France 2023
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior legal manager, real estate and infrastructure, EMEA | EQUINIX
General counsel, reservoir performance division | Schlumberger
General counsel and senior vice president, corporate M&A | TotalEnergies
Executive vice president, legal affairs and internal audit | Bureau Veritas Group
Group general counsel, vice president legal, risks and compliance, company secretary | Colas Group
Group general secretary and general counsel | Expleo Group
General counsel and member of the management board in charge of legal, compliance, sustainability, and regulatory affairs | Natixis
General counsel and corporate secretary, member of the Airbus executive committee, chairman of Airbus UK | Airbus
Global head of competition law and general counsel, France | ArcelorMittal
Executive vice president legal, secretary of the board | Groupe SEB
Chief legal officer, secretary to the board of directors, member of the Renault Group’s leadership team | Renault Group
General counsel for EMEA, for IP/IT and global vendors | Ipsos
Group corporate social responsibility director and general counsel | Verallia
Group general counsel | LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
Group general counsel and secretary of the advisory board | Groupe BPCE
Vice president legal - general counsel region Northern Europe | Saint-Gobain
Executive vice president and general counsel | Veolia Environnement
General counsel, Europe and global head of legal watch, regulatory and ESG | Crédit Agricole CIB
General corporate secretary and secretary of the board | Rexel
President of the AFJE (Association rançaise des Juristes d'Entreprises) | Association rançaise des Juristes d'Entreprises
Vice president, group general counsel and company secretary | Dassault Systemes
Executive director legal and compliance, audits and risks, professional interaction excellence | Roche
On behalf of The Legal 500, I am truly delighted to introduce the GC Powerlist: France 2023. This edition celebrates the remarkable talents and achievements of France’s leading in-house counsel, and gives insight on the roles they play in contributing to the growth and development of the companies and industries in which they operate, while navigating unprecedented changes in the legal environment.
The second edition since the Covid-19 pandemic, this compilation explores how in-house legal professionals continue to adapt to and manage crises, especially in the face of other major events that have had global unprecedented impacts on regulatory environments, industries, and the very role of the legal function.
It also showcases the impressive cases and transactions spearheaded by these individuals, alongside their views on various phenomena impacting the legal sector, such as the evolving role of the general counsel, and the emergence of novel technologies that have transformed the work they do.
On this, Jean-Michel Orion, Radio France states, “[i]n the face of digital transformation, legal directors will have to continue to adapt to the rapid evolution of technology. This means managing the legal challenges associated with data protection, cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence in the legal field.”
According to, Maï Novello, group deputy chief legal and compliance officer at SCOR, they will need “[a]gility and versatility, as well as an appetite to push the boundaries of their traditional way of working in a fast-changing environment.”
As general counsel take on this challenge, they will be aided by the imminent acknowledgement and implementation of legal privilege, a welcome development that will no doubt, support advice issued by general counsel, and allow them to better secure the interests of their company.
In line with the seemingly endless crises the world has been experiencing, this edition contains various strategies these esteemed counsel employ to mitigate risks and protect their companies. While it is an unspoken rule to pre-empt and manage potential challenges, it is also equally (if not more) important to have a crisis management plan in place – especially one that all team members can follow cohesively.
Manuel Mesquita, head of legal corporate at Auchan Retail International says it best: “The worst thing that can happen in a time of crisis is when each member of the team takes isolated initiatives because actions may conflict and lead to an increase in workload.” Sharif Abousaada, group general counsel at Maurel & Prom adds, “I truly believe that we are stronger together and that it is important to leverage the experience and creativity of all members of the team in a crisis situation.”
Echoing the widely accepted view that the legal function should double as business partners, the approaches also include extensive engagements with stakeholders and business leaders, such as the CEO.
The interviews in this edition of The GC Powerlist: France 2023 also provide extensive views on widely popular trends that the legal industry is currently experiencing – contract automation, increased focus on ESG strategies – and how these highly skilled professionals are leveraging their roles in driving these developments and making positive contributions, while remaining conscious of operating within ethical, compliance and regulatory parameters.
