Best Project Finance Lawyers in Paris

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Orier Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 2018
10 people in their team
English
Banking & Finance Project Finance Funds & Asset Management +10 more
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...
VALTHER
Paris, France

English
VALTHER is an independent business law firm with offices in Paris, Bordeaux, and Lyon, offering comprehensive legal services to both French and international clients. The firm's areas of expertise encompass mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate law, tax law, labor law, restructuring,...
CABINET MENASCE CHICHE
Paris, France

English
Established over 30 years ago, CABINET MENASCE CHICHE is an independent French law firm specializing in business law. The firm offers comprehensive legal services in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, insolvency, commercial contracts, real estate, employment law, intellectual...

Founded in 2005
English
Bélot Malan et Associés prides itself on a robust tradition of excellence in legal expertise, serving clients with a comprehensive array of services as attorneys and notary publics in France. With an esteemed presence in the legal community, the firm is recognized for its deep-rooted...

Founded in 2008
English
Cabinet HALIMI & LAMOTTE Avocats Associés, located in Paris's 12th arrondissement, offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including business law, labor law, family law, immigration law, and intellectual property law. The firm is led by experienced partners: Lysa Halimi, who...
Alaris Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 2005
50 people in their team
French
English
English speaking law firm - legal support in FranceOur English-speaking lawyers are specialised in French and international law. We successfully advise English, American and French medium-sized and large companies on the legal issues. However, our clients base also include private individuals from...
VP Legal
Paris, France

English
VP Legal is a French boutique law firm with over thirty years of experience, specializing in complex and sensitive legal matters. The firm's expertise encompasses a wide range of practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, banking and finance, capital markets,...
TOSCA AVOCATS
Paris, France

Founded in 2019
English
TOSCA AVOCATS, located at 9 rue Denis Poisson in Paris, offers a comprehensive range of legal services encompassing commercial law, intellectual property, criminal business law, and family law. The firm's expertise includes contract negotiation, commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, and...

Founded in 2015
English
Steering Legal Cabinet d'avocats/Attorneys at Law is renowned for providing comprehensive legal services to both domestic and international clients. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm offers expertise across various areas of law, including corporate, commercial, and litigation....
DELSOL Avocats
Paris, France

Founded in 1973
English
DELSOL Avocats stands as a premier law firm in France, renowned for its deep expertise across a comprehensive range of legal disciplines. The firm offers specialized services in corporate law, health law, wealth management, labor law, and public law, among others. With a team of highly skilled...
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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.