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France - Paris

Paris is an exciting and vibrant city recognised the world over as offering an unrivalled lifestyle and culture. It is one of the largest, if not the largest European legal centre and is regarded as a major hub for pan-European business. Much European cross-border trade and finance generally will involve a French aspect, making it an essential business jurisdiction. The quality of commercial legal work on offer is therefore excellent. Most of this work is in English. While French language skills will ease an ex-pat recruit into the language of the corridor and the multitude of cafes and bars, it is not essential to the practice of law. That said, most firms require some ability to converse in French.

Law Firms

The international firms, principally the English and American ones, lead the way and have been in the French market for decades. However, there are a number of very good French firms who have offices abroad as well. Although there are some resident ex-pat partners in the Paris offices, the majority of partners and fee earners will be French avocats.

Principal Areas of Demand

The most significant areas of demand are in finance and international arbitration. The other practice groups tend to be dominated by the local lawyers. The key finance groups are banking, capital markets, structured finance, project finance, asset finance and securitisation. Sometimes there will be interest in corporate finance lawyers, but these roles tend to require local law capability. Income in Paris for ex-pat lawyers tends to follow London rates closely. There is a general tendency perhaps for rates to be slightly lower, but after taking into account the cost of living (around 30% less than London), the financial package is very attractive.

Remuneration & Benefits

Law firms will take on lateral lawyers either as employees or as independent contractors (with ‘profession liberale’ status). ‘Employees’ are a more expensive hire for the firms because there is an ensuing liability on the part of the firm to pay additional taxes and social security contributions. On an independent contractor basis, the lawyer picks up the tab on these expenses and is usually paid a higher rate as a result.

Once lawyers have taken the Paris Bar and become locally qualified, there would be an expectation of moving to the status of independent contractor, which is really the norm across continental Europe. Independent contractors are able to claim many expenses against their taxable income, thereby reducing their tax bill.

Outside the Office

The list of things to do in Paris is a long one and this guide could not possibly hope do it justice. While you should expect to work hard, the enjoyment associated with living and working in this beautiful city is difficult to overstate. Professionals tend to live in the heart of Paris, so after-hours they take advantage of the restaurants, nightlife, shopping and culture. Given that the commute for most will involve a walk along the Seine, Paris is an aspirational location.

 

For further information on the legal market and job opportunities in France please contact your nearest Taylor Root office:

London:
Costanza Nicolosi E: costanzanicolosi@taylorroot.com T: +44 (0)20 7415 2828

Dubai:
Shane Morton E: shanemorton@taylorroot.com T: +971 4 319 7601

Hong Kong: 
Michael Luckett E: michaelluckett@taylorroot.com.hk T: +852 2973 6333

Sydney:
Sandra D'Souza E: sandradsouza@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)2 9236 9000

Melbourne:
Tim Fogarty E: timfogarty@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)3 8610 8400