HFW > Paris, France > Firm Profile

HFW > The Legal 500 Rankings

France > Aviation Tier 1

HFW‘s Paris aviation team covers transactions, regulatory work and dispute resolution, regularly acting in high-profile, complex litigations involving multiple jurisdictions. Following its appointment to AXA’s global panel and French panel, the team has acted as counsel for AXA XL in several crashes and damage claims in Africa. Based in Paris and Brussels, Pierre Frühling leads the aviation team with Jean-Baptiste Charles who joined the partnership in 2020. Whilst usually acting on behalf of airlines, the firm has more recently received instructions from lessors.

France > Insurance Tier 1

Acting for major insurers such as AXA, Zurich and General, as well as underwriters, brokers, policyholders and other intermediaries involved in high-value cross-border claims, the insurance and reinsurance team at the Paris office of global firm HFW continues to lead in the marketplace. Headed by international commercial litigation and arbitration expert Olivier Purcell, the group’s expertise covers product liability, professional indemnity and public liability insurance coverage and claim litigation. The management of third party disputes is another area of strength. Guillaume Brajeux advises on industrial risks while Iris Vögeding specialises in matters involving the transport, renewables, pharmaceuticals and food sectors.

France > Shipping Tier 1

Led by Guillaume Brajeux, HFW‘s shipping experts have got  ‘indisputable legal competence’. The practice has an international full-service capacity in both wet and dry shipping. Handling travel agency liability and personal injury claims, Stéphanie Schweitzer has specialist insight into the cruise and tourism industry. Providing top-level assistance in complex litigation and arbitration, Stanislas Lequette and Vincent Bénézech often take on shipping matters in West African countries. Commercial yachting matters are another area of strength. Mona Dejean stands out at associate level.

France > Aviation finance Tier 2

HFW has had extensive experience in large-scale fleet restructuring for French airlines, particularly throughout the pandemic period. Testament to its expertise, the firm has been continuously instructed by Air Corsica in the negotiation of several transactions, including the sale and leaseback of two Airbus A320ceo with Lixxbail. Advising clients on their industry breakthrough activities, the team has assisted shipping company CMA-CGM with the launch of its air cargo activity. Pierre Frühling handles both aviation transactions and disputes as well as aviation finance in Paris and Brussels.

France > Shipping finance Tier 2

HFW‘s expertise covers the full range of shipping finance matters, including asset finance, ECA financings, acquisition finance, and financial restructuring. The firm regularly acts as counsel for world-leading shipowners, banks, private and public financial institutions, and maritime service providers. Jean-Marc Zampa has developed over 20 years of specialised expertise in complex financial transactions and has renowned experience in big-ticket ship financings under the French tax lease structure, coupled with export credit cover for cruise vessels and container ships. Senior associate Olivier Challine is valued for his ‘pragmatism’ and ‘professionalism’.

France > Banking and finance: transactional work Tier 4

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