English-Speaking Attorneys in France

DISCLAIMER: The U.S. Embassy Paris, France assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by the following persons or firms. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance.

The information in the list on professional credentials, areas of expertise and language ability are provided directly by the lawyers. You may receive additional information about the individuals by contacting the local bar association (or its equivalent) or the local licensing authorities.

Important Note: Officers of the Department of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad are prohibited by federal regulation from acting as agents, attorneys or in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of U.S. citizens in private legal disputes abroad. (22 CFR 92.81, 10.735-206(a)(7), 72.41, 71.5.). Generally, this list is revised triennially with interim addendum as needed.

The List of Attorneys: The following individuals and firms have informed the Embassy that they are qualified to adjudicate law in the categories specified and that they are sufficiently competent in the English language to provide services to English-speaking clients. All corrections and modifications for Paris and vicinity should be sent to the U.S. Embassy, Paris, U.S. Citizen Services by E-mail to: Citizeninfo@state.gov.

Retaining an Attorney Abroad

These Department of State guidelines may be helpful to you in retaining the services of an attorney abroad to protect your interest.

Note: In some countries courts recess for a period of several months during the summer. In addition, even if the case is resolved, currency control laws are often complex and may delay the transfer of funds awarded to you from the foreign country for an indefinite time.

Questions: Additional questions may be addressed to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, and Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 or (202) 647-5226.

Complaints Against Foreign Attorneys
If the service of your foreign attorney proves unsatisfactory, in addition to notifying the Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, you may address your complaints to the local foreign bar association. For example, to contact the French Bar Associations you may refer to the following website address: https://cnb.avocat.fr/

Definitions

Avocats: An avocat must be a lawyer or attorney. Avocats may render legal advice on all matters, draft agreements and contracts, handle commercial disputes and collection cases, and plead and defend civil and criminal cases before the French courts to which they are admitted.

Notaries: (notaires in France): A French notaire is a public official appointed by the Ministry of Justice, and not the equivalent of a notary public in the United States. The number of notaires in each jurisdiction is limited, and their fees fixed by law. Their functions include the preparation and recording of notarial acts (i.e. wills, deeds, acts of incorporation, marriage contracts) the administration and settlements of estates (excluding litigation in court) and serving as the repository of wills. They are not lawyers, but very specialized members of the legal profession. They may not plead in court.