The ‘innovative and creative’ team at Clifford Chance continues to play a leading role at the procurement, financing and execution stage of some of France’s most high-profile public infrastructure projects, as well as handling sensitive arbitration and litigation relating to concession contracts. The firm is particularly prominent in the energy and transport sectors, acting for an enviable client roster of consortia, sponsors and lenders, in addition to the French state. David Préat, a highly regarded name for both contentious and advisory matters concerning public contracts, and Gauthier Martin, whose broad expertise covers public contracts and regulatory issues in the energy sector (particularly in relation to offshore wind power), oversee the team. Jean-Baptiste Merigot De Treigny and Clémence Graffan are also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are available, efficient and produce high quality work.’
‘They take a holistic view and are business oriented.’
'Innovative and creative.'
'Very good understanding of the company's issues, quality of written briefs in litigation, and ability to innovate both in terms of arguments and procedures.'
'David Préat and Jean-Baptiste Merigot provide a 360° overview of the challenges in a case, complementing the excellence of the team.'
Key clients
- French Ministry in charge of transport (DGTIM – DGAC)
- French Ministry in charge of energy (DGEC)
- SNCF Gares & Connexions
- SGP – Société des Grands Projets (formerly Société du Grand Paris)
- Vinci Group, incl. Vinci Autoroutes, ASF and ESCOTA
- Eiffage
- EDF Renouvelables
- Mapple Power
- Mobilité Agglomération Rémoise (MARS)
Work highlights
Advising Société des Grands Projets regarding public procurement contracts for the design and the construction of the western and the eastern sections of Line 15, part of the new Paris metro network project "Grand Paris Express".
Advising the sponsors of Proxima in relation to (i) the procurement of the supply and maintenance of a fleet of high-speed trains, (ii) the leasing or purchase of a maintenance depot and (iii) the related financing, with the aim to launch a new open access high-speed passenger train operator in France.
Advising bidding consortia, sponsors and/or SPVs, or lenders on the award, the development and/or the financing/refinancing of almost all French offshore wind projects and some in the EU.
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
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.
Clémence Graffan
Jean-Baptiste Merigot de Treigny
Practice head
David Préat; Gauthier Martin
Other key lawyers
Jean-Baptiste Merigot de Treigny; Clémence Graffan