The ‘exceptional’ Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP houses a comprehensive public law practice which is particularly commended for its expertise in the fields of energy (where the team continues to advise on high-profile nuclear and hydrogen power projects), telecoms, and rail and road transport. In addition to assisting with complex regulatory matters, the group advises on public procurement, concessions, project finance and significant M&A transactions involving public sector companies. On the contentious side, the team is active in administrative litigation, including challenging the awarding of public contracts and seeking compensation from the French state. Frédéric Salat-Baroux, a highly regarded adviser to key players across the energy and infrastructure sectors, and Marc Lordonnois, who is well versed in public infrastructure projects and transactions, lead the team. Maria Kabanova and Quentin Lejeune have notable expertise in the energy, telecoms and transport sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is responsive, able to deal with very complex subjects and always looking for innovative solutions.’
‘Multidisciplinary team capable of handling complex subjects in their entirety.’
‘Strengths and assets: the competence and precision, great availability and responsiveness of the team.’
‘Great competence in their field, very responsive.’
‘Team capable of managing very complex files.’
‘Marc Lordonnois possesses a profound understanding of the law and a great ability to communicate complex legal concepts in an accessible manner to board and C- Suite level decision makers. His attention to detail and thorough preparation were evident throughout the process, which gave me, as general counsel, great confidence in the outcomes we achieved. Marc was always responsive to my inquiries, taking the time to listen to my concerns and providing thoughtful guidance tailored to my situation. He navigated the challenges with skill and persistence, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. ’
‘Exceptional team in terms of the quality of strategic advice and written arguments, commitment and results obtained over many years.’
‘Frédéric Salat-Baroux, who has an exceptional understanding of cases and remarkable power of strategic analysis, and Maria Kabanova stand out.’
Key clients
- Montefiore Investment
- Eurazéo
- Teréga
- Noven – CIM
- Hype
- Mon Veto – SYNGEV (Syndicat des groupes vétérinaires à investisseurs privés)
- URLEM (Union de la Radiologie libérale en Mouvement)
- RTE (Réseau Transport Electricité)
- Ardian
- EDF
Work highlights
Advising EDF on the New French Nuclear Programme: (i) the construction by EDF of six new nuclear power reactors in France by the end of 2035 and (ii) the launch of studies in view of the construction by EDF of eight additional nuclear power reactors.
Advising Teréga on the H2Med project, one of the main hydrogen import corridors via the Mediterranean, connecting Portugal, Spain and France and eventually North Africa in order to transport renewable hydrogen to the consumer countries of central Europe.
Advised Airbus Defence and Space SAS on the tender procedure for a public procurement contract to provide satellite communications services awarded by the European Defence Agency, and representing the consortium formed by the client and Marlink in a challenge to the decision to award the contract to a competitor.
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.
Practice head
Frédéric Salat-Baroux; Marc Lordonnois
Other key lawyers
Maria Kabanova; Quentin Lejeune