Best Project Finance Lawyers in Paris

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Orier Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 2018
10 people in their team
English
Orier Avocats stands as a distinguished legal institution in France, renowned for its profound expertise and commitment to excellence. Specializing in a wide array of legal services, the firm has garnered a reputation for delivering tailored solutions that meet the intricate needs of individual and...
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Spring Legal
Paris, France

Founded in 1959
English
Spring Legal, established in 2017 by a team of seasoned attorneys, offers comprehensive legal services in key areas of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, structured financing, restructuring, employment law, contract law, intellectual property, and new information and...
Audit Duprey Fekl
Paris, France

Founded in 2021
English
Audit Duprey Fekl is a distinguished French law firm specializing in international arbitration, complex litigation, and strategic legal consulting. Founded by partners Mathias Audit, Pierre Duprey, and Matthias Fekl, the firm offers comprehensive advisory and litigation services, combining...
FTPA
Paris, France

Founded in 1972
English
FTPA, established in 1972, is a leading independent full-service business law firm based in Paris, France. With a team of nearly 80 lawyers, including 29 partners, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas such as corporate mergers and acquisitions, tax, employment,...
Fairway
Paris, France

Founded in 2011
English
Fairway is a distinguished French business law firm established in 2011, renowned for its comprehensive expertise in the real estate sector. The firm offers a full spectrum of services, including real estate transactions and investments, leasing, property management, real estate and corporate...

Founded in 1986
English
Carbonnier Lamaze Rasle & Associés stands as a premier legal institution in France, renowned for its comprehensive expertise across a spectrum of legal domains. The firm is built on a foundation of specialized knowledge and a commitment to excellence, offering clients an unparalleled experience in...

Founded in 1931
1,100 people in their team
English
French
Founded in 1931, Weil has provided legal services to the largest public companies, private equity firms and financial institutions for the past 90 years. Widely recognized by those covering the legal profession, Weil’s lawyers regularly advise clients globally on their most complex Litigation,...
Arago
Paris, France

Founded in 2006
English
Arago is an independent law firm based in Paris, France, specializing in business law. Established in 2006, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to private companies, public entities, and individuals, addressing a wide range of legal and tax needs. The firm's expertise encompasses corporate...
Paris, France

English
LLB Avocats, based in Paris, specializes in tax law, corporate law, and cryptocurrency taxation. The firm offers comprehensive services in both advisory and litigation capacities, assisting clients with complex fiscal and legal challenges. Their expertise encompasses areas such as cryptocurrency...
BMH Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 1988
English
Established in Paris in 1988, BMH Avocats is an independent, multidisciplinary business law firm comprising 23 lawyers, including 11 partners. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, encompassing arbitration, mediation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, commercial leases,...
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About Project Finance Law in Paris, France

Project finance is a method of funding large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, such as energy plants, transport networks, or telecommunications systems. In Paris, France, project finance transactions are common for both public and private sector projects, typically structured as long-term arrangements involving multiple parties, such as sponsors, lenders, contractors, and government entities. French law and European Union regulations play a significant role in shaping the framework for project finance in Paris. These transactions often require complex legal documentation and careful risk allocation to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Seeking legal advice for project finance in Paris, France, can be essential in various situations. Lawyers experienced in this field can help:

  • Draft and negotiate complex loan agreements or financing documents
  • Assess and allocate risks among stakeholders
  • Navigate regulatory requirements and compliance with French and EU laws
  • Advise on public-private partnerships and concessions
  • Resolve disputes arising out of construction, operation, or financing of projects
  • Secure permits and deal with environmental regulations
  • Manage cross-border aspects involving international investors or contractors
  • Understand tax implications of the financing structure
  • Assist in refinancing or restructuring existing projects

When dealing with high-value and high-risk ventures, the expertise of a specialized lawyer can protect your interests at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Local Laws Overview

Project finance transactions in Paris are subject to a combination of French civil law, commercial law, environmental regulations, and European Union directives. Key aspects of local law relevant to project finance include:

