Projects & Energy: Domestic | France

Clifford Chance's projects and energy teams form part of an international powerhouse with excellence in the development and financing of infrastructure and energy projects on a global scale, covering the domestic French market, Europe, Asia and Africa. The teams are well versed in domestic projects and energy transactions. Clifford Chance's lawyers possess notable expertise in key fields such as oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and transportation. The team assists lenders, borrowers, sponsors and developers, as well as governmental entities. The practice is particularly present on complex matters involving large groups of lenders. The team leverages significant international resources thanks to its worldwide network of offices.

Linklaters has a renowned projects practice that operates on an integrated basis with the law firm's other teams around the globe. The team advises on project development and financing, concessions, and regulatory, corporate and administrative matters, and is also well placed to assist with high-value asset refinancings. The team is active in the infrastructure, oil and gas, transport, mining and renewable energy sectors, primarily advising on projects across Europe and Africa, as well as within France. The practice can boast a varied client portfolio consisting of construction companies, energy developers and financial institutions.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei acts for major corporate clients, banks and energy providers on domestic energy and infrastructure projects. The practice boasts particular strength in project finance mandates, with expertise in transport infrastructure, renewable energy and natural resources. The lawyers are additionally well versed in M&A and regulatory issues.

Gide Loyrette Nouel's well-regarded department has strong domestic and global activity, with a particular presence in Africa. The team represents states, corporates and lenders. The lawyers are regularly appointed on projects in a variety of sectors including natural resources, transport infrastructure and renewable energy. The team's expertise includes PPPs and project financing, with additional experience in contractual and M&A matters. The law firm leverages significant public law expertise to assist clients with domestic matters.

Herbert Smith Freehills' well-respected team offers expertise in domestic and international projects in the oil and gas, mining and renewable energy sectors as well as telecommunications, social infrastructure and railways. The practice handles project developments and financing issues, as well as transactions, joint ventures, and regulatory and contractual matters. The law firm has a particular strength in African and European solar mandates, often collaborating with its international offices. The team represents project developers, sponsors and lenders.

Watson Farley & Williams represents developers, investors and banks in a range of domestic energy projects and transactions, including acquisitions and joint ventures. The lawyers are well versed in the renewable sector, especially wind and solar power, in addition to assisting with energy storage and waste treatment matters. Watson Farley & Williams boasts additional expertise in financing and refinancing matters.

White & Case has a noteworthy team that focuses on an array of projects concerning renewable energy, transport infrastructure and natural resources, with particular strength in project financing. The lawyers act across various jurisdictions in Africa, especially in French-speaking countries. The practice's client portfolio includes lenders, corporate clients, private equity firms and state-owned entities. The team also acts on a number of utilities projects and concession contracts.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher's solid team provides transactional, financing and advisory assistance in the transport, social infrastructure and energy sectors. The practice offers noteworthy expertise in local mandates as well as those involving African jurisdictions and Turkey. The law firm assists bidders with tender proceedings and also acts for sponsors on project developments. The team's clients include both private and public entities, as well as local and international financial institutions. The lawyers have an increased presence and recognition in the domestic market.

BCTG Avocats regularly represents large corporates before the French courts in contentious issues relating to the renewable energy sector. The team boasts particular expertise in wind, solar and hydroelectric projects, offering further strength in mining mandates. The law firm is additionally experienced in M&A, refinancing and regulatory matters.

CMS boasts a noted projects team with strong capabilities in the infrastructure, energy and transportation sectors. The team demonstrates notable experience in the development of energy projects, with particular strength in solar, offshore wind and natural gas. The lawyers are additionally well versed in infrastructure mandates, primarily acting for both public and private French companies. The law firm also frequently advises on regulatory issues.

Dentons regularly advises state authorities, financial institutions and corporates. The law firm acts on domestic infrastructure projects such as rail and highway development, in addition to education matters. The team also assists with concession mandates as well as the financing and development of energy and climate change projects.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is recognised for its capabilities advising clients on greenfield and brownfield project financing and acquisitions. The law firm is sought out by an international and domestic clientele for its expertise in renewable energy, including hydrogen and wind farms.

Jeantet demonstrates experience advising clients on corporate/M&A, project finance and litigation pertaining to the energy and infrastructure sectors. The team is recognised for its capabilities regarding renewable energy and oil and gas resources. Nuclear energy projects also fall within the firm’s offering.