Ms Mélanie Thill-Tayara > Dechert LLP > Paris, France > Lawyer Profile

Dechert LLP is highly regarded for its prowess in the life sciences sector, frequently acting for leading pharmaceutical companies in high-profile merger control cases and antitrust litigation; its impressive recent highlights include securing a victory for Roche before the Paris Court of Appeal in a challenge to a fine imposed by the FCA. The team is experienced across the board of EU and competition law matters, but is particularly noted for its expertise in cartel and abuse of dominance cases, where Mélanie Thill-Tayara (who also leads the global life sciences practice) has an excellent reputation. Laurence Bary and Marion Provost are also names to note.

Dechert LLP houses a ‘dynamic’ team which advises a number of notable clients, including Roche and Sofinnova. The group displays ‘great’ expertise when handling a broad range of issues, including financings, cases against the French Competition Authority, and the IP aspects of transactions. Alain Decombe and Mélanie Thill-Tayara jointly head the practice. Decombe is known for his deep corporate expertise which spans the negotiation and structuring of share deals, and corporate reorganisations. Thill-Tayara has ample knowledge of antitrust and competition issues, having acted in numerous abuse of dominance and cartel disputes before both EU and French courts. Regulatory specialist Sophie Pelé frequently assists clients with public law-related issues, including contentious market access matters before the administrative supreme court in France.