HFW's Paris office, established in 1977 as the firm's first international branch, has solidified its position as a leader in sectors such as maritime and air transportation, insurance and reinsurance, industrial risks, infrastructure and construction, energy, international trade, and commodities. The team is renowned for its expertise in commercial litigation and arbitration, as well as its robust transactional practice encompassing corporate, financial, and commercial law, along with international projects.
The Paris office's reputation is further underscored by its Tier 1 rankings in both Aviation and Shipping by The Legal 500. The aviation team, led by partners Pierre Frühling and Jean-Baptiste Charles, specializes in transactions, regulatory matters, and dispute resolution, with a strong focus on cross-border issues, particularly in the African market. The shipping practice, headed by partner Stanislas Lequette, offers comprehensive services covering both wet and dry matters, including vessel collisions, groundings, salvages, disputes, and transactional work.
HFW's client service approach is characterized by deep industry knowledge, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a collaborative culture. With over 600 lawyers operating across 20 offices worldwide, the firm leverages its global network to provide clients with tailored, sector-specific legal solutions. The Paris office, in particular, has extensive experience advising on national and cross-border matters, with a notable presence in North and West Africa.
