The ‘high-calibre’ team at ADVANT Altana specialises in litigation, arbitration and dispute board proceedings for high-profile construction disputes. Additional areas of expertise are the drafting of bespoke contracts and project development. The practice is jointly led by construction disputes specialists Louis des Cars and François Muller. Christophe Lapp's litigation and arbitration experience is primarily in the construction and telecoms segments. Victoria Aquino is noted for her knowledge of litigation and dispute resolution processes, as well as FIDIC and NEC engineering and construction contracts, while Caroline Frison-Roche has focused her practice on disputes, contracts and competition law.
Construction in France
ADVANT Altana
Responsables de la pratique:
Louis des Cars; François Muller
Autres avocats clés:
Victoria Aquino; Caroline Frison-Roche
Les références
‘Altana offers its clients real knowledge of the world of construction, as the team is managed by one of the leading professionals in the field. It should be noted that the services provided are always of the highest quality and that clients can count on a very operational approach to projects, based on a high level of technical expertise.’
‘Christophe Lapp is one of the leading professionals in the field of construction litigation. His high-calibre team enables him to provide his clients with genuine litigation engineering based on his extensive experience before both the courts and arbitration bodies.’
Principaux clients
Amundi
Boskalis
Bouygues Group
Colas
Fayat (Razel-Bec)
Implenia
Jan De Nul
SGP (Société du Grand Paris)
Spie Batignolles
Vinci Construction
Webuild (Previously Salini-Impregilo)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a consortium of contractors formed by Vinci Construction/Colas/Grands Travaux de l’Océan Indien on the framework of two contracts for the construction of dykes.
Aliénor Avocats
The ‘very available and responsive' team at Aliénor Avocats is a strong choice for construction matters; its advisory offering includes support with the drafting of construction contracts and project structuring. On the contentious side, the group offers support with mediation, as well as representing clients in litigation before domestic courts or in international arbitration tribunals. The practice is jointly led by Hélène Bourgine, Anne-Sophie Goapper and Hervé Chambon, all of whom demonstrate both contentious and non-contentious expertise and garner praise from clients for their professionalism and rigour. Saturnin Champetier de Ribes is the key counsel-level contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hélène Bourgine; Anne-Sophie Goapper; Hervé Chambon
Autres avocats clés:
Saturnin Champetier de Ribes
Les références
‘Very high professionalism. Very available and responsive team. Innovative team: regular use of videoconferencing; pre-invoicing for advice before final invoice.’
‘I work regularly with Hélène Bourgine and Hervé Chambon, whose commitment and concern for very high quality service for their clients I appreciate. Aliénor is a small firm of specialists passionate about their subject.’
‘I personally worked with Hélène Bourgine and Hervé Chambon. They are available, attentive, and keen to advise the best strategy for the company (conciliation rather than arbitration) even if this is not in the interest of the firm. Their background as corporate lawyers means that they know exactly what their clients expect in terms of opinions.’
‘Hélène Bourgine and Hervé Chambon are two excellent lawyers with extensive experience in international infrastructure projects and perfect knowledge of their client’s internal constraints (including needs in terms of communication and reporting) which allows them to anticipate our requests. They are rigorous, precise, creative and daring in the solutions proposed and the assistance provided.’
‘Helene Bourgine and Anne Sophie Goapper – two great professionals, very invested and very available, with respect for the client, in respecting the deadlines of an often very tight schedule.’
‘Hélène Bourgine: masters her subjects in arbitration, capable of developing a readable and relevant strategy, good analysis of documents and context. Saturnin Champetier de Ribes: efficient collaborator, knows his file well, strong responsiveness, consistent work with Hélène Bourgine, masters the technical aspects.’
‘High responsiveness, very good knowledge of arbitration practices. Understandable and effective communication.’
‘Very strong experience in litigation which provides a very precise analysis of responsibilities and actions to be taken in contractual prevention. Great rigour, strong open-mindedness, strong team conviviality.’
Principaux clients
Vinci Group
Eiffage Group
Fayat Group
Preel Hecquet Payet-Godel PHPG Avocats
‘Responsiveness, adaptability to needs, and availability’ are the calling cards of the group at Preel Hecquet Payet-Godel PHPG Avocats, which is well-equipped to handle construction insurance and civil liability matters. It is frequently instructed by developers and insurance companies. The practice is jointly led by four partners: Jean-Baptiste Payet-Godel, Françoise Hecquet, Charlotte Roger and Romain Bruillard, who is singled out by one client as ‘particularly responsive … and pragmatic’. Associate Claudia de Oliveira provides the partners with across-the-board support on insurance and construction mandates. Counsel Agnès Bruneval joined the group in September 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jean-Baptiste Payet-Godel; Françoise Hecquet; Charlotte Roger; Romain Bruillard
Autres avocats clés:
Claudia de Oliveira
Les références
‘The firm is very responsive and very attentive, strong in making suggestions; efficient and conscientious lawyers.’
