the employment aspects of prominent M&A transactions and advises on reorganisations, recently for example in several large-scale transformation and downsizing projects, including a prominent French company’s highly challenging internal reorganisation. Leading French and international companies and banks are clients. Claire Toumieux and Olivier Picquerey head the team. Susan Ekrami made counsel in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Claire Toumieux
Other key lawyers:
Olivier Picquerey; Susan Ekrami
Testimonials
‘Excellent. Strong responsiveness.’
‘Olivier Picquerey has strong expertise.’
‘Good team.’
‘Claire Toumieux provides quick thinking and is responsive.’
‘We work with partner Olivier Picquerey. I would rate him as outstanding for responsiveness and prioritisation of our business needs. He takes a very commercial approach and thankfully spare us too much French legalese. He is constructive at finding practical solutions to issues and puts to good use an in-depth knowledge of our business.’
‘Olivier Picquerey is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable in the employment law field. Olivier is also commercial and practical in his advice. Regardless of the volume of work that I send across to Olivier, whether it is small ad hoc matters or bigger projects, he is always very responsive, and comes across as calm, collected and unflappable – which is important for an outside counsel.’
‘Absolutely outstanding. Olivier Picquerey in particular has incredible business acumen – he is quick to understand the business and commercial issues – his advice is pragmatic, understanding the issues/complexity of the business and his advice is down-to-earth, commercial and highly effective! Response time is quick and we felt very supported throughout the project.’
‘Olivier Picquerey is outstanding and I would say one of the best lawyers I have ever dealt with. He is commercial, with a high technical knowledge and highly credible, he understands our interests/what is important to us and is a true partner – he was able to anticipate issues and guide us through a complex process, providing us with unceasing support.’
Key clients
Orano
Thales
Engie
Imerys
Brink’s
Caisse des dépôts et consignations (CDC)
NBC Universal
Eurogarage (EG)
Airbus Group DS SLC
Baker Hughes
Primark
NatWest Markets N.V.
Korian
Howden
Work highlights
- Advising on the reorganisation of Orano into three entities with large-scale staff transfers.
- Assisting Dresser Produits Industriels, a Baker Hughes company, with preparing and implementing a downsizing plan.
- Advised Korian on its exclusive negotiations with Antin Infrastructure regarding the acquisition of Inicea.
ADVANT Altana
ADVANT Altana acts in strategic individual and collective employment matters for French, US, Asian and other international leading corporations from a wide range of sectors, including the energy, industry, IT, healthcare, press, media and engineering sectors. The practice handles the full range of issues, including collective negotiations, restructuring, M&A, compliance. It also deals with sensitive individual issues, notably departures of executives and harassment situations, including in litigation. The practice has recently advised key clients on several mass redundancies plans, including handling a high-profile file in the press distribution section. Mickaël d’Allende and Pierre Lubet are in charge.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Great accessibility, easy exchange of written documents, efficient processing of information. Relevant and great knowledge of our unique environment and our liabilities. We particularly appreciate having stable interlocutors over time, with whom it is very possible to create trust and increased knowledge of our files.’
‘Pierre Lubet provides relevant advice and a strategic vision on the subjects that affect our company. He distinguishes himself by taking a position, always respecting our wishes, and above all by having effective tactical approaches.’
Key clients
LE QUOTIDIEN
PROXISERVE
AIRBUS
BASF
BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION
EUROPE 1 – LAGARDERE
BNI
MOULIN ROUGE
TUI
PFIZER
COOPERATIVE DES QUOTIDIENS (CDQ)
FEDERATION DU CRISTAL ET DU VERRE
Work highlights
- Representing a leader in housing services in France in a litigation with trade unions challenging the validity of a company agreement on representativeness issues.
- Assisting a French regional daily newspaper from the island of La Réunion with a mass layoff plan in the context of the restructuring of a press group.
- Advising entertainment companies on the revision of all the collective agreements of the companies belonging to a group specialising in the entertainment sector.
Ashurst LLP
Practice head(s):
Muriel Pariente
Testimonials
‘The team, led by Muriel Pariente, shows a combination of very strong technical skills and very good judgement. They reassure clients and show the direction to take.’
‘Muriel Pariente is an outstanding lawyer and does not shy away from taking a stand.’
August Debouzy
August Debouzy is home to one of France’s most prestigious practices. The high-profile team, led by superstar Emmanuelle Barbara, acts for a stellar client list that includes many of France’s leading companies and numerous international groups. The practice is very experienced in advising on large-scale and particularly challenging restructuring projects, an expertise recently in high demand in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, especially in the hospitality and industrial sectors. The team is able to cover the full range of individual and collective employment issues, both in an advisory function and in litigation. Highly sensitive matters, such as harassment allegations, are another area of strength. Fabienne Haas, Marie-Hélène Bensadoun, Virginie Devos, Eric Manca, Catherine Le Manchec and Anaïs Qureshi are all top experts. Counsels Diane Reboursier, Sonia Moreau and Laure Hosni are provide key support. The compensation and benefits practice, which focuses on advising on profits sharing, company pensions and tax audits for CAC 40 companies, banks, major French and international industrial groups and insurance companies, is primarily run by counsel Isabelle Hadoux-Vallier and senior associate Boris Léone-Robin.
Practice head(s):
Emmanuelle Barbara
Other key lawyers:
Fabienne Haas; Marie-Hélène Bensadoun; Virginie Devos; Eric Manca; Catherine Le Manchec; Anaïs Qureshi
Key clients
FOOTPRINT CONSULTANTS
FREMANTLEMEDIA FRANCE
Work highlights
- Assisting TUI France in connection with the reorganisation of its business model involving over 500 job cuts, as part of an approved collective dismissal plan.
Avanty Avocats
Avanty Avocats is a boutique specializing in the field of compensation and benefits . The firm assists a leading clientele, including many CAC 40 groups, as well as insurers. It helps them to set up and reshuffle companies’ pension and employee savings plans. The range of expertise also covers executives’ compensation issues, as well as litigation. Frank Wismer, Jean de Calbiac and Nelly Jean-Marie co-lead the practice.
Practice head(s):
Frank Wismer; Jean de Calbiac; Nelly Jean-Marie
Testimonials
‘The team provides extremely sharp expertise. We trust them to find innovative solutions.’
‘Nelly Jean-Marie provides reassuring support; she combines undeniable technical mastery and innovative ideas with a very pragmatic approach. Very technically sharp, she is very popular with our operational staff.’
‘In-depth knowledge of issues relating to executive management. Jean de Calbiac demonstrates finesse and provides a solution-oriented approach.’
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is retained by many multinationals, including leading pharmaceutical, IT and industrial companies. The large French team often acts in global or pan-European projects, such as M&A deals, involving the firm's many offices abroad. Recently, the French practice was in demand for several reorganisation and mass redundancy projects involving some hundred employees, especially in the healthcare sector. Strategic individual work such as executives’ departures are also part of the group's portfolio of expertise. Olivier Vasset, Denise Broussal and Gilles Jolivet co-manage the practice which also includes Jérémie Paubel and Nadège Dallais.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Vasset; Gilles Jolivet; Denise Broussal
Other key lawyers:
Jérémie Paubel; Nadège Dallais
Key clients
ACCOR
Cartonplast
Computer Task Group
Crédit Agricole
KKR
SAP
Schülke & Mayr GmbH (Air Liquide)
Servier
Stryker
Symphony Technology Group
Work highlights
- Advising SAP on the French aspects of the sale of the communication unit SAP Digital Interconnect (‘SDI’) to Sinch AB.
- Advising Symphony Technology Group on the French employment aspects of the acquisition of RSA, a Dell company specialised in cybersecurity.
BCTG Avocats
BCTG
Practice head(s):
Sabine de Paillerets
Testimonials
‘Absolute confidentiality. Availability. Speed of execution.’
‘Sabine de Paillerets knew how to perfectly integrate the time and dynamics specific to the matter into her strategy.’
‘Sabine de Paillerets has extensive knowledge of her clients’ activities and thus perfectly anticipates their constraints and their strategic implications. The gain in efficiency is particularly remarkable. She is also particularly available.’
Key clients
NIKE
RITUALS COSMETICS FRANCE
ATALIAN
Work highlights
- Advising Nike France on the implementation and negotiation of a redundancy plan involving nearly 160 people.
- Representing GSF AERO in a dispute with ACNA (SERVAIR group) concerning the termination of a service contract which led to the transfer of employees (83 persons).
- Representing MPH group in a dispute with its ex-CEO and other ex-employees (six people) in the context of various proceedings initiated on the basis of unfair competition.
Bersay
Practice head(s):
Nathalie Cerqueira; Anne-Lise Puget
Testimonials
‘The team is a pleasure to work with. There is good strength and depth. They provide commercially-focused advice and communicate this very effectively.’
‘Anne-Lise Puget and Nathalie Cerqueira are both excellent lawyers and very commercially-minded. The deliver great service, are very responsive and both are a real pleasure to work with. My go-to firm in France.’
‘We had a very positive experience working with the partner, Anne-Lise Puget. She guided us through the complex field of French labour law professionally.’
‘Anne-Lise Puget is very to the point, extremely responsive and with a good knowledge of the company and its challenges. Her advice is tailored and consistent with our social policy.’
‘Multidisciplinary and complementary team. They know how to work together with excellent coordination. Always available. Sense of service, to offer additional advice. Keeps to its deadlines. Very pleasant in the relationship.’
‘The size of the firm is a huge plus: it is not too big, but big enough to cover all the areas of law that we need, with sufficient sizes to absorb technical files. Anne-Lise Puget is very accessible: I can call her on her cell phone and she will always answer the question immediately. If it’s more technical, she comes back quickly with an analysis. She always fights for her clients and she is a good litigator. Nathalie Cerqueira shows a willingness to fight for her clients.’
‘Excellent team, positive, responsive and pragmatic. Nathalie Cerqueira is available, proactive, pragmatic. It is very pleasant to work with her.’
‘Outstanding tenacity!’
Key clients
ANGEL FRANCE
LinkBynet
ANTARES VISION GROUP
Work highlights
- Assisting ANGEL, specialised in the production of casino chip, in the context of the reorganisation of its French subsidiary located near Beaune (Cote d’Or), for the elaboration and implementation of a PSE involving the loss of 80 out of 100 jobs.
- Assisting LinkByNet group with the sale of LinkByNet to Accenture, including notably the management of the Works Council’s (CSE) information/consultation procedure, the creation of a managing package for all key employees and the restructuring of their employment contracts.
- Assisting Italian company Antares Vision SPA with the acquisition of a company providing software solutions.
BG2V
Practice head(s):
Guillaume de Saint Sernin; Marie Content
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are extremely responsive, attentive to client issues and constantly seeking to provide them with the best solution. The cases are handled with great rigour and with real added value.’
‘Marie Content is available, attentive and always provides good advice. She quickly understands the context, the culture of the company and how it works.’
“Availability, precision and thoroughness in the work provided.’
‘Pragmatic legal advice adapted and a very good understanding of the implications of each decision. Good understanding of our business, our context and our sector.’
‘Marie Content: brilliant, fast, pragmatic, professional and impactful. Guillaume de Saint-Sernin: clear, precise and providing fine analyses. Both brilliant and humble and attentive to their clients.’
‘The firm stands out from other firms by its expertise and responsiveness, its proximity to the concerns of its clients as well as the cohesion of the team.’
‘Legal analysis always extremely precise and pragmatic. Responses provided on time, even to short deadlines.’
‘Team showing great availability, notably in case of urgent need.’
Key clients
APP ANNIE
ARTE
AUCHAN
AUTOGRILL
AVNET
BIOCOOP
BP AURA
BRIDGESTONE
CRIT
DROUOT
DRT
ELIOR
ERICSSON BROADCAT SERVICES FRANCE
FABERNOVEL
FESAC
FRANCE LOISIRS
FRANCE TELEVISIONS
FREUDENBERG FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES
IN’LI
INTERPUBLIC GROUP
IVC EVIDENSIA
SMSP
SOTHEBY’S
Bredin Prat
Bredin Prat's highly experienced team is among the strongest in the market. In line with the firm’s thriving M&A practice, the employment team frequently acts in employment matters linked to the firm’s corporate transactions, often ranking among the largest in France and involving publicly listed companies. On a stand-alone basis, the team assists clients with complex collective negotiations and reorganisation projects. It is also solicited for the management of sensitive individual employment matters involving high-ranking executives. High-stakes litigation involving numerous employees is another area of strength, with a dispute arisen from the alleged non-respect of commitments made before the French state in the context of a high-profile M&A transaction a recent example. The group's role as advisor of a leading digital platform concerning business-critical employment status requalification proceedings provided further proof of its excellent reputation. Practice head Pascale Lagesse
, Cyril Gaillard and Laëtitia Tombarello make up a strong trio.
Practice head(s):
Pascale Lagesse
Other key lawyers:
Cyril Gaillard; Laetitia Tombarello
Testimonials
‘Availability and skills.’
‘Precision, good synthesis and clarity of the analysis.’
‘Recommendations combining legal and operational efficiency with proposed solutions.’
‘Very fast integration of business issues.’
‘The firm knows how to have a 360° vision of the subjects that concern us. Very good communication between the different teams when the subjects transcend several fields. The team is very responsive, relevant and combative, beyond being very technical on all aspects.’