We would like to congratulate and express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who featured in this edition, and graciously contributed their time and insights to make this year’s rundown on France’s elite in-house counsel a success.
Funke Olufon| Research Analyst The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Series
GC Summit Colombia 2026 brought together senior in-house counsel, private practice lawyers and legal industry professionals for an afternoon of discussion focused on the regulatory, commercial and practical challenges shaping the legal landscape across Latin America. Beginning with registration and a light lunch, the programme set a collaborative tone, allowing attendees to connect ahead of a series of substantive panel sessions.
Following opening remarks, the first panel, sponsored by Holland & Knight, examined antitrust compliance in Colombia and its growing importance for companies operating in an increasingly scrutinised and fast-moving environment. The discussion highlighted how competition law has evolved into a strategic business concern rather than a purely legal one. Panellists shared in-house perspectives on designing and updating effective compliance programmes, managing competition risks in dynamic markets, and responding to investigations and information requests from authorities. Particular attention was given to aligning legal strategy with business objectives and to the expanding role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in supporting compliance, risk management and decision-making. Drawing on practical experience, the session offered grounded insights into emerging trends and best practices for navigating antitrust compliance today.
The second panel, sponsored by Posse Herrera Ruiz, shifted the focus to labour and employment law and how organisations can prepare for 2026 without burnout. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, regulatory change and shifting workforce expectations, speakers explored how employers can balance legal risk with operational resilience. The discussion covered workforce restructuring, labour costs, flexibility, union relations and the increasing relevance of wellbeing and ESG considerations. Rather than abstract forecasts, the panel concentrated on realistic strategies to anticipate disruption, respond to change and make informed decisions, providing attendees with a pragmatic framework for facing the coming years with clarity and confidence.
After a short coffee break, attention turned to regional investment trends with a session sponsored by Pellerano & Herrera on the Dominican Republic. The discussion examined the regulatory developments, sector-specific opportunities, and legal considerations influencing both foreign and domestic investment. Speakers reflected on recent reforms and market dynamics, as well as the practical challenges faced by companies operating in or entering the jurisdiction. The panel offered a forward-looking view on why the Dominican Republic continues to attract international interest and what businesses should be mindful of as the legal landscape evolves.
This was followed by a fireside chat sponsored by ECIJA GPA focusing on Ecuador’s energy sector. The conversation addressed the ongoing crisis and its implications for investors and businesses, providing insight into the current legal and regulatory framework and the key risks involved. Alongside these challenges, the session also explored emerging opportunities within the sector, offering a balanced perspective on how stakeholders can protect investments while identifying areas for potential growth in a difficult environment.
The Congress continued with a panel sponsored by Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co. on artificial intelligence in Colombia. The discussion explored the developing regulatory oversight of AI, including draft legislation in Congress and public policies introduced by the national government. Speakers examined the legal and practical risks associated with implementing AI tools, such as questions of liability, algorithmic transparency and accountability, as well as the broader implications for the future of legal practice. The session underscored the need for legal teams to stay engaged with technological change while maintaining robust governance frameworks.
The day concluded with an interactive session sponsored by Legal 500 on the day-to-day practice of an in-house lawyer. This final panel offered an honest look at the realities of working within a business, addressing both legal and non-legal challenges. Topics included the importance of soft skills, managing and developing talent, working with Gen Z, and the role of rising stars within legal teams. With questions encouraged throughout, the discussion resonated strongly with attendees, closing the event on a practical and reflective note that captured the evolving nature of the in-house role.
The event provided a comprehensive and regionally informed overview of the issues currently shaping legal practice, combining strategic insight with practical guidance across competition, labour, investment, energy, technology and in-house management.
It concluded with an excellent selection of canapés and drinks, enjoyed in a lively room filled with engaged and enthusiastic attendees.
