Lefèvre & Associés

About Lefèvre & Associés

Founded in 1998, Lefèvre & Associés has grown to become a trusted name in legal counsel across various disciplines. We are dedicated to providing our clients with rigorous analysis, strategic advice, and effective representation across France, with a strong focus on the Parisian legal landscape. Our firm was established with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professional excellence.

Situated in the heart of Paris, we leverage our deep understanding of both French civil law traditions and contemporary legal practice to serve a diverse clientele, from multinational corporations to private individuals and growing startups. Our team comprises experienced attorneys, each bringing specialized knowledge and a shared passion for justice and client advocacy. We believe that effective legal representation requires not only profound legal expertise but also a nuanced understanding of our clients' specific circumstances and objectives.

At Lefèvre & Associés, we understand that navigating the legal system can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. This is why we place a strong emphasis on clear communication, transparency, and building a relationship of trust with every client. We are not just your legal advisors; we are your partners, dedicated to guiding you through challenges, mitigating risks, and achieving the most favorable outcomes possible.

Our approach is always tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen intently, analyze your situation from every angle, and develop a strategy that is both legally sound and aligned with your practical goals. Whether you face a complex commercial dispute, require counsel on intricate employment matters, or need sensitive guidance through family law issues, our team is equipped and ready to assist.

We are proud of the reputation we have built over two decades, founded on successful case resolutions, ethical practice, and the enduring relationships we maintain with our clients. Choosing Lefèvre & Associés means choosing a firm that is deeply committed to your success and peace of mind. We stand ready to provide the expert guidance you need in a complex world.

Our Services

Business Law

We provide comprehensive legal support for businesses of all sizes, from nascent startups to established corporations. Our expertise spans corporate formation, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, corporate governance, compliance issues, intellectual property matters, and navigating complex mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. We help you build and protect your enterprise.

Litigation

Our skilled litigators represent clients in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes before French courts and arbitration panels. We handle contractual disputes, shareholder conflicts, post-acquisition disputes, debt recovery, and general civil claims. We are dedicated to rigorously protecting your rights and interests, striving for efficient and favorable resolutions.

Employment Law

We offer expert counsel on all aspects of labor relations in France for both employers and employees. This includes drafting and reviewing employment contracts, navigating complex dismissal procedures, advising on collective bargaining agreements, handling workplace disputes, and ensuring compliance with evolving labor regulations. We help create fair and compliant work environments.

Family Law

We provide sensitive and effective legal guidance through challenging family matters. Our services include divorce and separation proceedings, child custody and access arrangements, spousal and child support issues, division of marital property, and domestic partnership matters. We approach each case with discretion and compassion, advocating for your best interests and those of your family.

Real Estate Law

Our team assists clients with a broad spectrum of real estate matters in France. This includes legal support for property acquisitions and sales, commercial leases, construction law, property development projects, co-ownership issues, and resolving disputes related to land or buildings. We help ensure your real estate transactions are secure and compliant.

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Intellectual Property Law

We help protect your valuable creative works and innovations. Our services cover securing and enforcing rights for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs. We also advise on licensing agreements, IP litigation, and strategies for managing and monetizing your intellectual assets in France and internationally. Safeguarding your ideas is paramount.

Criminal Defense

We offer skilled and discreet defense representation for individuals facing criminal charges in France. Our experienced attorneys navigate the complexities of the French criminal justice system, providing robust advocacy from investigation through trial. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome in challenging circumstances.

Administrative Law

We assist clients in navigating the intricate web of French administrative regulations and procedures. This includes matters involving permits, licenses, public contracts, environmental regulations, and disputes with government agencies. We provide expert guidance to ensure compliance and effectively represent your interests in administrative proceedings.

Our Approach

Listen & Understand

Every legal situation is unique. Our first priority is to listen carefully to your concerns, understand the full context of your issue, and grasp your specific objectives and priorities. This initial, in-depth consultation forms the bedrock of our strategic planning, ensuring we address your needs comprehensively and empathetically.

Analyze & Strategize

Following our initial consultation, our experienced legal team conducts a thorough analysis of your case, researching applicable laws and precedents. We then collaborate to develop a robust, tailored strategy designed to achieve the most favorable outcome. This involves identifying potential challenges and crafting proactive solutions.

Execute & Represent

With a clear strategy in place, we move forward with decisive action. Whether this involves drafting legal documents, entering negotiations, or representing you in court, we execute the plan diligently. Our representation is steadfast and professional, always advocating fiercely for your rights and interests at every stage.