‘Ultra-responsive; business-oriented, results-oriented. Synthetic and concise with ultra-pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Aviva
Cegid
China Jianyin Investment (JIC)
Crédit Mutuel
ENGIE
IAD International
INEOS
Ingenico
Keolis
Nexity
Ramsay Santé
Saint-Gobain
Stellantis
Uber
Vale
Work highlights
- Advised the Vale group in connection with the employment law aspects of the sale by Vale Canada Limited, a Vale subsidiary, of its stake in Vale New Caledonia (VNC).
- Advising Aviva in the context of the employment law aspects of the ongoing sale of Aviva France for €3.2bn to French insurer Aéma Groupe.
- Advising SNCF on the employment aspects of the ongoing sale of its subsidiary Ermewa to a consortium comprising CDPQ and DWS Group.
brL Avocats
Employment law boutique brL Avocats offers a solid team and regional offices (Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Nantes, Vannes) in addition to its main Paris base. The team is able to provide the full range of expertise, regularly assisting clients with collective negotiations, downsizing and site closure projects and with managing crisis situations such as strikes or other Covid-19-related issues. The team is also well versed in managing sensitive individual files dealing with the death of employees. Social security and remuneration issues are also dealt with. The diverse client base includes several large companies as well as smaller ones, with the healthcare, food, electronics, energy and posting services among the varied caseload. Nicolas Czernichow is the head of the practice. The other key partners are Jean d’Aleman, Thomas Godey, Thomas Humbert, Véronique Martin-Bozzi, Saïd Sadaoui, Henri Guyot and Hugo-Bernard Pouillaude, who has strong expertise in the public sector. Suzanne Gal and Camille Bres made partner in 2021. Associate Bastien Nicolini heads the firm’s compensation and benefits practice.
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Czernichow
Other key lawyers:
Jean d’Aleman; Thomas Godey; Thomas Humbert; Véronique Martin-Bozzi; Saïd Sadaoui; Henri Guyot; Hugo-Bernard Pouillaude; Suzanne Gal; Camille Brès; Bastien Nicolini
Testimonials
‘A team of experts who have supported us for many years. They are pragmatic, available, and responsive.’
‘Pragmatism, reactivity, availability and a real knowledge of our company which allows great efficiency.’
‘Very practical and adapted advice spanning written consultations and innovative solutions.’
‘Suzanne Gal knows our industry sector well. She offers a brilliant legal approach and knows how to adapt to our company.’
‘The team and Thomas Humbert in particular are able to understand and take concrete measures, weighing legal risks for our business.’
‘Thomas Humbert is flexible, has a very concrete approach, and is attentive to clients.’
‘The collaboration is fluid and efficient, there is a close relationship which allows to have visibility on current subjects and great follow-up.’
‘The lawyers are friendly, dynamic and offer quality support.’
Key clients
Vinci (various subsidiaries)
Groupe FNAC
Conforama
Groupe Accor
Lorca Group
General Mills and Yoplait
Cerba Healthcare / Cerballiance Group
Signify
AGCS (Allianz Group Corporate Specialty)
Kuehne Nagel
Nestlé France
OGF
Crédit Agricole Immobilier
Aperam
Lacoste
Calzedonia France
Danone SA
Danone Waters
SAEME Volvic
Zadig & Voltaire
DS SMITH Packaging
Lagardère Travel Retail
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Practice head(s):
Claire Fougea; Marion Brière Ségala
Testimonials
‘Close-knit, responsive and available team.’
‘Claire Fougea and Marion Brière demonstrate precision and are very reliable in addition to providing pragmatic legal support. They take into account the context and environment of their client. Their availability and the quality of their work is extremely valuable and reassuring.’
‘A real partnership has been built, a particularly fluid and committed collaboration. The quality, the capacity for anticipation and the transparency of the team are at the heart of a collaboration which is characterised by objectives always achieved.’
‘Deep knowledge of the business. Extreme reactivity. Ability to offer options. High-quality human relations.’
Key clients
Nestlé Group
Clarins
Maitena Biraben
Capstan Avocats, member of Ius Laboris
Capstan Avocats, member of Ius Laboris ranks among France’s elite employment law boutiques. The firm impresses with its very deep bench across its eleven offices (the heart of the practice is located in Paris) and is a founding member of the ius laboris network, which provides it with an extensive international reach. The firm is able to offer the full range of expertise, from individual to collective files, from day-to-day advice to the most challenging projects, including remuneration and social security issues. In addition to regularly assisting with large restructuring projects and collective litigation, the team also frequently advises on the labour law aspects of high-profile M&A transactions and related reorganisations, including transactions involving publicly listed companies. Its stellar client base includes many of France’s and the world’s largest corporations. Pascal Lagoutte heads the firm, which also includes the highly regarded Jean-Michel Mir, Bruno Serizay, Guillaume Bordier and Arnaud Teissier. Mathilde Joyes in Montpellier and Alexandre Duprey in Paris made partner in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Pascal Lagoutte
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Michel Mir; Bruno Serizay; Guillaume Bordier; Arnaud Teissier; Mathilde Joyes; Alexandre Duprey
Testimonials
‘The team of Jean-Michel Mir provides a unique service because it combines a perfect knowledge of the different aspects of labour law with a great experience in the field, including the most sensitive situations within a company.’
‘Jean-Michel Mir puts his expertise at the service of his clients with great professionalism and tailored, precise and effective advice. He is also of invaluable help in the analysis of strategic and complex situations and knows how to adapt his advice to the sometimes different requirements of his interlocutors (company, shareholders, etc.). In the implementation of files he is relevant and reliable. He is also a very easy person to interact with. Agathe Denis is a great professional and is particularly reliable in the follow-up of cases. She knows how to modulate her intervention according to the needs of the clients, from a complete assistance to a follow-up and a more targeted coaching.’
‘A team of responsive lawyers, whose profiles are adapted to the questions asked. Competent both on questions of legal principles or pure legal issues, as well as on operational advice.’
‘Quality of the team as a whole. Excellence in file monitoring and knowledge of our company and its issues.’
‘Arnaud Teissier and his team are great professionals, attentive to and supporting our issues.’
Charles Russell Speechlys
Practice head(s):
Kim Campion
Testimonials
‘Responsiveness, pragmatism and above all operational advice and very good follow-up.’
‘Kim Campion shows availability and responsiveness and great technical knowledge.’
‘Homogeneous, efficient and pragmatic team. It is easy to work with them. They are perfectly bilingual and able to advise foreign clients who do not know about the French system.’
‘Solution-driven with strong recommendations also in complex situations.’
‘The team is very proactive and feedback is provided immediately, without delay.’
‘Kim Campion combines unique skills in both French and UK law.’
‘The team around Kim Campion provides comprehensive advice which is on point and also considers economical aspects.’
‘Kim Campion is most responsive and treats every client as if it was the most important one.’
Key clients
Abbott
Alvarium
Berner
Brown Rudnick
CSGi
Fircosoft
Foley Hoag
Globalfoundries
Molex
Natra
Oxford Instruments
Pearson
Positronic
Relx UK Ltd
Securitas
Shaw Industries
Sogecap (Groupe Société Générale)
Sony
Tepe
Trek Bikes
The Continuity Company (TCC)
Westrock
Work highlights
- Advised Sogecap in a collective litigation case brought by the works council and backed by the trade unions in front of the Court of Versailles.
- Advised Trek Bikes in the context of a European reorganisation triggering a closure of the French headquarters, transition to homeworking arrangements along with several modifications of employment contracts and proposed relocations to Spain.
- Advised Globalfoundries on a social plan triggering the complete closure of its French facility and redundancy of its entire staff.
Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA)
Employment law boutique Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) impresses with the size of the team involved; its offices in France (Paris, Lyon and Sophia-Antipolis) as well as in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia; and its ability to advise on the full range of employment law and social security matters. The practice is frequently retained to assist with the implementation of challenging projects, such as large-scale restructurings, plant closures or the implementation of new collective agreements on a wide scale. The management of labour law issues linked to insolvency proceedings is another area of strength. The practice is also a strong name for large M&A and private equity deals and is well versed in employment and benefits matters. Recently, the team assisted its key client Carrefour with the implementation of Covid-19 sanitary passes for all its employees across its various shopping centers, and acted on a strategic carve-out project in the energy sector. The firm’s prestigious client base includes leading French and international companies, French blue chip companies from the retail and energy sectors among them. Philippe Chassany, Jérôme Watrelot and Elisabeth Graujeman co-head the practice which also includes key members Sébastien Poncet, Hélène Guillot, Virgile Zeimet, who made partner in 2021, and Abdelkader Hamida, who joined in May 21 from Vaughan Avocats. In 2021 the firm was acquired by audit firm Implid and Juliette Pouyet, Julien Boucaud-Maître and of counsel Anne de Gabory left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Sébastien Poncet; Hélène Guillot; Virgile Zeimet; Abdelkader Hamida
Key clients
PAI partners
Carrefour
Crouzet
Shiseido Group EMEA
Worlwide Flight Services (WFS)
Amrest (KFC, Pizza Hut)
Ugitech
Maersk
Penelope
Fibre Excellence Tarascon
Groupe Labeyrie
WKF
Kaufman & Broad
La Croix Rouge Française
H&M
Transdev Group
Work highlights
- Advised PAI PARTNERS on the acquisition of the Tropicana brand ($3.3bn) from PepsiCo.
- Advised CARREFOUR GROUP on all its human resources issues related to the implementation of the French health pass (Passe sanitaire) in Carrefour stores.
- Advised WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES (WFS) GROUP on its insolvency and restructuring proceedings launched as a consequence of the Covid-19 crisis.
Clifford Chance
Practice head(s):
François Farmine
Testimonials
‘We benefited from a team demonstrating technical excellence, great pragmatism, speed of execution and significant qualities of empathy allowing them to understand their clients’ issues as closely as possible. Maître Farmine and his team, by combining these qualities, brought us innovative legal solutions, supported by solid legal arguments, and they supported us in all phases of execution including negotiations.’
‘I mainly worked with François Farmine, who demonstrated great listening skills, analysis, understanding of his clients’ needs, mastery of negotiation techniques, and litigation defense. His assistance is unique because it fits perfectly to the needs of his clients, even going so far as to anticipate their requests. Maître Farmine does not see his clients as an external lawyer, but as a full member of the team.’
‘Very strong responsiveness of the team: immediate consideration of questions and requests. An answer that is always precise and appropriate.’
‘I very much appreciate working with François Farmine, for his consideration of situations, especially with regard to complex cases, his ability to provide innovative answers and his very strong personal involvement.’
‘Excellent professional support.’
‘Outstanding and deeply knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Kidiliz Group
Amazon France Logistique
Wanzl
Von Roll
PayPal
Schaeffler
Hanon Systems Charleville
Visteon Corporation
Trèves
Pfizer
Allia (Geberit)
Visteon Electronics France
Beckman Coulter France
Fujifilm France
Unilever Group
CMS
CMS has impressive resources thanks to a dedicated French team, mainly based in Paris, with a small presence in Lyon, and the firm’s extensive European platform. The practice provides full-service employment and social security law expertise and comes highly recommended for strategic projects led in France or spanning different European countries. The team handles a high volume of complex collective agreement negotiations and large-scale restructuring matters, intra-mergers, internal transfers of employees as well as mass redundancies and plant closures. The team is also well versed in advising on the employment law aspects of M&A transactions, both for listed and non-listed companies. Mass litigation is another field of proven expertise. Leading French and international, private and public companies, turn to the firm for employment law advice. The very experienced Laurent Marquet de Vasselot, Alain Herrmann, Pierre Bonneau
, Nicolas de Sevin
, Caroline Froger-Michon and Guillaume Bossy are the key contacts.
Other key lawyers:
Laurent Marquet de Vasselot; Alain Herrmann; Pierre Bonneau; Nicolas de Sevin; Caroline Froger-Michon; Guillaume Bossy
Testimonials
‘Great availability and proximity; high-level legal knowledge; strategic vision; rigorous team and deadlines always respected.’
‘Very pragmatic and relevant advice and solutions; great results.’
‘The team acts with great professionalism and is responsive in the treatment of matters, both on an advisory basis and in litigation.’
‘High-quality listening skills and permanent search for a suitable solution according to the concerns expressed by the client.’
‘Recognised expertise, extraordinary sense of service and commitment, great availability. A high-level network capable of mobilising additional expertise.’
‘Responsive; accessible; available and professional.’
‘Search for suitable solutions and practical approach.’
‘Responsiveness, availability and ease of exchanges are a real plus.’
‘There is always someone to support us at all times on any subject. High-quality and relevant advice.’
‘The strength of this team is to remain always mobilised and available.’
‘Pierre Bonneau always demonstrates great professionalism in a very pragmatic and business-oriented state of mind. His responsiveness is exceptional and his advice is appreciated and sought after not only by HR, but by managers.’
‘A team of experts and very available.’
‘I am impressed by the thoroughness with which they prepare cases, but also by the level of detail of the answers to individual questions.’
‘They quickly learn the details of a case, and not only give good legal advice, but also assess possible business impacts. This enables me to make the right decision. Finally, I find that they always respond proactively and quickly.’
