The expert group at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. advises administrative and public bodies, as well as businesses, on the full range of public law matters. The group is particularly skilled in mandates relating to public procurement contracts, public-private partnerships, urban planning and development, and the energy sector. Thomas Courtel has extensive experience in PPPs, privatisation and nationalisation, whilst Emmanuel Vital-Durand is an urban planning expert. Bénédicte Mazel's portfolio extends to advice on public-private partnerships and financing transactions. The team also includes Alexandre Gauthier, a key contact for real estate, and Tiphanie Mareuse, who focuses on public contract law. Former co-head Frédéric Mion left the firm in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘An excellent team capable of addressing all the issues that can arise in public real estate law. One of the best teams in the field.’
- ‘Alexandre Gauthier is an excellent advisor who perfectly understands the issues at stake and the client's expectations, combining pragmatism, clarity and technical expertise.’
- ‘The team demonstrates exceptional technical and interpersonal skills: they have a deep understanding of client challenges, are highly available and responsive, and their advice is consistently relevant, both technically and strategically. They are one of the best teams in the market.’
- ‘Thomas Courtel: expertise, pragmatism, and availability.'
- ‘An exceptional team with an unwavering level of analytical excellence, regardless of the content or complexity of the cases. This remarkable legal acumen is coupled with a keen understanding of political and institutional issues, positioning this firm as a leading name in Paris. Partners, counsel, and associates of the highest calibre, with unparalleled availability and responsiveness.’
Key clients
- Dalkia Eiffage
- Eiffage
- Iveco
- Neptune Lines Services
Work highlights
Advising the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), based in Washington with a local branch in Brussels, on its litigation against the Metropole of Nice, who has decided, for environmental reasons, to ban the access of the largest cruise ships (over 900 passengers) to its seaports.
Advising Imerys on planning and authorisations aspects of its project to develop a lithium mine in Auvergne known as “EMILI project” and associated industrial facilities.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: Urban planning
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Thomas Courtel; Bénédicte Mazel; Emmanuel Vital-Durand; Alexandre Gauthier
Other key lawyers
Tiphanie Mareuse