Communicate & Support

We maintain open and transparent communication throughout the entire legal process. You will be kept informed of developments and have your questions answered promptly. Our team is here to provide unwavering support, offering clear explanations and guidance so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Our Team

Pierre Lefèvre

Founding Partner

A highly respected litigator with over 25 years of experience, Pierre Lefèvre is a recognized authority in complex business law and commercial disputes. He founded Lefèvre & Associés with the vision of creating a client-centric firm built on integrity, strategic acumen, and deep legal knowledge. Pierre is known for his meticulous case preparation and compelling courtroom presence, consistently delivering strong outcomes for the firm's clients. His expertise extends across contract law, corporate governance, and shareholder disputes, making him an invaluable asset to businesses navigating legal challenges in France.

Sophie Dubois

Partner

Sophie Dubois brings a unique blend of empathy and legal rigor to her practice, specializing in complex employment and family law matters. With extensive experience, she guides clients through sensitive issues such as workplace conflicts, dismissals, divorce proceedings, and child custody disputes. Sophie is known for her ability to achieve negotiated settlements while being a strong advocate when litigation is necessary. Her dedication to understanding the personal impact of legal issues on her clients sets her apart.

Antoine Moreau

Senior Associate

Antoine Moreau is a specialist in real estate and administrative law, providing expert guidance on property transactions, development projects, zoning issues, and interactions with government agencies. His meticulous approach ensures that clients navigate administrative hurdles and complex real estate deals with confidence. Antoine assists both individuals and businesses, from securing necessary permits for large developments to resolving property boundary disputes. His detailed knowledge of French property regulations is invaluable.

Representative Matters

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Complex International Business Dispute Resolution

Challenge: Our client, a leading European technology firm, faced a multi-jurisdictional contract dispute with a key supplier, involving significant financial claims potentially impacting cross-border operations.

Approach: We developed a sophisticated, multi-pronged strategy combining assertive negotiation tactics with preparatory legal actions across two continents. This involved coordinating legal teams in different jurisdictions, conducting extensive discovery, and leveraging key contractual clauses to strengthen our position.

Outcome: Through strategic negotiation and the credible threat of litigation, we achieved a highly favorable out-of-court settlement for our client. This resolution not only mitigated significant potential liabilities but also successfully preserved critical business relationships, allowing the client to continue its international expansion plans without disruption.

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Successful Employment Discrimination Defense

Challenge: A mid-sized French company was facing a complex employment discrimination claim from a former senior employee, alleging unfair treatment and wrongful dismissal based on protected characteristics.

Approach: Our team conducted a thorough internal investigation, meticulously gathering and analyzing all relevant internal documents, communications, and witness testimonies. We developed a robust defense strategy focusing on the objective, non-discriminatory reasons for the employment decisions and demonstrating compliance with French labor law procedures.

Outcome: Based on the strength of the evidence and our compelling defense presentation during pre-trial proceedings and negotiations, the plaintiff agreed to withdraw the claim. This outcome avoided a potentially lengthy and costly trial, significantly mitigating financial exposure and reputational damage for the client company.

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Securing Key Real Estate Development Approvals

Challenge: Our client, a property developer, encountered significant delays and complex zoning challenges in obtaining necessary permits for a large urban mixed-use development project in the Greater Paris area, threatening the project's viability.

Approach: We engaged in detailed, proactive negotiations with multiple municipal and administrative authorities, clarifying zoning requirements, addressing environmental concerns, and presenting the project's benefits to the community. We also prepared for potential administrative appeals, ensuring all documentation was robust and legally sound.

Outcome: Through strategic legal maneuvering and persistent negotiation, we successfully navigated the administrative landscape and obtained all required permits and zoning variations within a revised, but still achievable, timeline. This allowed construction to commence, keeping the significant development project on track and protecting our client's substantial investment.

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Protecting Brand Identity and Trademarks

Challenge: A rising French e-commerce company discovered that a competitor was using a confusingly similar brand name and logo, leading to market confusion and potential loss of business.

Approach: We promptly initiated cease and desist procedures based on our client's registered trademarks. We conducted a thorough investigation to document the extent of the competitor's use and the resulting consumer confusion. We prepared a comprehensive legal brief outlining the infringement and the potential for significant damages.

Outcome: Faced with strong legal arguments and clear evidence of infringement, the competitor agreed to cease all use of the infringing name and logo and adopt a distinct brand identity. This swift action effectively protected our client's brand equity and prevented further market erosion, reinforcing their position in the digital marketplace.