Key clients
Capgemini
Nordex
Britvic
Volkswagen
Chambre Nationale des Commissaires de Justice
Prisma Media
Royal Unibrew
Coblence Avocats
Practice head(s):
Catherine Davico-Hoarau; Chantal Giraud-van Gaver; Laurent Guardelli; Myrtille Lapuelle; Martine Riou
Key clients
Orange
Kaufman & Broad
Exane
Fast Retailing France (Uniqlo)
Capza
France Pelagique
Isla Delice
Allianz
Bridgestone
DXC Technologies
DTZ investors
Enterprises services France
Cushman & Wakefield
Radio France
George V
Orange
Kaufman & Broad
Exane
Fast Retailing France (Uniqlo)
Capza
France Pelagique
Isla Delice
Allianz
Bridgestone
DXC Technologies
DTZ investors
Enterprises services France
Cushman & Wakefield
Radio France
George V
Work highlights
- Advising Orange on the transfer of employees following the creation of a subsidiary owned 50% by Orange and 50% by an investor.
- Advising a food industry company on the acquisition of a plant.
- Advising Cushman & Wakefield on the negotiation and implementation of a collective mutual consent termination plan.
Cohen & Gresser LLP
Practice head(s):
Angéline Duffour
Other key lawyers:
Anna Milleret-Godet
Testimonials
‘The practice is of excellent quality. It has an extensive technical track record, and is able to support French and foreign clients on all types of labour law issues.’
‘Angéline Duffour is an extremely meticulous lawyer who is attentive to defending the interests of her clients. She combines a very good technical capacity with a sense of listening to clients and a real combativeness in the files.’
‘Solid transactional practice. Angéline’s team also does a lot of litigation, which allows it to anticipate points during negotiations.’
‘Angéline Duffour’s team is excellent, very available and responsive. It adapts very well to the specifics of the case and the clients and is able to quickly detect the relevant points.’
‘Excellent level of service, high level of legal expertise in combination with a very pragmatical approach.’
‘Angéline Duffour is an excellent employment law specialist with a high degree of reliability combined with short response time and a great understanding of other business and legal cultures. Always a pleasant colleague in personal interactions.’
‘The expertise is excellent, the contact easy, direct. Total responsiveness. The fees always measured and fair.’
‘Angéline Duffour: always available; expert; responsive; discrete; very good negotiator.’
Daher Avocats
Practice head(s):
Hélène Daher
Other key lawyers:
Louise Thiébaut; Alexandre Orts
Testimonials
‘The team has a pragmatic and client-oriented approach. The advice given is not only theoretical and takes into account the specificity of each situation and the risk appetite of the client. Everyone’s experience allows them to provide very valuable practical advice. Hélène Daher is accessible, pragmatic and remarkably responsive. She always offers business-oriented solutions taking into account operational constraints. Her team reflects this.’
‘Strategic and pragmatic team, offering great availability and responsiveness.’
Key clients
Aermont Capital
Bereal
Bellman
Claranova
Corebiogenesis
DFM Logistics
Galimmo
RBLEIN Group
ALD Automotive
ALK
Covage Networks
Kantar
Klépierre
Poltrona Frau Group
San Régis Hotel
Steamone
TEADS
Volta Medical
Wakam (La Parisienne Assurances)
Zenly
Work highlights
- Advises Kantar on all its high value-added employment-related matters.
- Advised Klépierre on all its employment-related matters.
- Advises ALD Automotive on all its high value-added employment-related matters.
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei acts for many of France’s leading industrial and engineering companies whom the practice notably assists with challenging transformation and downsizing projects. The team is often called upon to handle strategic collective and individual files by clients, with several collective downsizing projects, notably in the hospitality sector, as recent stand-out matters. The team also frequently joins forces with the firm’s leading insolvency practice and the M&A department. Practice head Philippe Rozec , counsels Elise Bénéat and Isabelle Dauzet are the key contacts. Louise Thiébaut left the firm in autumn 2021.
Practice head(s):
Philippe Rozec
Other key lawyers:
Elise Bénéat; Isabelle Dauzet
Testimonials
‘Good expertise, responsiveness and availability.’
Work highlights
- Advising a number of historical clients, including Vinci Group, and the private equity portfolio of UI-Gestion on the management of all employment aspects linked to the Covid-19 sanitary crisis.
- Advising TOTAL on industrial transformation projects.
- Advising VINCI Construction on the reorganisation of one of its subsidiaries, with the negotiation and the implementation of four job-saving plans.
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP is particularly popular with US and UK companies whom the team regularly assists with M&A-related work and sensitive individual and collective files. The practice also regularly advises clients from the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. It is recommended for its know-how in managing sensitive individual files involving the top management, including matters involving accusations of harassment, insider trading or disclosure of confidential information. The employment team is also particularly savvy in data privacy issues. Lately, the team has advised on a number of restructuring and M&A matters. Practice head Philippe Thomas and Thibault Meiers are recommended. Senior associate Sophie Montagne also deserves a mention.
Practice head(s):
Philippe Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Thibault Meiers
Testimonials
‘Extremely responsive and commercial, the team understands the challenges of a global business operating in France and provided practical, commercial advice. The team feels like an extension of our in-house team.’
‘Philippe Thomas is calm, confident and commercial. He is super helpful and understands our business. He is a pleasure to work with. Maelle Chause is responsive and helpful and commercial.’
‘Excellence in legal analysis combined with pragmatism and availability. A faultless practice.’
‘Philippe Thomas and his team manage to combine quality, availability and responsiveness in an exceptional way. The analyses are both pragmatic and sophisticated. Communication on files is excellent and greatly facilitates the work.’
‘Excellent employment law team (employer side) led by Philippe Thomas.’
‘Philippe Thomas is a very ‘hands-on’ first-class lawyer, with an appreciable commercial approach.’
Key clients
Bénéteau
BNY Mellon
Branded
Certares
Hysetco
Invoke
Pimco
Société Générale
Bénéteau
BNY Mellon
Branded
Certares
Hysetco
Invoke
Pimco
Société Générale
Work highlights
- Advised Crown Holdings on the sale of its European tinplate business to an affiliate of KPS Capital Partners.
- Advised Benta Pharma, a Lebanese family-owned pharmaceutical group, on employment law in connection with its takeover of Famar Lyon, in bankruptcy.
- Advised HysetCo, a pioneer in hydrogen energy which owns the world’s largest fleet of hydrogen taxis operated by Hype, in connection with the acquisition of Slota Group.
Deloitte Société d’Avocats
Deloitte Société d’Avocats has a well-established practice, based mostly in Paris, but with solid recent implementations in Montpellier and Toulouse, both opened in 2020. Being a member of a Big Four audit firm, the employment practice has high-level expertise and a strong activity advising on M&A and private equity-related employment law due diligence work. The team also intervenes in restructuring projects and assists with collective negotiations, including handling cross-border work, with recent work including several large-scale projects in the aviation sector. The firm also masters URSSAF audit preparation and social security matters as well as the employment aspects of international mobility. The client base includes SMEs, CAC 40 and other leading international companies and investment funds. The team is led by Véronique Child and includes key members Abelmalik Douaoui and Eric Guillemet.
Practice head(s):
Véronique Child
Other key lawyers:
Abdelmalik Douaoui; Eric Guillemet
Testimonials
‘The team remains close to operational realities and has very good knowledge of the environment beyond the simple legal treatment of a question.’
Key clients
Infravia Capital Partners
EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD PRIVATE EQUITY
SANDAYA
My Money Bank
Work highlights
- Assisting with labour law due diligence work in relation to the Grandir Group.
- Assisted IKO with their acquisition of Axter, a subsidiary of SMA.
- Assisting EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD PRIVATE EQUITY with labour law diligence work on Ticket for the Moon.
Delsol Avocats
Practice head(s):
Delphine Bretagnolle; Elsa Lederlin; Philippe Pacotte; Camille Rousset
Testimonials
‘Good understanding of client issues. Strong commitment and reasoned legal position and in empathy with the manager of the company. Strong competence on the merits. Responsiveness.’
‘Commitment, humility and professionalism are qualities of the members of the firm.’
‘Commitment, seeks to understand the expectations of the client.’
‘Efficient. Clear. Pragmatic.’
‘We have a frank, open and participatory dialogue at all levels, in fact nothing is ever left to chance even with regard to invoicing. Special.’
‘The team is outstanding and fabulous, highly dynamic.’
‘A very attentive, responsive team, which provides close support on difficult cases likely to lead to a dispute, with relevant advice to play down when necessary, be firm when you can afford it , let you take a breather when feelings take precedence over reason, preserve the future.’
‘Camille Rousset has many talents which go beyond those of the law. Her sensitivity to the psychological and human aspects helps to set the record straight when working relationships or breach of contract harden too much. Her advice and availability are invaluable.’
Key clients
Bage
Caisse des dépôts et consignations
EDH
Frénéhard & Michaux
New MT/King Jouet
NoOrange
NoRossignol
SIRAP
Work highlights
- Advised New MT on the takeover of Maxi Toys in the context of its insolvency proceedings.
- Studied and analysed Orange’s employees’ remuneration sharing schemes and advised Orange on the setting-up of an employers’ alliance.
Dentons
Dentons‘ sizeable team is particularly active for leading companies in the hotel, healthcare, luxury goods and banking sectors, but the overall client base also features companies from a broad range of other industries. The team handles complex issues, such as assisting with the management of strikes, site closure and covid-19 related situations. It regularly appears before courts, notably managing several mass litigation proceedings connected with M&A transactions and bankruptcy situations. The employment aspects of M&A transactions are also handled in an advisory role, as is the management of sensitive individual files. The Paris practice is co-headed by Julie Caussade, Frédérique Meslay Caloni and Katell Déniel-Allioux who is also in charge of the firm’s global employment law practice. Of counsel Nathaly Blin is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Katell Déniel-Allioux; Julie Caussade; Frédérique Meslay-Caloni
Testimonials
‘Frédérique Meslay-Caloni is a very good labour law lawyer, pragmatic and empathetic in the management of complex cases, particularly concerning senior executives.’
‘The team I work with is very familiar with our industry and the particularities of our company. They are also creative experts who support us in certain decision-making processes while limiting our risks.’
‘I consider the team we work with as real partners. Frédérique Meslay-Caloni and the associates are available, quick and we have succeeded in establishing a relationship based on sincerity and trust.’
‘The team is very available. The advice is precise and effective.’
Key clients
Cerdia
Hotel Plaza Athénée
Lundbeck
Opel Bank
Work highlights
- Advising Cerdia on its acquisition/restructuration, which included assisting them with the closure of an activity in South of France.
- Representing the hotels Plaza Athénée, Westin, Méridien, Prince de Galles and Sheraton on a collective, complex and technical litigation initiated by a professional body in charge of collecting the contributions for the financing of the professional training program.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper's experienced team regularly assists clients with their reorganisation projects. The team's outstanding experience in the aerospace sector earned it instructions for significant collective downsizing and plant closure projects from key players in the field, including a major low-cost airline, which were particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the team also recently advised on plant closure and reconversion projects in other industrial sectors. Finally, the practice must also be acknowledged for its strong litigation expertise, as well as for its ability to deal with a broad array of collective and individual files. Practice head Philippe Danesi and Bijan Eghbal are particularly recommended. Senior counsel Marine Gicquel and Jérôme Halphen are the other key members.
Practice head(s):
Philippe Danesi
Other key lawyers:
Bijan Eghbal; Marine Gicquel; Jérôme Halphen
Key clients
Adobe
Arconic
Associated Press
AXA Technology services
CareFusion
Catalent
Citibank
EasyJet
Fichet
Four Seasons – Georges V (Paris)
IHG
Levi-Strauss
Lime
London Stock Exchange
Microchip
MoneyGram
OpenGate Capital
RATP Dev
SThree
TMD Friction
Varian Medical Systems
FACTORHY
At employment law boutique FACTORHY clients find some of France’s most respected names in the profession in Grégory Chastagnol, Benjamin Desaint and Leslie Nicolai. The firm acts for a prominent client base and is recommended for high-profile work.
Other key lawyers:
Grégory Chastagnol; Benjamin Desaint; Leslie Nicolaï
FIDAL
Practice head(s):
Stéphane Beal
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Ferté; Antoine Jouhet; Anne Imbert
Testimonials
‘The team is proactive and above all, the team adapts to its audience.’
‘Our lawyers are available, responsive and proactive. When we receive a response it is complete and accurate. The female lawyers are remarkable.’
‘Lawyers responsive to client requests. Strong ability to adapt to the environment. Do not hesitate to seek the legal skills of another service in order to give a global vision of the issues, possibilities of action and risks to the client.’
‘Adapt to the client and its level. Very concrete advice (does not just give the rule of law). Always available. Simple and concise explanation. Very pedagogical.’
‘Very responsive team, readily and quickly available. Efficiency and clarity in the responses provided.’
‘Pleasant and attentive interlocutors, who adapt to their interlocutors.’
‘High level of service. Stay always close to client needs. Put appropriate ressources to fix issues when needed.’
‘Caroline Ferté is a high-level professional; not staying within defined boundaries, but always searching for side roads and solutions. Very easy to talk with and anticipate issues.’
Key clients
Hologic
Laboratoire
Expanscience
Openclassrooms
SNCF Réseau
STOW
Work highlights
- Represented SNCF Réseau (SNCF networks) before the labour court regarding allegations of psychological harassment.
- Advising a company on various labour law issues related to the raising of equity.
FTMS Avocats
FTMS Avocats assists a prominent client base, including brand names in the retail, luxury goods, media, hospitality and automobile sectors. The highly qualified team is very experienced in complex matters, such as the negotiation of collective agreements and restructuring projects. It is also well versed in the management of individual files, notably matters involving high-ranking executives. The practice is also proficient in compensation and benefits matters and has special expertise in work accident and criminal employment law issues. The group’s litigation strength is another asset. Jean Néret, Olivier Angotti and Sabrina Kemel, who made partner in July 2021, co-head the practice, which also includes counsel Isabelle Pontal.
