Racine

Managing Partners: Frédéric Broud and Mélanie Coiraton

Number of partners: 76

Number of lawyers: 270

Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Firm Overview:

Founded over 40 years ago, today Racine is one of the principal independent French law firms and is capable of responding to all of a business’ needs. With over 270 lawyers — including 76 partners — located throughout France in five offices and in Belgium.

The firm bases its practice on the complementarity of two essential values:

■ Outstanding technical expertise and exemplary knowledge of the law and its development

■ A natural inclination toward innovation, the constant search for new paths and taking initiatives in ways of working that allow the firm to respond to its clients’ needs

The combination of these qualities, as well as the comprehensive and transverse practice of litigation, allows the firm to anticipate its clients’ legal issues. Indeed, litigation has been a part of Racine’s DNA since its very foundation, and represents 50% of the firm’s activities. The firm’s internal organisation, along with its teams’ practice of working together, allow complex and cross-speciality matters to be managed in an integrated manner. The firm’s responsiveness to its clients is achieved in part through the accessibility of the firms’ partners, who are closely engaged in the matters handled by the firm.

Racine's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is deeply integrated into all aspects of its operations, spanning from sustainable practices to the well-being of its employees and contributions to society. Our ESG initiatives are structured around three main pillars: sustainable development, quality of life at work, and diversity.

In 2025, our approach was recognised when we received the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, an international label that recognises companies’ CSR performance. Receiving this distinction on our first attempt demonstrates the strength and sincerity of our commitments

1. Quality of Work Life: Racine prioritizes the well-being and professional growth of its employees. Key initiatives include:

• Workplace Well-Being Barometer: Introduced in 2022, this survey saw 82% participation from associates, with high satisfaction rates regarding their working environment and autonomy.
• Flexibility and Teleworking: A teleworking charter and flexible hours were implemented to foster a better work-life balance.
• Partner Track: This program, launched in 2022, supports senior lawyers in their progression towards becoming partners.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Racine has a proactive gender parity strategy and emphasizes diversity across all levels. Initiatives such as a mentoring program for young female associates and the election of mixed-gender leadership ensure inclusion and equality in the workplace.

2. Sustainable Development and Environmental Initiatives: Racine takes concrete steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability:

• Resource Management: The firm collaborates with SHRED IT to safely recycle paper, saving 382 trees since 2018. Other efforts include reducing paper and toner usage, recycling coffee pods, and using energy-efficient practices like timers for lights.
• Sustainable Consumption and Mobility: Measures include the use of eco-friendly fridges, elimination of plastic bottles, prioritizing trains for internal travel, and a new bike garage to encourage green transportation.

3. Strategic ESG Partnerships: Racine has formed a strategic partnership with ESG Lab & Society, a major accelerator of sustainable transformation for organizations. This partnership enables Racine to deepen its expertise in ESG regulations and support corporate ESG strategies. Through this collaboration, Racine organizes workshops and meetings, aiming to embed sustainability in business models.

4. Social Responsibility and Community Engagement: Racine is deeply involved in several social causes:

• Toit à Moi: The firm supports this association by providing housing and legal expertise in social law for individuals facing extreme exclusion.
• Lire Pour en Sortir: This innovative program uses reading as a rehabilitation tool for prisoners. Racine's lawyers and employees actively participate in literacy workshops, aligning with the firm’s commitment to education and reintegration.
• Other Associations: Racine is engaged with various charities, including the Neptunes women's multisports club, Edit de Nantes Habitat Jeunes, and the Nantes University Foundation, contributing its legal expertise and supporting local communities.

Main Areas of Practice Contacts:

Banking/Finance:

Contact: Barna Evva (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Banking/Finance - Financial services:

Contact: David Masson (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Competition – Distribution:

Contact: Bastien Thomas (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Employment:

Contact: Frédéric Broud (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Insurance – Liability:

Contact: Annie Berland (Bordeaux)

Email: [email protected]

IP/IT & Data Protection:

Contact: Eric Barby (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

M&A:

Contact: Jean-Christophe Beaury (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Public Law/Energy:

Contact: Sylvain Bergès (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Real Estate - Construction:

Contact: Nicolas Boytchev (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Restructuring:

Contact: Laurent Jourdan (Paris)

Email: [email protected]

Tax:

Contact: Fabrice Rymarz (Paris)

Email: [email protected]