Effectively utilising legal technology and a flexible billing structure, the small yet agile team at independent boutique CM Law continues to gain traction among international clients and referring law firms, and is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to more established firms as a result of its 'proactive and strategic mindset'. As well as excelling on cross-border mandates for private equity funds on their downstream investments, the team also balances 'legal and regulatory precision, and commercial insight' to good effect on financial services M&A in the domestic market. Team head Raphael Collin 'brings strategic depth and senior oversight to every matter', including for financial sponsors on structuring their investments, as well as on group reorganisations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They stand out for their combination of deep legal knowledge, commercial awareness, and exceptional responsiveness.'
  • 'Raphael Collin is a highly professional advisor, always open to discussion and attentive to meeting clients’ specific needs.'
  • 'Proactive and strategic mindset – rather than simply reacting, they anticipate risks and propose innovative solutions.'
  • 'They have an ability to combine deep legal expertise with a practical, business-oriented mindset.'
  • 'Raphael Collin brings strategic depth and senior oversight to every matter, offering clear, actionable guidance that reflects both technical excellence and business acumen.'
  • 'Flavien Carbone is highly responsive and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on execution and client service.'
  • 'The team demonstrates a rare balance between legal and regulatory precision, and commercial insight and practicality on the other. This ensures that their guidance is not only accurate, but also directly applicable to the client’s strategic objectives.'
  • CM Law stands out for its combination of technical depth, accessibility, and a highly client-focused approach. The team has assisted us across diverse matters and has consistently delivered advice that is thorough, well-reasoned, and practical. What particularly differentiates CM Law from other firms is its availability and responsiveness. The lawyers are always approachable, ready to discuss issues on short notice, and proactive in following up until matters are fully resolved. Their pricing is transparent, reasonable, and reflects excellent value for money, especially given the senior involvement throughout engagements. We also appreciate the firm’s personalized service and genuine understanding of our operational context. Rather than providing generic legal answers, the CM Law team takes the time to tailor their advice to our specific needs and risk profile, ensuring both compliance and commercial feasibility. The firm’s collaborative working style ensures smooth coordination between practice areas, while their use of technology and flexible billing arrangements adds further efficiency and client comfort. In our view, CM Law offers the quality and sophistication of a larger firm while maintaining the agility and personal attention of a boutique.
  • CM Law is unique in its ability to combine deep technical expertise with pragmatic, solution-oriented advice. The team demonstrates a rare balance between legal and regulatory precision on the one hand, and commercial insight and practicality on the other. This ensures that their guidance is not only accurate but also directly applicable to the client’s strategic objectives. Potential clients would wish to know that the team is exceptionally responsive, proactive, and collaborative. Their strengths lie in anticipating challenges, communicating with clarity, and delivering consistently at an institutional standard. This combination instills confidence and fosters a genuine sense of partnership. Compared to other firms, the practice distinguishes itself through efficiency, clarity, and reliability. Where others may provide lengthy analysis, this team excels in condensing complexity into clear, actionable solutions, which sets them apart in the market. Overall, I have been entirely satisfied with the quality of service, the depth of expertise, and the professionalism of the team. Their ability to consistently deliver excellence makes them a trusted partner of choice.
  • The team is responsive to questions and requests and provides clear updates.
Practice head

Raphael Collin

Other key lawyers

Flavien Carbone