Practice head(s):
Jean Néret; Olivier Angotti; Sabrina Kemel
Other key lawyers:
Isabelle Pontal
Testimonials
‘Hands-on approach, flexibility and availability to deliver support within short deadlines in complex cases. Ability to explain the French context in an understandable way, helping us to make pragmatic decisions for the French market.’
‘The labour law team is a combination of different personalities, all complementary and at the exclusive service of their clients.’
‘Olivier Angotti is a lawyer of great value who combines, rare in the profession, reflection and risk-taking and knows how to provide his clients with the tailor-made service he seeks by consulting him.’
‘True knowledge of their field, goes to the bottom of a problem, inquire when they have the slightest doubt. Goes deeper into the subject, seeks to have as much information as possible and understand the context (which not all lawyers do) and appreciable detailed invoicing (= proof of transparency).’
‘Availability, sympathy, accessibility. Does not give up on a business, very good advice.’
‘Isabelle Pontalis is really competent, but in addition she knows the industry and also the company well and that facilitates communication a lot.’
‘A firm with excellent expertise. Responsiveness, professionalism, simplicity are the qualities of this firm.’
‘I work with Sabrina Kemel who is a very competent lawyer. I have known Sabrina for several years. Unlike other lawyers, she is a very responsive, a humble person who knows how to make herself available. She is competent and available at the same time and very pleasant and easy to work with.’
Key clients
Christian Dior
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles France (FCA)
Linamar-Montupet
Fritchi
Marriott
FCA Capital
SMRC Automotive Modules France
Valeo
Zadig & Voltaire
CEA (commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux energies alternatives)
Torras Papel Malmenayde (Lecta Group)
Sodexo
Rémy Martin
Labor Hako
Work highlights
- Advising Valeo on the drafting, the negotiation, and the implementation of company agreements at the group level in order to preserve the Group competitiveness and to safeguard jobs by amending working time and some employees’ benefits.
- Assisting Linamar Montupet on the drafting, the negotiation, and the implementation of company agreements in order to preserve its competitiveness.
- Advising FCA Group in France on the termination of a unilateral agreement regarding a pre-retirement scheme.
Flichy Grangé Avocats
Employment law boutique Flichy Grangé Avocats is a powerhouse in the field. Few firms, even among the elites, are able to attract so many high-profile mandates each year. The large team recently played a front role in several of France’s high-end M&A deals, including the Tf1-M6 and Veolia-Suez transactions. Many leading companies, mostly French ones from a wide range of sectors, including the energy, press, aviation, catering, energy, retail and transport secotrs, turned to the firm for strategic projects, such as the implementation of restructurings, mass downsizing (often concerning more than a 1,000 jobs), and collective bargainings, for example of permanent part-time work. The team is also well versed in mass litigation, sensitive individual files and welfare matters. The team’s many highly experienced partners includes founding partner Joël Grangé
, one of the most revered names in the field, Florence Aubonnet, Arnaud Chaulet, Florence Bacquet, Marine Conche, Aurélie Cormier Le Goff, Jeannie Crédoz-Rosier, Stéphanie Dumas, Nabila Fauché El Alougri, Stéphanie Guedes Da Costa and Caroline Scherrmann. 2021 saw the departure of Stéphane Bloch and the arrival of Natacha Lesellier, who joined from an in-house position.
Practice head(s):
Joël Grangé; Philippe Montanier; Arnaud Chaulet; Marine Conche; Florence Aubonnet; Juliana Kovac; Olivier Kress; Blandine Allix; Nabila Fauche-El Aougri; Stéphanie Guedes da Costa; Stéphanie Dumas; Joumana Frangie-Moukanas; Cyprien Pialoux; Jeannie Crédoz-Rosier; Charlotte Michaud; Bruno Fieschi; Corinne Potier; Aurélie Cormier Le Goff; Florence Bacquet; Caroline Scherrman; Camille Ventejou; Frédéric-Guillaume Laprevote; Emmanuel Raynaud; Amandine Vetu; Franck Morel; Natacha Lesellier
Testimonials
‘Great client proximity and availability.’
‘High expertise in labour law and practical approach.’
‘Juliana Kovac: great rigor, responsiveness, availability and listening skills.’
‘Franck Morel shows great intelligence in understanding issues at hand, great speed in dealing with it and creativity in finding solutions. He knows how to make his expertise understandable.’
‘Very high technique and very good approach. Ability to get to the bottom of issues without leaving any room for error. The lawyers are dedicated and systematically listen to their clients.’
Key clients
Total
Société Générale
Goodyear
Bouygues Télécom
TF1/M6
IBM
WHIRLPOOL FRANCE
Work highlights
- Advising Bouygues Group in connection with the merger of Group TF1 and M6 (RTL Group).
- Advising Veolia in the takeover of SUEZ’s assets.
- Advising IBM in connection with a global reorganization plan involving job cuts in France (around 2,000) and in the spin-off of a new publicly traded company, Kyndryl.
Franklin
Franklin leads both a solid stand-alone practice as well as a busy supporting employment law practice. The team assists a varied client base that includes several retailers and asset management funds and handles a wide range of collective and individual employment work. It regularly manages restructuring and M&A-related work and is increasingly involved alongside managers and investment funds to advise in the context of fundraising transactions, notably on managers’ incentives packages and remuneration matters. Litigation is another area of strength, with the team recently winning a major case that could potentially set a new precedent regarding remuneration paid in dividends. The team’s experience in compliance work and conducting internal investigations are other assets. The very qualified Patrick Thiébart and Myriam de Gaudusson are in charge.
Practice head(s):
Myriam de Gaudusson; Patrick Thiébart
Testimonials
‘High-level of competence, approach, flexibility, support, speed, attention to details, patience and advice have been the qualities demonstrated along the entire process.’
‘The firm supported our group on a strategic and impactful social project, in the context of a particular situation of an urgent nature. The teams have shown great responsiveness and adaptability, while providing us with very high-quality legal and operational advice. Their expertise and perfect knowledge of our business sector have enabled us to complete this complex project, all while preserving the interests of our group.’
‘All the people who accompanied us on the employment aspect of the project have shown great professionalism. Beyond their knowledge and skills in their areas of expertise, of which the plurality within the teams constitutes a real asset, they are distinguished by qualities of responsiveness, adaptability, but also human qualities and the ability to listen.’
‘High quality of solutions provided to complicated labour law issues.’
Key clients
ACE Capital Partners
Bridford Group
Verescence
Fromont Briens
Fromont Briens is a established name for employment and social security work. With firm roots in Paris and Lyon, the boutique is home to one of the country’s largest dedicated teams. The firm’s substantial client base includes many large French and international companies which turn to the firm for domestic and cross-border matters, with the firm’s membership of Littler’s international network key to multijurisdictional cases. The practice regularly acts on strategic reorganisations and transformations, often involving major cross-border projects, with recent matters coming from the food, energy and aviation sectors. Large downsizing and employee transfer projects concerning more than a 1,000 workers accounted for a significant part of the recent caseload. The practice is also entrusted with prominent M&A work and is an excellent reference for strategic litigation and collective negotiations. Additionally, the firm is recognised as one of the few leading names in the field of pension, benefits and social security law, with Charlotte Bertrand a key reference in that respect. The large partnership includes Jean-Sébastien Capisano, Sophie Pelicier-Leovenbruck, Sabrina Dougados, Jean-Martial Buisson, Julie Beot-Rabiot and Guillaume Desmoulin among its most experienced key members. Béot-Rabiot, Desmoulin, Dougados direct the team with Ludovic Genty, Catherine Millet-Ursin and Jacques de Tonquedec. The 2021 partnership promotions were Vivia Correia, Camille-Antoine Donzel, Laura Jousselin, Barbara Mollet and Léa Rameau. Founding partner Gilles Briens retired in March 2021.
Practice head(s):
Julie-Béot-Rabiot; Guillaume Desmoulin; Sabrina Dougados; Ludovic Genty; Catherine Millet-Ursin; Jacques de Tonquedec
Other key lawyers:
Jean-Sébastien Capisano; Sophie Pelicier-Leovenbruck; Jean-Martial Buisson; Charlotte Bertrand
Testimonials
‘The firm has a perfect knowledge of our company agreements and our practices and knows how to adapt its advice to our organisational requirements.’
‘Sophie Pelicier is an excellent lawyer who is very sharp in labour law.’
‘Ability to mobilise diverse expertise with a very good level of responsiveness. Ability to support the medium-term social strategy and also to deal with everyday issues. Global network available if needed.’
‘The complementary social protection team headed by Charlotte Bertrand is one of the few experts on the subject. Due to the volume of cases handled and its contacts with the administration, the team is able to provide pragmatic advice, including on new subjects.’
‘Charlotte Bertrand demonstrates very specific expertise on technical subjects, but knows how to adapt pragmatic positions with great reactivity.’
‘The firm has strong legal expertise, extensive knowledge of market practices and a large network.’
‘I am working with Charlotte Bertrand who is a very clear and very pragmatic lawyer, who allows efficient decision-making and knows how to present complex subjects to our internal teams. In addition, it is a very available and very pleasant team, it is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Multidisciplinary team with highly specialised experts in all areas of labour law; very high responsiveness.’
Key clients
AG2R
AHSM
Air France
Air Liquide
Airbus
Amundi
Arnal
Carrefour
CGG
Constellium
Covéa
ES Banque
Fédération française de l’Assurance
Groupama
Groupe Danone
Groupe Engie
Havas Voyages
Hexcel
HSBC Europe continentale (
In Extenso
Institut Pasteur
Macif
Maif
Malakoff Humanis
Matmut
MSAé IPECA
Nexans
Olympus Group
OPCO EP Entreprises de proximité
Oracle France
Peugeot – Stellantis
Selecta
SFR
Sodexo
ST Microelectronics
Synerpa
Technip France
Travel Lab
Valeo
Western Union
Work highlights
- Advising Danone on the ‘Local first’ reorganisation projects of Groupe Danone.
- Advising Engie on the sale of shares held in Suez.
- Advised Macif’s subsidiary Aéma Groupe on the labour and employment aspects of its acquisition of the Aviva France branch.
Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn ‘s Nataline Fleury and her team are often appointed to handle challenging and complex mass redundancy and restructuring projects, often related to the market’s largest debt restructuring and insolvency cases for which the employment team works hand in hand with the firm’s top-ranked insolvency group. Additionally, the employment team also regularly manages employment law issues linked to M&A and private equity transactions led by the Paris or US offices. Many large and smaller corporations as well as leading private equity funds are clients.
Practice head(s):
Nataline Fleury
Testimonials
‘Very available team. Precise and rigorous. Great technique.’
‘Nataline Fleury is ultra-available. Committed. Great technique and competence in difficulties.’
Key clients
Celio
Group Vivarte
Camaïeu
Savills SA
Krones Sarl
KDC-One
Apollo Management International
La Halle
Orchestra-Prémaman
RedBird Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Assisting Celio in relation to the employment issues concerning its restructuring.
- Advising PepsiCo Inc. on the employment aspects of its sale of Tropicana, Naked and other juice brands to French private equity firm PAI Partners.
- Advised Mutares on its acquisition of Lapeyre from the Saint Gobain Group.
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.’s excellent team is a popular choice for complex and challenging projects. The team regularly assists clients facing difficult strike situations involving trade unions, especially within French leading corporations. It excels in high-stakes litigation, often involving a high number of employees, for example acting in business-critical proceedings for a leading international digital platform regarding fundamental employment law status issues. The practice is also handling large and strategic restructuring work, notably for a luxury goods company, and is experienced in mass scale redundancy projects. Leading French companies turn to the firm for strategic corporate M&A and reorganisation projects, with the energy and infrastructure sectors core sectors in this line of work. The group recently worked on one of the market’s recent most high-profile M&A deals. The first-class team is jointly led by Aurélien Boulanger, David Jonin, Baudouin de Moucheron, Guillaume Navarro, Foulques de Rostolan and François Vergne. Counsel Benjamin Krief provides key support.
Practice head(s):
Aurélien Boulanger; David Jonin; Baudouin de Moucheron; Guillaume Navarro; Foulques de Rostolan; François Vergne
Testimonials
‘Baudouin de Moucheron and Aurélien Boulanger are excellent litigation lawyers, highly competent, capable of originality and creativity, and always combative.’
‘Great availability from Guillaume Navarro’s team. The team is responsive and responds precisely to the legal questions asked.’
‘Privileged relationship with Baudouin de Moucheron, an excellent lawyer with good interpersonal skills and great accessibility and availability. His advocacy skills are indisputable.’
‘A team at the service of the client. Efficiency and responsiveness. Bravo.’
‘David Jonin’s team is responsive, competent and available. It is pleasant to work with this team which seeks to fully understand the issues of the clients.’
‘Baudouin de Moucheron has unique expertise and experience. He has an exceptional ability to provide simple and understandable solutions to complex problems, with great rigour and responsiveness.’
‘Wonderful team. Commercial, innovative and exceptionally knowledgeable.’
‘Foulques de Rostolan is a pleasure to work with. He is responsive, commercial and knowledge. Clients love working with him.’