‘I work particularly with Romain Bruillard in a climate of total trust, which is reassuring for the follow-up of files. A very efficient lawyer who knows the subject perfectly.’
‘Excellent quality of service provided – attention to detail, economic vision of business relationships, involved employees, etc.’
SORBA PAYRAU
SORBA PAYRAU's construction team is well-placed to handle advisory matters such as the drafting of property development contracts, in addition to domestic and international litigation and arbitration proceedings relating to construction projects, such as disruption to projects and unforeseen costs. High-profile clients such as Vinci, Autoroutes du Sud de la France and Cofiroute turn to the group for its expertise. The practice is co-directed by four experienced partners: urban planning, construction and environmental expert Jean-Philippe Sorba; contentious construction specialist Emmanuelle Payrau; Xavier Guichaoua, who focuses on public procurement; and Thomas Forray, who handles public contract law matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jean-Philippe Sorba; Emmanuelle Payrau; Xavier Guichaoua; Thomas Forray
Principaux clients
Vinci Group
BATEG
ADIM
Eurovia
VCT
ASF/Escota/Cofiroute
SICRA
VINCI Energies
WIAME
AEW
La Française
Digital Realty / Interxion
Immobilière Dassault
Ipsen
Orano Group
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Vinci with the drafting and negotiation of a property development contract for the construction of The Link project, which will be the new headquarters of Total Energies.
- Represented Autoroutes du Sud de la France, Cofiroute and Escota, the leading France-based highway concessionaires, in relation to claims by their respective contractors alleging considerable extra costs linked to the construction of new sections of several highways.
- Assisted Interxion/Digital Realty, the leading data centre services providers, with the drafting and negotiation of a design and build contract for the construction of electrical substations required to provide power to a data centre in Les Ulis, as well as on a design contract for this data centre and another contract for preliminary works linked to the project.
Alerion
Alerion's real estate and construction practice is routinely instructed by developers, corporations and insurance funds seeking advisory, transactional and contentious support on a range of construction projects. The group is co-directed by a trio of partners: firm co-founder Philippe Mathurin, who is well-versed in both advisory construction work and litigation; Nathalie Dupuy-Loup, who brings expertise to constructors’ liabilities and construction insurance matters; and Fahima Gasmi, whose practice spans construction and environmental law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Philippe Mathurin; Nathalie Dupuy-Loup; Fahima Gasmi
Les références
‘The team is extremely expert in construction and construction insurance. A rare strategic approach in this area which is intelligent and reassuring.’
‘Philippe Mathurin and Fahima Gasmi are experts, invested in their clients.’
‘Responsiveness, customer awareness and business knowledge.’
‘Fahima Gasmi: responsive, competent.’
FTPA
The practice at FTPA is capable of handling advisory, transactional and contentious construction matters, for which it is frequently called upon by contractors, property developers and corporations. Areas of strength include contract negotiations, industrial claims litigation, urban planning mandates and the acquisitions of real estate portfolios. The group is jointly led by Emmanuel d’Antin, Robert Corcos, and Raphaël Crespelle. D’Antin specialises in litigation and commercial contract drafting, while Corcos majors on cross-border litigation and arbitration; Crespelle’s background is in public law. Bernard Cazin is an additional key contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Emmanuel d’Antin; Robert Corcos; Raphaël Crespelle
Autres avocats clés:
Bernard Cazin
Les références
‘Very professional, very experienced.’
Principaux clients
Vinci
Carmignac
White & Case LLP
The group at White & Case LLP guides clients through the entire construction process, from tender to completion. Its expertise covers both advisory and contentious work, with particular areas of strength being financing, contract management, and construction arbitration and litigation. Construction companies and consortiums, energy companies and government clients routinely look to the group for support. The practice is led by Charles Nairac, who specialises in international arbitration.
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Nairac
Autres avocats clés:
Paule Biensan; Emma France; Omar Sinaceur
Les références
‘Main strengths are availability and listening to the customer. Recruitment quickly adapts to the firm’s philosophy of pragmatism.’
‘The team is very available and responsive. It provides the best advice with detailed analysis, most often beyond expectations. It also warns of risks, watches over the client’s interests and guides them towards pragmatic solutions. It is very up-to-date with new technologies in invoicing and fee justification.’
‘Paule Biensan – competence, perfect knowledge of the history, pragmatism, experience of financing with pools of development banks. Emma France – availability, speed, adaptation to the context.’
‘Very professional and knowledgeable team, good negotiation skills. Very high quality service.’
‘Paule Biensan is very experienced – she always has a pragmatic solution at hand. She is available, attentive and listens to the customer, always exceeding expectations. Omar Sinaceur is very competent, pragmatic, always committed and well motivated to overcome obstacles. He is friendly and available.’
