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Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance

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France

1

Administrative and public law

With particular expertise in the transport and energy sectors, Clifford Chance advises a diverse clientele on major infrastructure projects, as well as green- and brownfield transactions. The group is also active in both litigation and arbtiration procedures across a broad range of public law mandates. Leading the practice, David Préat represents public authorities, sponsors and lenders in infrastructure projects and transactions, with a particular focus on transport, energy and sports matters. Jean-Baptiste Merigot De Treigny is also a public contracts specialist and a key contact for regulatory matters and administrative litigation, whilst Clémence Graffan is skilled in the energy sector. Gauthier Martin and Clémence Graffan left the firm in April 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Gauthier Martin and his team are exceptional, capable of producing top-level analyses to shed light on complex issues. They also demonstrate considerable negotiation skills in the context of contractual discussions or the legal and financial structuring of large-scale projects. They undoubtedly possess the most in-depth market knowledge in the energy sector in all its aspects, particularly regarding the development of renewable and nuclear projects.’
  • ‘Very reactive, strong team.’
  • ‘Gauthier Martin - best in class.’
  • ‘An integrated vision of the operation, a partner who manages 100% of aspects related to the firm's areas of expertise. One point of contact, the firm's strength.’
  • ‘Jean-Baptiste Merigot de Treigny, recently promoted to partner, is a rising star: competence, management of large and sensitive transactions, and the ability to analyze a case from every angle, beyond public law implications, by integrating criminal law, labor law, commercial law, etc. – a rare and valuable asset.’
  • ‘In-depth knowledge of the business and the client's specific needs. Excellent availability.’
  • ‘Excellent responsiveness, ability to reassure. Proven expertise in major infrastructure projects.’
  • ‘Committed, professional, competent.’

Key clients

  • French Ministry in charge of transport (DGTIM – DGAC – DGTM Guyane)
  • EDF
  • SNCF Gares & Connexions
  • Velvet / Proxima
  • Eiffage
  • Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe (SCSNE)
  • EDF Renouvelables
  • Mapple Power
  • EIB

Work highlights

Advising EDF on structuring of the €67bn programme for the development of six new EPR2 (European Pressurized Reactor) nuclear reactor projects in France, set to be operational in 2030.
Advising the French Ministry in charge of transport (DGAC and Cabinet) on the structuring and for the award of a new concession contract for Nantes-Atlantique Airport (NA) and Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport (SN).
Advising Velvet (Proxima), the first independent high-speed train operator in France, on the negotiation and signing of the contracts for the supply and maintenance of the rolling stock and related financing, the agreements with LISEA for the use of its new maintenance depot, the implementation of the industrial and financing contracts, as well as on strategic regulatory issues.

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.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

David Préat

Other key lawyers

Jean-Baptiste Merigot De Treigny; Clément Fricaudet