Key clients
Accor
Air Austral
DFDS Seaways
DPD France
Enedis
GRDF
La Poste
Legris Industries
Leroy Merlin (Adeo Group)
Paris Inn Group (Centaurus Hospitality Odyssey)
RTE
Stora Enso
Uber
Veolia
Vueling
Work highlights
- Representing Uber in front of Labour courts in the context of claims brought by hundreds of drivers using the Uber platform to be reclassified as employees of the platform.
- Representing Veolia in front of Nanterre judicial court regarding the social aspects of its takeover bid on Suez.
- Assisting Hop! with a job preservation plan concerning half of their employees.
Grant Thornton Société d’Avocats
Practice head(s):
Caroline Luche-Rocchia
Testimonials
‘They are proficient in labour law, firm and unshakable, and also excellent in negotiations.’
‘Their response is quick and fees are reasonable. Their team works to makes things happen.’
‘They are always positive and constructive. The client is always very well considered and listened to, which I have not found in other firms which are satisfied with the work ‘done’. The firm is very well organised. The communication is excellent, the availability too.’
‘Caroline Luche-Rocchia provides excellent advice; she is an especially good listener, she is also organised and rational. She is methodical, shrewd in her advice, fair. I feel in safe hands and reassured.’
‘Excellent technique, pragmatic and highly available.’
‘Caroline Luche-Rocchia: a dynamic partner, able to adapt to the demands of French and foreign clients.’
‘Great responsiveness and very good follow-up.’
‘High responsiveness and adaptation to the context.’
Key clients
Clearwater
IqERA
MCS
IEVA
ECOBAT (Le Plomb Français, STCM, APSM)
INSEAD
DOCAPOSTE
Tallage (Agribriefing Ltd)
Les Autocars Suzanne
Don’t Not Entertainment (DNE)
NORDAM
DAF Trucks
MD Group
AgriBriefing Ltd
CDC Mutuelle
Bank of Communications (BOCOM)
Les Cars Bleus/Cars Blues
Cytoo
Lenovo
SAP
SR Technics
Valbiotis
Sofival
Pulmonx France
Festool
Bank of Ireland
CIE des Filles de la Charité
TERRACYCLE
Sologne Operating II
Beltera
TOPFLIGHT
BOEING
ITT INDUSTRIES
Work highlights
- Advising Suez Smart Solutions group (3S) in the context of legal, social and financial due diligence as well as in the drafting and negotiation of the transactional documentation (SPA) regarding the acquisition of Hydrelis.
- Advising ChapsVision, a company that works on the digital transformation of governmental organisations and businesses, on the tax, social and financial due diligence work carried out in the context of the acquisition of Bertin IT and Vecsys.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP offers a broad range of expertise spanning individual and collective files. The practice is often solicited to assist with restructuring and downsizing projects as well as with matters pertaining to executives’ termination. The team is a particularly good choice for international matters as its many cross-border matters attest. The practice regularly provides assistance to the firm's M&A department and recently worked on several French high-profile public offerings. The client base is hugely diverse and includes French and international companies. Sophie Brézin and avocat and solicitor Emma Röhsler co-head the team, which also includes of counsel Elisabeth Debrégeas.
Practice head(s):
Emma Röhsler; Sophie Brézin
Testimonials
‘Emma Röhsler is very responsive and has a very pragmatic approach.’
‘Great pragmatism. Emma Röhsler is also perfectly bilingual.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO
AXPO
April
Altran Technologies
BAE Applied Intelligence Systems
CBRE
Cellnex Telecom
Groupe SEB
H&M
Macquerie
Mercialys
Olivier Wyman
Salesforce
Sofidy
Sonepar
Tesla
Tikehau Capital
UBS
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP assists a large and diverse client base, including leading names in the pharmaceutical, luxury goods, automobile and finance sectors as well as a leading digital platform and several industrial clients. The group is able to handle a broad array of issues, ranging from reorganization and downsizing projects to M&A and litigation. In recent work, the group acted on the negotiation and review of collective agreements and assisted clients with social security and benefits issues, including in disputes. Practice head Dominique Mendy, Thierry Meillat and Marion Guertault are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Dominique Mendy
Other key lawyers:
Thierry Meillat; Marion Guertault
Testimonials
‘The team is versatile, very responsive, and reconciles a pragmatic approach with a high level of technical expertise in litigation.’
‘Marion Guertault is smart, fast, efficient and organised. She is a privileged interlocutor for complex litigation and tense situations.’
‘Extensive experience in complex social restructuring cases and ability to quickly mobilise all of the firm’s key skills to provide a rapid and relevant response.’
‘The partners are very involved in the files, with an understanding of the social and operational issues allowing the deployment of pragmatic and effective solutions.’
‘Highly dedicated lawyer, high level of expertise and motivation on top; practical and imaginative – able to find clever solutions to complex situations.’
‘We receive precise and very clear invoices from the firm, we feel a very precise organisation. In the event of the absence of our lawyer, there is immediately a relay and a response given as soon as possible. I will strongly recommend this firm and especially Marion Guertault.’
‘Working with Marion Guertault is really a pleasure, she is very professional, very responsive and very clear in the answers given to each situation. In general, when you contact your lawyer, it is for a complicated and urgent case and Marion very quickly provides a solution; there is a real constructive exchange.’
Key clients
Finance Active
Voluntis
Work highlights
- Advising Finance Active on employment matters related to its acquisition by Aptus.
- Assisting Voluntis SA with preparing and conducting the information and consultation process in relation to its acquisition by AptarGroup.
Jeantet
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Mancret
Other key lawyers:
Laetitia Ternisien
Testimonials
‘Great synthesis and analyses skills; good management of priorities; global assistance in decision making; good client support: do not seek to please, but to support effectively.’
‘A great professional, innovative and reassuring team.’
‘Nicolas Mancret demonstrates good tactical intelligence in conjunction with technical mastery specific of his field.’
‘A real ability to find operational solutions.’
‘Nicolas Mancret has real expertise in labour relations and a vision broad enough to integrate all the complexities of labour law in all its variations, as well as a good ability to measure risk taking.’
Key clients
Autogrill
Deloitte
Natixis
Ubisoft
Joffe & Associés
Practice head(s):
Géraldine Lepeytre; Blaise Deltombe
Testimonials
‘There is excellent responsiveness and a 360-degree view over the possible options.’
‘There is real expertise which is explained in an accessible way, with good business orientation (understanding of the challenges of the company and identification of the legal solutions which result from it).’
‘There is a very fluid collaboration between the different departments of the firm, which allows for a coordinated response on complex legal matters. Excellent interpersonal skills. Very good value for money.’
‘Excellent understanding of client expectations, both in terms of deadlines and operational issues. Responsiveness and adaptation to changes in the case. Blaise Deltombe is appreciated by both legal and operational teams, which is remarkable.’
‘Very strong client sense, availability, accessibility.’
‘Very good advice and constant search for a solution.’
‘The team is small, but works very well in that they are interchangeable and very responsive.’
‘Responsiveness, precision, transparency and above all an ability to understand the reality of a business.’
Jones Day
Jones Day regularly assists clients undertaking restructuring and downsizing projects, including representing them in challenging related litigation. The team, which acts for French and international companies, including leading French energy players, also handles sensitive individual files, such as executives’ termination and disputes concerning bonus and incentive payment issues. The practice has also provided guidance to clients linked to the Covid-19 situation, including remote working issues. Finally, the group regularly works hand in hand with the M&A department and other international offices to advise in the context of M&A transactions. Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont and Jean-Michel Bobillo direct the team.
Practice head(s):
Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont; Jean-Michel Bobillo
Testimonials
‘Jones Day clearly falls into the category of full-service law firms with a strong and wide coverage of labour and employment aspects, in France and at a worldwide level. The labour and employment team covers the full spectrum of issues. What makes them unique is their ability to set up global teams of experts in order to address multi-jurisdictional matters.’
‘Jean-Michel Bobillo is close to clients, good at handling very difficult matters and always makes himself personally available. He provides very pragmatic advice.’
‘Great collaboration, good communication skills: point out legal risks in accessible way for client, responsive, highly professional, transparent in steps taken.’
‘Jean- Michel Bobillo is highly supportive, not only for strict legal work.’
‘Small, organised and professional team, very vigilant on changes in legislation.’
‘Emmanuelle Rivez is precise and knows how to make recommendations.’
Karman Associés
Karman Associés is an employment law boutique able to deal with a broad range of individual and collective matters. The firm recently completed strategic work on behalf of the notary profession. It is also regularly solicited to help with restructuring projects. Romain Chiss, Florence Froment-Meurice and Erwan Jaglin are in charge.
Practice head(s):
Romain Chiss; Erwan Jaglin; Florence Froment-Meurice
Key clients
Iliad (Free)
Hertz
Nexter
Conseil supérieur du notariat
INFN
L’Oréal
Manpower
Guerlain
Rexel
Louvre Hotels
Paris Society
Avril
Orange
Cheil
Lesieur
Unicrédit
Work highlights
- Representing the Conseil supérieur du notariat before the Conseil d’Etat, challenging the validity of a ministerial order recognising the client as a representative professional organisation.
KEY LAWYERS
Anna-Christina Chaves transferred her practice to her own new boutique KEY LAWYERS in autumn 2021 after the dismantlement of Stehlin & Associés. Chaves is very experienced in advising on complex or large restructuring and M&A projects and and recently worked on several downsizing and strategic reorganization projects for leading names in the industrial, luxury goods and hospitality sectors. Her ability to grasp both financial and employment law issues make her popular with publicly listed companies and leading investment funds. Recent work includes large LBO and other private equity transactions, handling a comprehensive range of issues, including management packages.
Practice head(s):
Anna-Christina Chaves
Testimonials
‘Immediate mobilisation; ability to link law and figures. Permanent availability. Clear reports.’
‘Anna-Christina Chaves heads the team. Originally from a big 4, she inherited the dual culture of numbers. Her summaries are clear, her litigation management is very tactical. She is a great professional.’
‘Anna-Christina Chaves has extensive experience in employment law. Beyond her expertise in employment law, she distinguishes herself by her ability to provide negotiation support, in English or in French, and knows how to adapt to all interlocutors, in order to obtain the best results in the negotiation.’
‘Anna-Christina Chaves is very available; her expertise in labour law is very valuable; her interpersonal skills and her ability to work with other specialists on transversal subjects make her an essential lawyer.’
Key clients
BENETEAU GROUP
LANVIN GROUP
VAUBAN INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNER (VIP)
BUTAGAZ
PROSOL GROUP
VERDOSO
LES HOTELS BAVAREZ
TETRA MEDIA
BREITLING
KPMG Avocats, France
Practice head(s):
Albane Eglinger; Olivier Masi
Key clients
DomusVi
Isai/Sagard
ICG
Wendel
CAFPI
Eurazeo
Sodiaal
I@D Holding
Aures Technologies
IK Investment Partners
Sterimed
Serb
Areva
Ardian
Providence Strategic Growth
Work highlights
- Advised Domus Vi, the third largest French provider of services to the elderly, on the recomposition of its shareholding.
- Advised Isai and Sagard on their entry into exclusive negotiations, beside BpifranceInvestissement, to take a majority stake in Invoke.
- Advised leading French dairy cooperative Sodiaal on the purchase of 51% of the capital of Yoplait from General Mills.
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins' Matthias Rubner leads a strong practice which assists many leading French and international companies, notably in the healthcare, media and financial sectors. Compact and high-level, the team is entrusted to work on complex matters such as restructuring projects and strategic governance issues. It also deals with complex individual files and provides strong assistance to the corporate practice, regularly advising on large private equity transactions and global M&A deals. The team has also assisted several leading international banks with the setting up or relocation of their business in Paris as a consequence of the Brexit.
Practice head(s):
Matthias Rubner
Testimonials
‘It is a magnificent firm with an exceptional clientele, and brilliant lawyers.’
‘Matthias Rubner is a living encyclopedia: he knows the law well, but above all, he makes it understandable and makes proposals for an approach, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages. It facilitates decision making. He is clearly a business lawyer, and that is what I look for most often.’
Key clients
TechnipFMC
Tencent
Calliditas
Siemens
Warner Bros.
Merck
Commerzbank group
Turner Broadcasting System France
Xandr
Veracyte (Halio Dx)
Alcentra European Direct Lending
Carrefour
Linklaters
Linklaters runs a strong employment practice, with Covid-19-related work, for example return to work policies and departure issues, accounting for a significant part of the 2021 caseload. Employment matters arisen from Brexit was a second busy line of work, with instructions coming from prominent financial companies. Compensation and remuneration issues are a growing area of activity here as companies relocated their headquarters to France in the wake of the UK’s exit from the EU. The practice also regularly manages restructuring and related litigation matters and frequently provides support to the firm’s M&A department. Strategic individual files are also dealt with. Finally, the practice also assists with whistleblowing and compliance issues and has been increasingly solicited to assist with the conduct of internal investigations, particularly in relation to harassment issues and several clients’ African operations. Lionel Vuidard and Géric Clomes, who was promoted to partner in 2021, direct the practice.
Practice head(s):
Lionel Vuidard; Géric Clomes
Testimonials
‘The team is always available around the clock to respond to emergencies and questions requiring immediate response. This allows the company to react immediately to calm the situation while awaiting more precise and in-depth evaluations and opinions. Lionel Vuidard is always available to discuss and analyse the situation to better react without imposing these ideas, but always by offering concrete solutions.’
‘Impeccable English allowing advice to teams in other countries. A deep understanding of the business of the company and a quick understanding of the needs of the company.’
‘Géric Clomes thinks together with companies to reach the best solution for each specific situation. He has extensive experience in the M&A field which results in pragmatic and practical advice.’