Principaux clients
EDF Renouvelables and Zero Waste (“Green Fuel Alliance”)
ITER
Katara Hospitality
Atinkou
Eranove
AfDB
BII
EIB
Eiffage
SECAA
Arise
Acciona Agua
Green of Africa
Afriquia Gaz
Wärtsilä Development & Financial Services
Proparco
EBRD
DEG
WeBuild (formerly Salini Impregilo S.p.A)., Jan De Nul N.V., Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A. (Panama Canal)
Commisimpex
Ministry of Justice of Georgia
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted EDF Renouvelables and Zero Waste (together ‘Green Fuel Alliance’) with the joint development of a large scale green hydrogen and green ammonia project consisting in the design, engineering, procurement, financing, construction and operation of a bunkering station powered by renewables.
- Represented ITER, an international organization created by China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States of America, in relation to the construction of the world’s largest tokamak, a magnetic fusion device designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy, in the south of France.
- Represented Grupo Unidos por el Canal S.A. and its international shareholders WeBuild, Sacyr S.A., and Jan De Nul N.V., in a dispute with the Panama Canal Authority relating to the $5.5bn Panama Canal expansion project.
De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés
The expertise of the construction group at De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés encompasses contentious, advisory and transactional matters. The team routinely assists clients with construction, renovation and redevelopment, as well as related disputes. The practice is jointly led by construction and real estate specialists Catherine Castro, Muriel Guillin-Modaine and Danielle Smolders.
Responsables de la pratique:
Catherine Castro; Muriel Guillin-Modaine; Danielle Smolders
Principaux clients
Alstom
BSH
Caisse d’Epargne Centre Val de Loire
Caisse de dépôts et de consignation
Clarins
Collectivité territoriale de Guyane
Gouvernement indépendant de Wallis et Futuna
Korean Family office
Nippon Paint Automotive France
Sci Mousset
Société Catinvest
Société de livraison des ouvrages olympiques
The Bureau
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted CDC with the negotiation of a partnership with Roundhield Partners, a UK investment fund, concerning the development, construction and operation of a major tourist resort.
- Advised Clarins on the construction of a new storage building in the Clarins’ factory in Pontoise.
- Advised CJW on the acquisition and subsequent restructuring and renovation of a remarkable building located on the quays of the Seine in Paris.
Delsol Avocats
Delsol Avocats's group advises domestic clients on demolition, renovation and construction projects in France, particularly those involving hospitality, office and warehouse properties. The team also offers clients assistance with risk analysis, contractual negotiations and litigation. The practice is co-led by Benoît Boussier; Nathalie Peyron, who specialises in transactional mandates and the negotiation of related contracts; and construction and real estate all-rounder Adrien Williot.
Responsables de la pratique:
Benoît Boussier; Nathalie Peyron; Adrien Williot
Principaux clients
Lavorel Group
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Lavorel Group in litigation proceedings pertaining to the acquisitions of various hotel properties.
Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP's construction group offers development, financing, disputes and public law expertise. Practice head Jacques Bouillon specialises in regulatory and contracts matters, in addition to litigation, while Olivier Le Bars has notable experience advising on project development and finance mandates across France, Africa and Eastern Europe. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of senior associate Alix Fredet from Jeantet in April 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jacques Bouillon
Autres avocats clés:
Olivier Le Bars
Principaux clients
Groupe Ritz
SNC Lavalin
Keolis/Effia
Arxium
Cinturion
Vinci Concessions
American Express
Sonnedix
Cyrus One
NGE
A consortium composed of Cityway, Vix Technology and Engie Solutions (SMTCO)
AFD: Agence Française de Développement (Cameroun)
Celtic Interconnector (RTE Eirgrid)
Safran
Rolls Royce
Wärtsila (Gabon)
RTE
Cimolaï
Colas
EDF
Vivo Energy
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted NGE in complex litigation in connection with the refurbishment of an office building in Rueil-Malmaison (France).
- Assisted Cyrus One with complex litigation in connection with the design and construction of a data centre, located in Wissous (France) and the bankruptcy of the general contractor.
- Assisted CIDAC with the procurement, drafting and negotiations of cable and station EPC contracts for the supply and installation of the subsea and onshore 700MW HVDC cables linking the onshore transmission networks of Ireland and France.
Klein Wenner
The construction team at Klein Wenner is active on all stages of construction projects across mainland France, its overseas departments, as well as in francophone Africa. The group also handles construction-related disputes and routinely represents clients in litigation and arbitration. Practice co-head Eve Derouesné is noted for her niche expertise in contract management for public works, including cultural events and sports competitions. Christoph Schödel and Pierre Le Breton co-lead alongside her.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eve Derouesné; Christoph Schödel; Pierre Le Breton
Principaux clients
CCI Seine Estuaire
EGIS
Mithieux TP
Rampa TP
Republic of Gabon
Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel
Société du grand Paris
Principaux dossiers
- Represented an operator in charge of the extension of a public transport network after pollution was discovered on a construction site.
