Dentons remains the first port of call for a host of high-profile private and public sector companies and public entities (including government ministries) seeking advice on public contracts relating to major infrastructure projects, with a particularly strong presence in the road and rail sectors. Alongside advising on the awarding and renewal of concession contracts, project financing and execution, the team is frequently sought out to handle sensitive litigation stemming from public contracts and regulated activities. Regulatory issues in the energy sector are also a key area of expertise. Practice head Marc Fornacciari, who is lauded for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge of public procurement law’, and the ‘inspiring’ Dorothée Griveaux cover the full spectrum of contentious and advisory work relating to public contracts. Inès Tantardini is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very responsive and available team that knows how to mobilize specific expertise according to the client's needs’
‘Marc Fornacciari has an encyclopedic knowledge of public procurement law and, through his calm manner, knows how to ease tense relationships.’
‘Knowledge of the sector and market practices, availability, teaching skills, responsiveness.’
‘Marc Fornacciari stands out for his extensive experience in the sector, quality of advice and availability.’
‘The team led by Dorothée Griveaux offers a remarkable quality of service and must be ranked among the top three Parisian law firms operating in this discipline. The team offers highly valuable, tailor-made support through a fluid mode of collaboration.'
‘Dorothée Griveaux has an inspiring personality that combines an excellent level of technical expertise and a proactive, strategic vision of the case. Her approach is calm, clear and pragmatic, which is reassuring. Her perspective goes beyond the legal aspects to encompass the political environment and in particular the aspects of governance and project management.’
‘Very good knowledge of the infrastructure sector.’
'Flexibility in responding to the client's needs.'
Key clients
- French Ministry of Economy
- Auchan Group
- Île-de-France Mobilités
- Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)
- Hello Paris
- Ministère de la Transition écologique
- CEA (Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace)
- Région Grand Est
- NGE Immobilier
- Icade Group
Work highlights
- Advised the French Ministry of the Economy in the context of the Stade de France concession renewal (ending July 2025).
- Represented Auchan Group before the administrative tribunal of Paris in litigation against SNCF Gares et Connexions relating to the Gare du Nord concession.
- Advised Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) on the award of concession contracts for the operation of rail lines in the Paris region (Transiliens) in the context of the opening up to competition of the rail sector.
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.
Practice head
Marc Fornacciari
Other key lawyers
Dorothée Griveaux; Inès Tantardini