‘Géric Clomes is very client-oriented and delivers in a timely, well-executed manner.’
‘The team led by Lionel Vuidard is very competent, dynamic and available.’
‘Lionel Vuidard has always shown great knowledge. He also has extensive knowledge of the financial sector. He is proactive, available and very friendly.’
‘The social law department has always very quickly found a solution to thorny questions in a pragmatic way, after having very quickly and deeply understood the case presented and the problems to be overcome.’
‘Great expertise, listening and understanding of the problems to be solved; pragmatic solutions and opinions, proactivity and availability.’
Key clients
Citigroup
CGI France
Exide Technologies
New Look Retailers Ltd
SWIFT
Sierra Wireless
Société Générale
BDR Thermea
MFS
Maesa
XTX Markets Limited
Axa
Bank of America NA
Evercore
DSI (DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH)
EPI
Mediawan
Nestlé S.A.
Olam International Limited/ Arise P&L Limited
SAP
Curium
Nuveen Real Estate Limited
OVH Groupe
RTL Group
Raffinerie Tirlemontoise
Revlon
Schneider Electric
Sotheby’s France SAS
TDR Capital LLP
Visa Technologies
Abenex
Algeco Scotsman Group
Arcade
Citigroup
CGI France
Exide Technologies
New Look Retailers Ltd
SWIFT
Sierra Wireless
Société Générale
BDR Thermea
MFS
Maesa
XTX Markets Limited
Axa
Bank of America NA
Evercore
DSI (DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH)
EPI
Mediawan
Nestlé S.A.
Olam International Limited/ Arise P&L Limited
SAP
Curium
Nuveen Real Estate Limited
OVH Groupe
RTL Group
Raffinerie Tirlemontoise
Revlon
Schneider Electric
Sotheby’s France SAS
TDR Capital LLP
Visa Technologies
Abenex
Algeco Scotsman Group
Arcade
Work highlights
- Advised Bel Group on its entry into exclusive negotiations with the Lactalis Group.
- Advising the Carrier Group in connection with the sale of its Chubb business.
- Assisted Olam International Limited with an employee investigation in Gabon.
LPA-CGR avocats
LPA-CGR avocats has solid resources which allow the team to provide expertise on traditional matters such as reorganisations and M&A-related work, while also covering mobility and health issues. The practice assists a diverse client list of French and international companies, including a leading bank and an industrial company, and has recently been particularly busy advising on the implementation of new working schemes such as relocation to co-working spaces and remote working. The practice also assisted several clients undertaking major reorganization projects, including several large downsizing plans. It also worked on several M&A transactions and also handles litigation. Karine Bézille and Alexandre Bensoussan are particularly recommended. The team also includes Sandra Hundsdörfer, Sophie Marinier, who is particularly skilled in the field of international mobility, and counsel Rudy Jourdan.
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Bensoussan; Karine Bézille; Sandra Hundsdörfer; Sophie Marinier
Testimonials
‘I appreciate the dual skills of my interlocutors in employment law and international mobility.’
‘I work with Sophie Marinier. I appreciate the clarity of the advice given and the great responsiveness of my contact. The exchanges are simple and very pleasant, which makes it possible to quickly take a decision in terms of negotiation or defence strategy.’
‘Sophie Marinier and her team speak and communicate in decent English which is very important for an international client. Sophie is also very patient to explain the local regulations and guidelines, so to achieve a common understanding for us sitting outside the country to align on the expectations.’
‘The key highlight and appreciation of Sophie Marinier ‘s team is patience. The team explains things in details.’
‘Strong professionalism and very good technical expertise, associated with great availability.’
‘Very fruitful collaboration with Sophie Marinier who has understood the specificity of our structure and knows how to adapt to our subjects.’
Key clients
INTEROR
L’OSTERIA
PSI – PUBLIC SERVICES INTERNATIONAL
PORTS 1961
SYMRISE
Majj Avocats
Majj Avocats was launched in Spring 2021 by former key members of Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) Julien Boucaud-Maître and Juliette Pouyet, both highly regarded, as well Mathieu Raio de San Lazaro and Anne de Gabory. The boutique specializes in employment and social security issues. It assists a diverse range of companies, including several large French companies, as well as SMEs, specialising in various fields such as manufacturing, retail, engineering. Investment houses and law firms also turn to the firm. The team regularly advises on the employment law aspects of LBO and M&A deals and assists its clients with major collective negotiations and restructuring projects, recently advising on several site transfers and closures. Additionally, Pouyet is a well known litigator in social security-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
Julien Boucaud-Maître; Juliette Pouyet; Mathieu Raio de San Lazaro; Anne de Gabory
Testimonials
‘Stable team, great interpersonal skills, great availability, good knowledge of the companies’ world, able to innovate on the legal level and greatly able to adapt its approaches.’
‘Very responsive team, always suggesting solutions and able to change strategy if the circumstances require it.’
‘Juliette Pouyet is very creative and at the same time pragmatic. She understands very quickly the issues at stake, the business context and the psychology of other stakeholders.’
‘The team shows great ability to integrate constraints of our business environment in its advice. It handles individual and collective disputes and helps with collective agreement work. It is able to help with negotiations and offers a wide range of labour law expertise. The team also has good practical sense so to make the best possible choices according to the context. Their simplicity and great modesty hide sharp competence on the law and on strategy.’
‘Very responsive and able to give concise and pragmatic advice. Julien Boucaud-Maitre is a great resource; he is very pragmatic and able to explain concepts clearly in English.’
Key clients
Sony France
DSV
AmRest (Pizza Hut)
Canal+ subsidiaries
PSA subisdiaries
Frans Bonhomme
Royal Canin
Ascométal
Dormakaba
Fenwal France (Fressenius Group)
Casino Barrière
Bureau Veritas
Work highlights
- Advised Sony on the restructuring of its electronic activities and the integration of mobile devices within the other group activities.
- Advising Bureau Véritas on negotiations regarding changes brought to the client’s industry sector collective bargaining agreement.
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown steadily continues to raise its profile since its inception with its now sizeable team, acting on individual and collective files. In the context of the Covid-19 sanitary crisis, the practice has been advising on reorganisation projects and related litigation, notably handling high-profile matters in the aviation and automobile sectors involving several hundreds of employees. The team has also been advising on collective negotiations concerning new working conditions, such as setting up of remote working schemes. The team also handles significant M&A transactions work, for example advising on challenging integration issues. Sensitive individual files concerning executives’ departure and harassment issues and litigation are other areas of strength. Practice heads Julien Haure and Régine Goury are highly recommended; as is Sébastien Delaunay (a 2021 partner promotion) who has already established himself as a top reference in France for employee shareholding plans and heads the employee stock purchase plans practice which is in high demand by publicly listed companies and increasingly by private corporations. It recently worked on one of France’ largest IPOs in 2021 and assisted several large companies with the launch of their first plans globally.
Practice head(s):
Julien Haure; Régine Goury; Sébastien Delaunay
Testimonials
‘They are the best employment team I have worked with in France. Practical, creative, very efficient.’
‘Julien Haure is the best French employment attorney I have worked with. He has obtained great results for us.’
‘They are able to clearly provide legal advice in a way that companies can understand and carefully think through. They are there to support the internal team as little or as much as needed. It’s a true partnership and collaboration with a high level of trust between us. We see this team as a role model for how the advice and relationship should be between a company and outside legal counsel.’
‘Julien Haure understands our business needs and thinks creatively to solve employment issues. Although sometimes there is no way around the complex and maddening requirements under French law, Julien is always looking for a way through that meets our needs.’
‘The employment lawyers are very responsive and knowledgeable. I appreciate the fact that they will step in for one another when someone is away from the office or on holiday. I value the fact that they understand our business and work closely with our Human Resources professionals. And I am extremely grateful for the diversity in this group of attorneys.’
‘Sébastien Delaunay is the best French expert on offers reserved for employees and other plans. He is agile and creative in offering tailor-made devices very suited to the needs of his clients.’
‘Julien Haure is almost uniquely practical for a lawyer specialising in French employment law. French law is notoriously challenging as compared to other jurisdictions, and it is very difficult to find a lawyer who can respond to the needs of a company such as ours. Julien and his associates have done just that.’
‘Julien Haure is stellar – he is exceedingly practical and business-minded. He is also extremely responsive and thorough in his communications, and understands internal reporting pressures, making him a valuable partner for in-house counsel at my organisation.’
Key clients
AGPM
Assured Guaranty
Broadcom Technology
Cérélia
Cohesity
Medallia
Omron
Safran
Seagate Technology
Tanium Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Broadcom Inc on restructuring projects.
- Advising AGPM, the mutual insurance company specialised in defence and security sector, on several individual cases and on the negotiation of a collective agreement on variable remuneration.
- Advised Cérélia, a France-based production company international leader in the chilled dough products market, on the legal aspects of an international employee shareholding plan offered to group employees in Europe and North America.
MGG Voltaire
MGG Voltaire demonstrates particular strength in crisis management and special situations. The boutique is very well versed in trade union matters and collective negotiations and has created a task force dedicated to manage hot reputational issues and other highly sensitive criminal employment law issues. The firm has also been assisting clients with Covid-19-related matters. New social and environmental responsibility issues as well as ethics and equal treatment matters are a growing line of work, with the conduct of audits and the setting up of guidelines and policies accounting for the bulk of matters in this area. M&A- and LBO-related work, as well as advice on major transformation projects involving important collective redundancies, continue to be a mainstay. The French boutique also offers strong international capabilities, thanks to its large alliance network and its internal German desk. With offices in Paris, Lyon and Lille, the practice is well placed to acts for its client base that includes SMEs and large French and international companies. Marijke Granier-Guillemarre, Loïc Héron and David Guillouet are in charge.
Practice head(s):
Marijke Granier-Guillemarre; Loïc Héron; David Guillouet
Testimonials
‘This is a specialist employment law firm. Their technical knowledge and availability are second to none. The partner and associate who support us are always available. Their advice is technically sound, but also commercial and pragmatic. I am delighted to be able to work with them.’
‘Marijke Granier-Guillemarre is never too busy if you need her. She is highly experienced, very commercial and an excellent collaborator. Paul Romatet, her associate, is also incredibly responsive, attentive to detail and commercial.’
‘Sense of advice and listening, pragmatism, seriousness and expertise in the field of employment law.’
‘The best legal firm I have dealt with in France. They are responsive, professional and extremely experienced.’
‘Marijke Granier-Guillemarre offers first-class advice and successfully combines pragmatism with exceptional legal expertise.’
‘Claire Chesneau exemplifies the firm’s working ethic; she is always available and always offers sound practical business advice.’
‘Very specialised and at the same time generalist teamwork. The team is complementary and interacts to deliver optimised and qualitative work within tight deadlines. Very responsive firm. They have always known how to respond to our very practical business need which is very appreciated. We never feel overwhelmed by articles of law, or advice that is impossible to analyse, but we do receive real legal, business or managerial recommendations adapted to our company.’
‘The team demonstrates remarkable listening. They are not only excellent professionals but also excellent interlocutors; the feeling of being unique and important. They do not hesitate to be proactive when it comes to bringing together different trades or teams from our company if necessary.’
‘The level of professionalism, expertise, and engagement of the team have been truly exceptional.’
Key clients
BPI Group
RES
UPS
Pirelli
Toyota Material Handling
Corning
Bla Bla Car
Eiffage
Natixis
Mango France
Arris
Robert Half
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Tennant
CGI Finance
Misys (now Finastra)
Racing Club de Lens
XPO
Gerard DAREL
IFREMER
IM Global Partner
Work highlights
- Advising on the sale of Naf Naf and on the implementation of a mass redundancy plan.
- Advising a French fashion company on a redundancy plan.
- Advising an international company on its reorganisation which entails almost 200 redundancies and approximately 200 internal transfers.
Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins stands out as the only international employment law boutique – with over fifty offices located in the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. The Paris office is home to a strong team and welcomed Stéphane Bloch, formerly at Flichy Grangé Avocats, in 2021. The practice assists a prominent client base comprising several of France’s blue chip companies, in particular in the automotive, banking and aviation sectors, and recently handled highly strategic work in the latter area, notably advising on a large-scale downsizing plan and on the negotiation of a challenging new collective agreement regarding working hours. The firm also assists its longstanding client base with day-to-day matters, complex litigation and sensitive individual files, often involving top executives or managers. The practice is co-headed by Jean-Marc Albiol, new hire Bloch, Cécile Martin and Nicolas Peixoto. Counsels Karin Dulac and Alexandre Abitbol provide key support. Sophie Binder and François Millet left the firm in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Marc Albiol; Stéphane Bloch; Cécile Martin; Nicolas Peixoto
Other key lawyers:
Karin Dulac; Alexandre Abitbol
Testimonials
‘Very dynamic and available team, always looking for pragmatic and innovative solutions.’
‘The partners are particularly accessible and available.’
‘Jean-Marc Albiol is always available (and if he is not immediately available, he will indicate us as soon as he will be). He meets agreed deadlines and provides clear analyses and recommendations. He shows good understanding of possible risks and has a practical spirit.’
‘The team is a very distinguished name on the French market. Indeed, on the one hand, they have the widest knowledge of French laws and regulations; on the other hand, they have a very international approach and view of the market needs.’