- Represented RAMPA TP, a subcontractor of a company in charge of the supply and installation of pipes for a wastewater treatment plant, in a dispute.
- Advised the operating company of the Eiffel Tower in a dispute concerning disorders following structural work.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP's practice specialises in contentious construction matters, in addition to handling contract negotiation and builders’ liability matters. The group is directed by Renaud Dubois, who is well-versed in guiding private and semipublic institutional operators through all stages of the construction process. Ophélie Boulos, who was promoted to of counsel in January 2023, supports Dubois across a wide range of matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Renaud Dubois
Les références
‘Renaud Dubois is extremely competent, responsive and focused on the operational and business needs of the client.’
‘Renaud Dubois is an excellent partner – responsive, diligent and pragmatic.’
‘The team is very expert and structured on a human scale, allowing it to stay as close as possible to its customers and their expectations.’
‘Renaud Dubois is an experienced lawyer who gives very good advice and seeks the best solutions for his clients.’
Principaux clients
Icade Group
La Poste Immobilier
Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA)
Eiffage Group
SPIE Group
Eternit (Etex Group)
Spie Batignolles Immobilier
Terminaux de Normandie
Linkcity
CDC Habitat
Fos Holding
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Icade and its subsidiary Icade Promotions, in numerous construction disputes involving office, business and residential buildings.
- Assisted La Poste and its real estate subsidiary Poste-Immo in numerous construction disputes involving industrial assets or offices of the La Poste Group.
- Assisted CEA in numerous construction disputes involving nuclear assets.
LPA-CGR avocats
The expertise of the construction group at LPA-CGR avocats extends from land acquisitions and town planning matters to contract drafting and construction litigation. Practice head Aurélie Dauger, a specialist in construction litigation. François-Régis Fabre-Falret left the firm in 2024. Philippe Jacques left the firm, and Stephan Lesage-Mathieu and Arnaud Depierrefeu are key names within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Aurélie Dauger
Autres avocats clés:
Stephan Lesage-Mathieu; Arnaud Depierrefeu
Les références
‘Good technical skills on infrastructure project contracts.’
Principaux clients
Primonial REIM
Total Energies Renewable
Ponticelli
PARME Avocats
PARME Avocats's practice is well-equipped to handle the gamut of contentious and non-contentious construction matters, namely those involving contract negotiation, project management, contractual disputes and construction liability. Public and private-sector developers, construction companies, architects and project managers regularly feature on the group’s client roster. Practice head Tony Janvier is experienced in private and public works projects, and displays a particular expertise in contract negotiation and litigation, appearing frequently before the administrative, civil and commercial courts in disputes involving contractor liability. Michael Chebab provides Janvier with across-the-board support.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tony Janvier
Autres avocats clés:
Lucie Delille; François-Régis Gaboriau; Mickael Chehab
Les références
‘Tony Janvier is an exceptional lawyer: responsive, always precise, recognised and relevant with great interpersonal skills. His colleagues Lucie Delille, François-Régis Gaboriau and Mickael Chehab are equally remarkable, each having their own personality – their common trait is excellence, precision, speed and a sense of customer service.’
‘Very professional, innovative, accessible and responsive team.’
‘Extremely available team, adapts to requests – very good work.’
‘Expertise, availability, sector knowledge.’
‘Tony Janvier brings rare expertise in the execution of public contracts.’
Principaux clients
SNCF Réseau
Société du Canal Seine Nord
EDF PEI
ICF Habitat
Groupe Roger Martin
Société du Grand Paris (SGP)
Tisseo Ingénierie
Parsons
Lhyfe SA
Chambre de commerce et d’industrie Seine Estuaire
Balas Group
Gagneraud Group
Aurige Group
Evariste Group
France Galop
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted the Société du Grand Paris with project management for the Grand Paris Express project.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The construction team at Pinsent Masons LLP assists clients with all stages of the project cycle, from procurement to completion. The group has particular expertise in general infrastructure, transport, wastewater and energy projects, and covers advisory and transactional matters, as well as construction arbitration proceedings. Practice co-head Florian Quintard specialises in construction arbitration, as does new co-lead Gaëlle Filhol, who arrived from Betto Perben Pradel Filhol in April 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Florian Quintard; Gaëlle Filhol
Les références
‘Pinsent Masons helps our company navigate complex, nuanced and demanding matters under tight timelines and in quickly evolving industries.’
‘Team attentive to the client, responsive and innovative with the use of Pinsent Masons lawyers from other offices as necessary.’
Principaux clients
EDF
Engie
Razel-Bec SAS