  • Contract Law: French law emphasizes the binding nature of contracts, making the negotiation stage crucial for risk management.
  • Security Rights: Securing loans with appropriate collateral, such as mortgages or pledges, must comply with French requirements for validity and enforcement.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): French law outlines how public bodies and private companies can collaborate, including procurement, transparency, and competition rules.
  • Permitting and Land Use: Authorities in Paris require several permits for project development, such as building permits and environmental authorizations.
  • Environmental Regulations: France applies strict environmental assessment and compliance rules, which must be factored into project planning and finance structures.
  • Tax Law: The structure of project finance deals in Paris may have tax implications regarding VAT, corporate taxation, and cross-border payments.
  • Dispute Resolution: French courts and arbitration tribunals can have jurisdiction over disputes, with many contracts also allowing for international arbitration.

It is vital to work with professionals who are familiar with the legal intricacies of project finance in Paris to anticipate and address potential challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is project finance, and how does it work in Paris?

Project finance is a way to fund large projects by using future cash flows from the project itself as collateral for the loan. In Paris, this typically involves single-purpose project companies, complex contracts, and engagement with local authorities and lenders.

Who are the key parties involved in project financing?

Major stakeholders include project sponsors (investors), lenders (banks or debt funds), contractors, operators, public entities (when infrastructure is involved), and sometimes multilateral agencies.

Do I need a French company to participate in a project finance deal in Paris?

While foreign companies can participate, setting up a local special-purpose vehicle (SPV) in France is customary to facilitate financing, risk management, and compliance with French regulations.

What common sectors use project finance in Paris?

Energy (renewable and conventional), transport infrastructure (roads, metros, airports), water, waste treatment, and social infrastructure are common fields relying on project finance mechanisms.

How are risks typically allocated in French project finance agreements?

Risks like construction, operational, market, regulatory, and financial risks are typically shared or allocated among project sponsors, contractors, offtakers, and lenders, depending on their ability to manage each risk.

What are the key steps in a project finance transaction in Paris?

The standard process includes assessing project feasibility, choosing partners, structuring deals, securing permits and approvals, documenting contractual relationships, and financial structuring.

Are project finance contracts enforceable under French law?

Yes, so long as they comply with French legal requirements regarding form, consent, legality, and enforceability. Security packages and collateral arrangements must also meet local law standards.

What regulatory approvals are needed for a project financed in Paris?

Regulatory requirements vary by sector but often include building permits, environmental impact assessments, operating licenses, and authorizations from public authorities.

What role do public-private partnerships play in Parisian project finance?

PPPs are a key mechanism for funding public infrastructure, where a private company partners with the government under legally binding agreements, subject to strict legal and procedural requirements.

How can a lawyer assist me in a project finance matter?

A lawyer can advise on deal structuring, draft and negotiate contracts, assist with regulatory compliance, represent you in discussions with authorities, and help manage or resolve disputes.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking more information or support regarding project finance in Paris, consider consulting resources such as:

  • Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty - provides guidance on business regulations and project financing incentives
  • Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) - the French financial markets regulator, providing information on financial products and investor protection
  • Banque Publique d’Investissement (Bpifrance) - supports financing and guarantees for projects
  • French Association of Private Enterprises (AFEP) - offers guidance and networking for private investors
  • Paris Bar Association - can refer specialized legal professionals
  • European Investment Bank (EIB) - a key funder of projects in France and across Europe
  • Local chambers of commerce and trade organizations for sector-specific advice

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a project finance matter in Paris, consider taking these steps:

  • Identify your project’s scope, principal actors, and any specific legal questions you have
  • Consult with a French legal professional who specializes in project finance
  • Gather all relevant documents, including contracts, permits, financing proposals, and correspondence
  • Request an initial consultation to discuss your goals, challenges, and legal options
  • Work closely with your lawyer through each phase, from pre-feasibility to deal closing and implementation
  • Stay informed about ongoing legal or regulatory developments that might impact your project

Selecting an experienced lawyer in project finance law will help you navigate complex regulations, secure financing on favorable terms, and ensure legal protection for your investment in Paris.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Paris through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Project Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Paris, France - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.