‘Cécile Martin is a stand-out lawyer in the French market. She has a proactive approach to strategic planning and provide clients with technical excellence and experience as well as managerial skills. Jean-Marco Albiol is one of the leading names on France’s labour and employment market. He is to be praised for his excellent response time, efficiency and straightforward approach. Alexandre Abitbol and Karin Dulac are also to be well regarded among the practice’s professionals.’
Orrick
Orrick Rambaud Martel is particularly active for banks and asset management firms whom the practice notably advises on strategic restructuring and M&A projects, as well as on sensitive individual files, such as the departure of top management executives. The practice is also a key adviser to a prominent airline company whom it is currently assisting with several large-scale restructuring projects. Collective bargaining negotiations and employment law support in the context M&A transactions handled by the firm’s corporate colleagues are other areas of strength. The practice is co-headed by Emmanuel Bénard and Nadège Owen. They are ably supported by of counsel Hélène Boukez.
Practice head(s):
Emmanuel Bénard; Nadège Owen
Testimonials
‘The employment law team is very clearly above average in terms of quality of advice and responsiveness. This team creates a real partnership relationship, is able to provide ‘integrated’ advice. The approach is always extremely pragmatic, very solid technically and in the respect of absolute ethics. The relationship is also very fluid, simple, very pleasant. The team is present in times of emergency or crisis; which is extremely precious and reassuring.’
‘Emmanuel Bénard has this ability to embrace very complex issues, to analyse them and explain them in a simple, clear and very structured way. He knows how to think ‘outside the box’ to find pragmatic, ethical and technically reliable solutions and thus support his clients in the most difficult situations. He is a partner who can be counted on at all times and who is truly at the service of her clients. He has exceptional interpersonal skills and knows how to interact, with the same respect, at all levels of the organisation. He is extremely appreciated and respected. It is a real pleasure to work with him. Finally, he also has the talent of knowing how to surround himself and grow his teams.’
‘The firm’s team is characterised by its great reactivity and its very in-depth analysis of the various situations. I also appreciate their strategic and anticipatory vision.’
‘Very involved team able to handle all aspects of a case under very tight deadlines. Ability to assist in decision-making on complex and organisational matters. Ability to process files in bilingual French and English.’
‘Total availability day, night, WE and vacation of the team. Ability to provide quality services from one day to the next.’
‘High-level advice. Relevance. Top availability and responsiveness.’
‘The employment practice is exceptional because, beyond being technically very good employment law professionals, they are very good advisors in dealing with employee representatives bodies and managing complex negotiations.’
‘Emmanuel Bénard proved to be an exceptional negotiator and solution finder to a complex and sensitive situation. He understood the underlying business and strategic objectives very well. Last but not least, very strong human interaction and communication skills.’
Key clients
Air France
Antin Infrastructures
AXA IM
Crédit Agricole
Fatmap
Forensic Risk Alliance
La Banque Postale
La Banque Postale Asset Management
LBPAM
SoLocal
Splunk
Work highlights
- Assisting Air France with three large and complex downsizings as well as Hop!, its subsidiary, with a large scale collective dismissal plan.
- Advised LBPAM in the context of a transaction that split the asset management subsidiary (LBP AM) into two companies, entailing a joint venture with Natixis, another major player of the asset management industry dedicated to euro-credit and insurance mandates for institutional clients.
- Advising Antin Infrastructures in the context of a transaction involving the contemplated sale by Antin Infrastructures of its shares in Almaviva Capital, a prominent private healthcare group operating in Ile de France, PACA and Corsica.
Osborne Clarke
Practice head(s):
Maxime Pigeon; Jérôme Scapoli
Testimonials
‘The employment law department is extremely responsive and systematically offers us legal solutions adapted to our problems. The advice is very relevant and the lawyers have an excellent knowledge of our company and its issues.’
‘Maxime Pigeon is our main contact. His analyses are extremely relevant, the interpersonal skills are very easy and he demonstrates a lot of professionalism. The fluidity of exchanges is remarkable as is their responsiveness. He is available and has a good understanding of our needs.’
‘High level of service and very flexible. This team is able to tirelessly assist us n connection with our ever-changing approach. They are a great support.’
Key clients
SONOS
SHRED-IT
CARGLASS BELRON
CAUSEWAY TECHNOLOGIES LTD
FIVES
onepoint
NOVO NORDISK
SYMPHONY EYC
BIRD RIDES
AIR CANADA
KYRIBA
UNITED AIRLINES
HARPERCOLLINS
HACHETTE
SOPHOS
NORWEGIAN AIR
Work highlights
- Advised Hachette at group level as well as at publishers level on all labour law aspects in both advisory and litigation matters.
- Advised NORWEGIAN AIR RESOURCES on specific issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reorganization process due to the liquidation procedure of the company.
- Advised Novo Nordisk at a group level on strategic projects related to employment issues in France, in Europe and in the Maghreb.
Paul Hastings LLP
Practice head(s):
Stéphane Henry
Testimonials
‘The firm has always advised us effectively and clearly. Our collaboration is excellent and their solid knowledge and experience have been extremely useful to us on many occasions.’
‘We work with Stephane Henry. He is available and knows our company well. The legal information requested is always provided quickly and its implementation explained with great clarity. Stephane has always been warm and very professional which facilitates a fluid collaboration.’
‘The level of expertise and knowledge in the area of French employment law is a strength for this practice. No matter the type of issue or degree of complexity, the team will provide comprehensive guidance in support of our business objectives and in compliance with French law.’
‘The team responds quickly and timely and provides a comprehensive response to the questions posed. Appreciate their willingness to ensure understanding and to support the business objectives of our organisation.’
Key clients
Principal
Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés
Practice head(s):
Aurélie Fournier
Other key lawyers:
François Troadec
Testimonials
‘A team involved in its files, responsive and very reassuring for clients. At ease in English and French and very pedagogical.’
‘François Troadec is very accessible, precise and pragmatic. A business and dealmaker spirit.’
‘Very good knowledge of the banking sector. Ability to develop a long-term client relationship with personalised support, taking into account the DNA and client issues, and not just ‘standard’ legal advice. Tenacity to bring difficult negotiations to a successful conclusion.’
‘Aurélie Fournier provides tailor-made advice, delivering secure solutions for our organisation and adapted to the situations to be managed. Takes into account all of the risk parameters (image, financial). High level of expertise, shared with the client. High relationship confidence which is key given the sensitivity of the subjects Responsiveness, with a labour law team listening to us whatever the time of year. Other members of the team that are appreciated: Marien Chabot, Cindy Souffrin, François Troadec’.
‘Editorial qualities and in-depth analysis of the documents.’
‘Good availability and rigour.’
‘Aurélie Fournier and François Troadec are excellent lawyers focused on client satisfaction.’
‘Aurélie Fournier is pugnacious, entirely dedicated to her clients, pragmatic & a dealmaker. She is also excellent in negotiations and litigation.’
Key clients
Baccarat
WENDEL
BNP Paribas
Raise
Aigle Azur
Work highlights
- Advised BNP Paribas at group level on the definition of employees’ compensation relating to Covid-19 in France.
- Assisted Baccarat with the employment and labour aspects of the reorganisation of its debt that led to the takeover bid launched by its shareholder.
- Represented BNP Paribas in a litigation before the Paris tribunal judiciaire to challenge the appointment of a CGT representative to the working council.
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP ‘s prominent practice counts many leading companies as long-term clients, including household names from the automobile and energy sectors. The group is well versed in carrying out large-scale restructuring projects and in advising on the employment aspects of high-profile M&A transaction. The implementation of employment law reforms and new policies, such as night working, ‘going-back’ to work and remote work policies also keep the firm busy these days. Companies also turn to the practice for complex litigation, for example regarding discrimination and harassment claims, both areas of particularly strong expertise of the team. Finally, the team is acting in several strategic Covid-19-related proceedings regarding the issues of back-payment of restaurant tickets that were not provided during the lockdown periods. The team is co-headed by the legendary Yasmine Tarasewicz and includes the equally excellent Béatrice Pola, Nicolas Léger and Alexandra Stocki.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Béatrice Pola; Nicolas Léger; Alexandra Stocki
Testimonials
‘My contacts take into account the business dimension in addition to the legal aspects.’
‘I greatly appreciated the collaboration with Alexandra Stocki for the following reasons: speed in understanding the issues, relevance of the questions, availability, respect for the commitment to provide an answer, very pleasant relationship. She does not limit herself to giving a legal opinion, but provides solutions to support the business and protect the interests of the company, expertise in employment law and jurisprudence, project monitoring, rigour in execution, efforts on invoicing, pragmatism, reassuring, capacity work, sound advice.’
‘They roll up their sleeves and take the subject head on, twist it in all directions to find the best solutions according to the client’s request. I will gladly work with the firm again.’
Key clients
General Electric
Renault
Pwc Société d'Avocats
Practice head(s):
Bernard Borrely
Other key lawyers:
Aurélie Cluzel d’Andlau; Corinne Guyot Chavanon
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Montagu Private Equity
IK Investments Partners
Weinberg Capital Partners
AG2R la Mondiale
Core Equity Holdings
Dyneff
EQT Partners
Futjitsu Limited
Towerbrook Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Core Equity on employment law due diligence work relation with the acquisition of Provalliance.
- Advising CVC Capital Partners on employment law due diligence in connection with its acquisition of Panzani’s dry pasta, sauces, couscous and semolina activities.
- Advising Weinberg Capital Partners on employment law due diligence work in relation to the disposal of Resilians.
Racine
Racine‘s prominent team assists a high-profile client base that includes a leading French bank and insurer, several leading French companies and numerous SMEs. The practice handles a high volume of strategic governance and restructuring work, often working alongside the firm’s insolvency practice. The group also demonstrates strength in advising on the employment law aspects of M&A transactions and was recently involved in one of the market’s largest publicly listed transactions. Litigation and sensitive individual files area other areas of strength. The practice is co-headed by the excellent Frédéric Broud, Carla Di Fazio Perrin, Sarah Usunier and Philippe Rogez.
Practice head(s):
Frédéric Broud; Sarah Usunier; Philippe Rogez; Carla Di Fazio Perrin
Testimonials
‘Very good expertise in labour law.’
‘Philippe Rogez’s team has excellent knowledge of labour law; shows good pragmatism and responsiveness. They have a very good knowledge of the banking sector.’
‘Sarah Usunier shows high professionalism, sense of service, responsiveness, eagerness to find practical solutions to complex and sensitive problems. She puts herself in the client’s shoes to find solutions.’
Key clients
Office Dépôt
Presstalis
Raphaël
Practice head(s):
Isabelle Ayache-Revah; Marion Ayadi
Key clients
Crédit Agricole CIB
Fujifilm
Patrick Fabre Groupe
Domino’s Pizza
Groupement des Cartes bancaires
AMI Paris
Work highlights
- Assisting Fujifilm with complex labour disputes, involving discrimination based on union membership, moral harassment, work-related illness, and unfair competition.
Reinhart Marville Torre
Reinhart Marville Torre assists a prominent base, including many French blue chip clients from the banking, energy and luxury goods sectors. The firm is able to deal with a broad range of individual and collective issues. It particularly stands out for its high-level ability to manage sensitive litigation and individual files. Olivier Bluche is a key name for companies and high-profile executives seeking expertise on governance issues and revocation files in addition to being an expert in sensitive issues, such as ethics and alert matters. Catherine Broussot-Morin shoulders a varied caseload, including assisting with restructuring work, while Agathe Moreau specialises in advising companies and their insurers on managing issues arising from work accident, professional illness and gross negligence cases. The three partners co-head the practice following the departure of Soazig Préteseille Taillardat in April 2021.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Bluche; Catherine Broussot-Morin; Agathe Moreau
Testimonials
‘Good advice on complex ethical issues.’
‘Olivier Bluche has excellent expertise on ethical issues, demonstrating very good ability to make them accessible and to help top management in decision-making on those complex subjects.’
Key clients
YVES SAINT-LAURENT
L’OREAL
MANPOWER GROUP
GEODIS
ANDRITZ
BPCE
AGENCE REUTER
COALLIA
ISCAR
SIARR / Horizon global
Rigaud Avocats
Rigaud Avocats is a boutique firm dedicated to handling compensation and benefits issues. The firm has extensive experience in the area and advises many CAC 40 groups, particularly on the implementation and restructuring of their pension and compensation schemes. The firm also handles related litigation. David Rigaud, Pascale Baron, Xavier Pignaud and Amélie Wazir-Leparquier co-lead the practice.
Practice head(s):
David Rigaud; Pascale Baron; Xavier Pignaud; Amélie Wazir-Leparquier
Testimonials
‘The firm has specific expertise in social benefits in France, a particularly highly changing and technical field with very high stakes for companies. This firm has a good knowledge of practices, advising many large groups and it is very aware of legislative and regulatory development projects.’
‘We work with David Rigaud and Xavier Pignaud who give us complete satisfaction, in particular by their ability to integrate the specificities and needs of our company.’
SCP Bardavid Tourneur
Practice head(s):
Jean-François Tourneur; Elisa Bardavid
Testimonials
‘Elisa Bardavid and Jean-François Tourneur are two excellent lawyers in employment law having both very good technical skills and a very fine strategic approach to complex subjects related to employment law. It is extremely pleasant to work with them given their extraordinary reactivity and the simplicity of the relations they have with their clients. Their small structure offers the same quality of services as a large business firm at an extremely competitive cost.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the subjects through the practice of his firm and very good ability to work on our files, namely dealing with employment due diligence and the employment law aspects of mergers and acquisitions files.’
