When hiring a lawyer, you should make sure that the attorney handling your case has sound experience in dealing with similar cases.
As any legal system, French law can be very complex and finding a specialised attorney with relevant experience is crucial.
French-business-law.com entertains a network of specialized business attorneys qualified to practice French law, who may assist you on all aspects of your business in France.
How many lawyers should deal with a case?
A client matter may often require the intervention of more than one attorney. Thus, the drafting and negotiation of a complex commercial agreement may require that certain tax, anti-trust and/or regulatory matters be assessed in addition to commercial law aspects.
Acquiring a company may require that a whole team of lawyers be fully committed over a period of time to ensure that all risks relating to the acquisition are properly reviewed while meeting negotiation deadlines.
A client should therefore make sure that the attorneys dealing with a case can engage the time and resources necessary to handle competently and efficiently all aspects of the case.
Personal involvement of the lawyers retained to deal with a matter
Personnal commitment by the attorney(s) in charge of a client matter is crucial.
Although the involvment of junior lawyers or support staff is often necessary and cost-effective, clients should ensure that the attorneys who have undertaken to work on a matter remain at all times personnally and closely involved.
How much will it cost?
Attorney fees can vary significantly from one practice to another.
A client should consequently enquire about the amount of legal fees which will be billed, and ensure that the engagement letter with the attorneys clearly sets out an arrangement on fees.
What else you should know when hiring a French lawyer?
- Confidentiality and attorney-client privilege
French attorneys (“avocats“) are bound per se by strict rules on confidentiality. According to the National Rules applicable to the Profession of Attorney (“Règlement Intérieur National de la Profession d’Avocat – RIN“), any and all information exchanged between a lawyer and a client, regardless of its medium or form (electronic, paper or verbal), is covered by attorney-client privilege.
- Conflict of interest
French attorneys are bound per se by strict rules on conflict of interest, which are set out in the National Rules applicable to the Profession of Attorney (“Règlement Intérieur National de la Profession d’Avocat – RIN“).
