Specialised across both contentious and non-contentious maritime work, Clyde & Co LLP is retained by a range of clients including traders, insurers and oil companies. The team also advises shipowners on the drafting of agreements and on handling incidents at sea and is highly regarded for its work on insured liability claims. Gildas Rostain leads the shipping practice and is experienced representing clients in high-value litigation both domestically and abroad. Rozenn Lopin is another key name in the practice, typically advising industrial companies on risk management.

HFW fields a full-service maritime practice with a strong international reach. The team undertakes both wet and dry shipping work, acting for P&I clubs, underwriters and shipowners on matters including indemnity claims, sale and purchase agreements and is regularly instructed on major casualties off the French coastline. Additionally, the practice has in-depth knowledge of the cruise and tourism industries, in particular relating to commercial yachting. Dispute resolution specialist Guillaume Brajeux heads the department, with Stanislas Lequette, whose practice includes both transactional and contentious matters, ship arrests, collisions and charter party disputes expert Stéphanie Schweitzer, commercial litigator Vincent Bénézech and senior associate Mona Dejean as key members.

Lewis & Co AARPI is sought out for significant maritime casualty cases, being retained by a number of P&I clubs following collisions. Other key areas include commercial disputes, trade, and insurance, all with a strong international element due largely to the practice's strong presence in francophone countries in North and West Africa. Lars Lewis leads the group and undertakes the full range of shipping work. Cross-border litigation specialist Leila Esnard is another name to note.

The team at Reed Smith advises clients on both French and English law covering all aspects of shipping transport and logistics, international trade and customs law, including charter party disputes. The group is regularly instructed by clients involved in the African market, particularly for contract negotiations and to advise on transactions. Jointly led by litigation and arbitration specialist Ana Atallah and financing expert Florent Rigaud, the team has further depth in contentious matters in Andrew Tetley. Victoria Westcott is another name to note for her advice on asset and export finance.

Stream – Avocats et Solicitors' shipping department is experienced in handling litigation and transactions. On the contentious side, the team has represented clients in all types of casualty work including collisions, assistance, rescue and pollution. Non-contentious work includes assistance with chartering agreements, construction, sale and purchase, and the financing of all types of vessels. The key contacts for the group are Alexandre Besnard and Aymeric de Tapol.

The departure of Henri de Richemont in December 2020 to form Richemont Delviso preceded the dissolution of boutique maritime law firm Richemont Nicolas & Associés and the subsequent creation of NICOLAS & ASSOCIES. The firm is particularly experienced in advising on transport, insurance, commercial and international law matters. The practice also litigates on the full range of shipping issues including marine casualty, contracts of carriage and charter party disputes and ship arrest. Christophe Nicolas is the key name.