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is in high demand by the largest financial institutions and asset management funds which turn to the team for key matters, including reorganisation matters and sensitive individual litigation. The practice also advises a lot of international corporations. Recent matters included several large downsizing and site closure projects for which the team worked hand in hand with the Paris’ insolvency and restructuring team. The automotive, TMT and retail sectors were particularly busy sectors for those matters. The team also works on M&A projects and assists clients with sensitive individual files. The practice is headed by Laurence Renard and also includes Julia Gori, who made partner in May 2021, and counsel Claire Le Touzé.
Practice head(s):
Laurence Renard
Other key lawyers:
Julia Gori; Claire Le Touzé
Testimonials
‘The team has good knowledge of the banking sector. Great agility during periods of lockdown to update on legal news via online tools, a highly appreciated initiative.’
‘Laurence Renard, Julia Gori and Sophie Finel offer us solutions adapted to our problems both in financial terms and in risk management. Tenacity in dealing with difficult cases in the long run. Excellent client relationship.’
‘A team that listens to clients, a very complete and ready-to-use job. Relevant and adapted advice. Listening to invoicing and rectification of working methods (time spent, contacts) immediate and appropriate. An excellent mastery of labour law. The expected documents (economic note, dismissal letter) are complete. Excellent strategic advice. Clear answers.’
‘The lawyers are very accessible. The client/lawyer relationship is simple, very cordial. Claire Le Touzé always keeps a smile. She is passionate about her job. Very pedagogical. Her proximity is a real asset: she understands clients’ needs. Very rigorous, attentive to detail, she is very positive.’
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Practice head(s):
Philippe Desprès
Testimonials
‘Responsiveness, competence, legal knowledge and practical approach.’
Key clients
Zayo Group Holdings Inc.
Silver Lake Partners
Coty Inc.
Iliad
F.I.L.A. Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A.
TriRX Pharmaceuticals
GBT Travel Services UK Limited
Willlis Towers Watson plc
Work highlights
- Advising Willis Towers Watson plc on the sale of Willis Re and Willis Tower’s corporate risk and broking and health and benefits services to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
- Advising GBT Travel Services UK Limited on its acquisition of Egencia Europe SAS (France) from Expedia Group.
- Advised Coty on its sale of a 60% interest in its professional beauty business and retail hair business.
Stephenson Harwood
Practice head(s):
Soazig Préteseille
Testimonials
‘Soazig Préteseille disposes of an excellent ability to understand complex factual and legal matters. She also carefully advises on the chances and risks of presenting certain pieces of evidence. She is always on top of the facts. In court proceedings she shows the required stamina to defend a case, but also the necessary oversight to not jeopardise the case. I would recommend her unconditionally for labour law cases.’
Key clients
AUXITROL WESTON (GROUPE TRANSDIM)
SIEMENS ENERGY
TK ELEVATOR FRANCE
GENERAL ELECTRIC HEALTHCARE
AECOM
AEG POWER SOLUTIONS
ZTE
VALDUNES
CHINA CONSTRUCTION BANK
LION TREE
Work highlights
- Advising Auxitrol Weston on the implementation of an employment safeguard plan (PSE) which affected more than 100 employees.
Taylor Wessing
Practice head(s):
Claudia Jonath; Markus Asshoff
Key clients
Lufthansa
Adobe
Delachaux
Calida
AMD
Epic Games
Flink
TNDA: Tuffal-Nerson Douarre & Associés
TNDA: Tuffal-Nerson Douarre & Associés, often praised for its remarkable work ethic, assists a prominent client base that includes several of France’s most high-profile banks and companies. The boutique offers a broad range of expertise and is especially recommended for its ability to handle crisis management, complex litigation and governance issues. The practice is co-headed by founding member Véronique Tuffal-Nerson, an expert in highly sensitive and strategic files, often concerning key governance issues and vice-president of the Mediation and Arbitration Centre; Martine Rivereau-Trzmiel, whose specialty is high-stakes litigation; the well rounded Nicolas Durand-Gasselin and Guillaume Verdier, who is making a name for himself handing high-stakes professional illness and accident files. Criminal law partner Karine Pérotin and corporate law of counsel Armelle Walters-Renaud also contribute.
Practice head(s):
Véronique Tuffal-Nerson; Martine Rivereau-Trzmiel; Nicolas Durand-Gasselin; Guillaume Verdier
Testimonials
‘A boutique firm, highly specialised in the various branches of labour law (individual and collective issues).’
‘Véronique Tuffal-Nerson is a great specialist in labour law, capable of great creativity, even in the most challenging situations or disputes.’
‘Very technical approach while developing friendly and warm relationships’
‘A united team with complementary skills, offering a very pleasant relationship and who remains close to the client. The team makes itself available when the context requires it.’
‘The lawyers/partners provide fine analyses, adapted to our company and to the particular case at hand: their advice is judicious and timely, they master the managing of sensitive social security protection files, and delicate negotiation or mediation situation.’
‘Me Guillaume Verdier knows how to make himself available including during his periods of leave. He is an expert in employment law who has an excellent understanding of the business issues of a company.’
‘Their approach is to understand the environment and the context of their clients in order to offer them solutions, whatever the issues. Their approaches are always very innovative legally speaking, and on several occasions they have created jurisprudence in relation to complex cases, collective agreements, new regulation and soft law.’
‘The partners of this firm not only are in experts, they are part of our team and are 100% involved until our files are secure. Their availability and responsiveness is exceptional. We can count on them under all circumstances.’
UGGC Avocats
UGGC Avocats has been particularly busy assisting with complex working conditions issues since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, including advice on workplace safety questions. Additionally, the practice acted on a significant number of restructuring projects in various sectors, including in the particularly affected luxury hospitality sector, and acted in a high number of disputes in relation to the implementation of restructuring plans. The team advises prominent corporations, including leading names in the luxury, hospitality, banking and industrial sectors. The very experienced Sophie Uettwiller, Jennifer Carrel and Karine Audouze are the heads of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Sophie Uettwiller; Jennifer Carrel; Karine Audouze
Testimonials
‘An available and responsive firm that supports our company’s strategy over the longterm. They provided excellent support during the Covid crisis.’
‘Sophie Uettwiller is an excellent lawyer who accompanies our company with finesse, taking into account our reality. We appreciate her listening and analytical skills.’
‘The team, under the leadership of Sophie Uettwiller, is excellent. Availability and responsiveness are always there, but also the ability to propose several strategies and always listen to priorities and/or strategic issues of their clients.’
‘I appreciate Sophie Uettwiller’s technical qualities, but also her listening skills, availability and above all our discussions which help to develop the best strategies. In addition, I enjoy working with her team.’
Key clients
LE CRÉDIT LYONNAIS (LCL)
LIDL
GROUPE KERING
INNOTHERA
HOTEL RITZ-PARIS
SOFTBANK GROUP
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS
AMERICAN AIRLINES
SPORTFIVE (FORMERLY LAGARDÈRE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT)
INTRADO (FORMERLY WEST)
MCAFEE
MULLENLOWE GROUP
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE
Vaughan Avocats
Practice head(s):
Paul van Deth; Bruno Courtine; Aude Serres van Gaver; Sandra Thiry; Bastien Ottoviani; Fabrice Perruchot; Thomas Fernandez-Boni; Cecile Cottin-Dusart
Testimonials
‘The team is very aware of each of its files and offers precise follow-up: the team does not send us conclusions or decisions without informing us precisely with detailed billing about how the time was spent; and they are totally adaptable to our work situation.’
‘A real strength of this team is its stability. This makes it possible to build a long-term partnership with interlocutors who perfectly understand the environment, the history and the challenges of the client to provide pragmatic and personalized advice.’
‘Bastien Ottaviani has been providing us with quality advice for a long time. He stands out in particular through his ability to offer clear opinions by taking pragmatic positions to support the client’s decision-making.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and has hands-on business understanding.’
‘I especially work with Thomas Fernandez-Boni who always prioritises matters sent to him and always delivers on time. He is pragmatic and solution-oriented and has great knowledge of the business environment and the companies that he works with. He is a go-to person in France.’
‘Strong competence, commitment to the client, appropriate insights.’
‘A competent and available team that can be easily reached.’
‘The firm is solution-oriented and provides concrete and operational solutions. It does not content itself with just reminding us of the law or case law, but guides us to find solutions to the difficulties encountered.’
Key clients
TECHNIP ENERGIES
S 30
ALSTOM
SOPRA
FAURECIA
SAFT
FM LOGISTIC
BRITTANY Ferries
LEGRAND
DHL SERVICES ET LOGISTIQUE
ONET Services
Vivant Avocats
Vivant Avocats is the strategic adviser to several leading French companies, notably in the media and telecoms sectors, and is particularly busy acting on large-scale restructuring and downsizing projects as well as on prominent M&A transactions, including public M&A deals. The boutique is home to highly-regarded practice head Antoine Vivant, Caroline Merle, Bertrand Castex and several associates, among which Emmanuel de Montalembert deserves a particular mention.
Practice head(s):
Antoine Vivant
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Merle; Bertrand Castex; Emmanuel de Montalembert
Testimonials
‘Combines a very high level of know-how in litigation and transactional matters in all areas of labour law. Caroline Merle provides excellent advice and knows how to maintain a fine balance between technical considerations and practical issues.’
‘Great availability of teams and strong support. Great availability and always very pleasant contact.’
‘A tight and agile team with a great complementarity of skills and experience. I particularly appreciate the responsiveness and availability, which is very valuable in the event of a crisis. Two major and differentiating points: creativity and the ability to dare to take steps outside the usual framework while perfectly securing social processes and negotiations.’
‘The team is always immediately available to our requests; they are reactive; innovative in their approach. Caroline Merle is responsive, professional, innovative and dedicated. Antoine Vivant is extremely excellent in labour relations strategy and labour disputes.’
‘The team is very close to the client’s business and its real needs, beyond employment law stricto sensu – the intimate understanding of real needs is literally impressive, which produces high-quality advice, well beyond the exegesis of the labour code alone. The transformation of our company is greatly facilitated by this approach which combines short-term and medium-term vision. Creativity is the firm’s first quality. Antoine Vivant is undoubtedly an inspiring leader who makes his team grow remarkably.’
Key clients
ALTICE MEDIA GROUP (RMC/BFM TV)
CMA CGM
EUROP ASSISTANCE
GEISMAR
GUERLAIN
LVMH
MANPOWER PPG
RESIDE ETUDES
SAGEB
SFR
VIVENDI
VUITTON
Work highlights
- Advising Vivendi on the Universal Music Group’s IPO.
- Advising Vivendi on the acquisition of Prisma Media.
- Advising SFR following its acquisition of COVAGE.
White & Case LLP
Headed by Alexandre Jaurett, White & Case LLP‘s team works hand-in-hand with the corporate practice to assist with large M&A and private equity transactions, including IPOs. The team recently worked on two major IPOs and acted on one of France’s most high-profile mergers in the audiovisual sector. Adept at handling domestic and cross-border matters, the group is a good choice for foreign companies wishing to set up branches in France, with a recent matter coming from a fintech player, and companies undergoing reorganisations of international dimension, with the work on the reorganisation of a foreign bank a recent example. Leading French and international corporations as well as private equity funds are clients. Valérie Ménard is the second key contact.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Jaurett
Other key lawyers:
Valérie Ménard
Testimonials
‘Valérie Ménard has an excellent understanding of financial and social issues and a very good understanding of adequate negotiation tactics; very fine and precise advice.’
‘Valérie Ménard is a very good professional, solid, good negotiator and excellent: good support even under stress.’
‘Valérie Ménard’s experience and expertise was essential in instilling confidence in our team and management so that we could successfully manage the employment aspects of a carve-out in France. Valérie Ménard has a practical approach and her professionalism and commitment was exemplary throughout the process.’
Key clients
Ebro Foods
Korian
Goldman Sachs
Eurazeo
Gapave
Svenska Handelsbanken
Klarna
Primetals Technologies
Believe
RTL Group
Aramis Group
Faurecia
Chedid Capital
Schneider Electric
THOM Group
Oaktree Capital Management
Whop Holding
Redwood Capital
Novasep
Work highlights
- Advising RTL Group in connection with its entry into exclusive negotiations with Groupe TF1, Groupe M6 and Groupe Bouygues to merge the activities of Groupe TF1 and Groupe M6 and create a major French media group.
- Advising Spanish agri-food group Ebro Foods S.A. on its entry into exclusive negotiations with CVC Capital Partners VIII for the proposed disposal of the Panzani dry pasta, couscous, sauces and semolina business.
- Advising Believe, a digital music company, in connection with its initial public offering (IPO) on Euronext Paris.
YARDS
Practice head(s):
Christine Hillig-Poudevigne; Sophie Lemaître
Testimonials
‘Strong client listening skills, high responsiveness and commitment.’
‘A lot of expertise, good set of values and commitment.’
‘Availability, responsiveness, professionalism of Christine Hillig-Poudevigne’.
‘I mainly work with Sophie Lemaître. I have total confidence in her and I have found a real partner there beyond the support of the lawyer.’
‘The team always provides a practical approach to problem-solving and is always very responsive to requests.’
‘Christine Hillig-Poudevigne stands out for her practical approach and understanding of our business. She provides useful business-oriented advice in a timely and efficient manner.’
‘Close-knit and dynamic team, good internal communication within the firm for optimal management of files.’
‘This firm adapts to the demands of its client and gives the related advice. The relationship with the client is privileged and personalised.’
Social Security: Compensation And Benefits