Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier strikes a balance between advisory work and litigation, with an impressively broad practice that encompasses restructurings, insolvency proceedings and related litigation, and distressed M&A (including cross-border mandates). Acting for the full spectrum of debtors, managers, shareholders, investors and trustees, the firm has represented parties in many of the most high-profile recent cases in the French market, with particular skill in handling distressed situations involving French-listed companies. Co-managing partner François Kopf, who has a wealth of expertise in special situations that combine restructuring, transactional and litigation elements, leads the team. Mathieu Della Vittoria, whose practice has a strong emphasis on distressed litigation, is also a prominent name to note.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei acts for a diverse client base of distressed companies, their shareholders and creditors, but is particularly recognised for its prowess on the bank side of large-scale financial restructurings, representing pools of major French financial institutions on numerous prominent recent mandates. The team's expertise further extends to insolvency proceedings, corporate reorganisations and distressed transactions. Practice heads Philippe Dubois, who is highly skilled in litigation, and Joanna Gumpelson are well versed in the full range of insolvency proceedings and debt restructurings. The sizeable team also includes Ségolène Coiffet, whose practice spans debt restructuring, insolvency proceedings and transactions involving distressed companies, and Clément Maillot-Bouvier, whose areas of expertise include LBOs.

Gibson Dunn houses an all-encompassing restructuring and insolvency offering, with the ability to cover the full range of corporate, financial, litigation and employment aspects. In particular, the firm is well regarded for its stellar track record in large-cap financial restructurings and operational reorganisations, including many of the most complex and high-profile cases in France. LBO debt restructuring is a prominent area of expertise. Jean-Pierre Farges, a specialist in cross-border transactions, leads the practice. Pierre-Emmanuel Fender, who is skilled in representing debtors, as well as insolvency practitioners, creditors and investors; restructuring experts Amanda Bevan-De Bernède, Benoît Fleury and Bertrand Delaunay; and employment-focused Nataline Fleury are other key members of the sizeable team.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP is widely recognised for its strength in representing debtors in restructurings and insolvency proceedings, but it is also adept at acting for creditors, with a particular emphasis on assisting financial institutions. The team’s broad client base also covers the consumer and leisure, manufacturing and industrials, and – more recently – real estate, technology, media and telecoms sectors. At the head of the practice, Philippe Druon has excellent experience across the full spectrum of in and out-of-court insolvency proceedings, bankruptcy-related litigation and distressed M&A. Astrid Zourli, who is well versed in acting for both debtors and creditors in complex domestic and international cases, is another noted member of the team.

Latham & Watkins‘ wide-ranging restructuring and insolvency practice particularly stands out for its significant expertise in distressed LBO workouts and debt-to-equity swaps, share deals, court-supervised asset deals and complex cross-border restructurings. The firm has recently played a prominent role in numerous high-profile financial restructurings, as well as major insolvency proceedings and distressed sales, with a stellar client roster that includes debtors, shareholders, private equity sponsors, hedge funds, bondholders and banks. Experienced practice head Alexandra Bigot has a strong skill set in out-of-court and cross-border restructurings, while other key figures in the team include Hervé Diogo Amengual, whose practice has a notable emphasis on litigation, and Thomas Doyen.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP remains the first port of call for all stakeholders in high-profile financial restructurings, insolvency proceedings and distressed M&A, although it is particularly well known for its in-depth expertise in advising debtors, investors and pools of banks. Core strengths include distressed LBO transactions, the restructuring of French-listed companies and lender-led debt restructurings. In addition, the Paris office frequently draws on the capabilities of teams in the US, UK and continental Europe to handle cross-border mandates. Practice heads Jean-Dominique Daudier De Cassini and Céline Domenget-Morin have been involved in many of the most significant insolvency reorganisations and debt restructurings in France over the last decade. César Puech Routier is also a name to note.

White & Case LLP‘s restructuring practice was significantly strengthened in August 2024 with the arrival of the well-regarded Anne-Sophie Noury, an expert in distressed LBO transactions and cross-border restructurings, from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to lead the department. The firm’s comprehensive offering covers the full range of distressed situations, corporate reorganisations and insolvency proceedings on behalf of creditors, debtors, investors and potential buyers, with the Paris team particularly well equipped to handle major cross-border restructuring deals with the support of the firm’s other international offices. The experienced Saam Golshani and Alexis Hojabr, both of whom are recognised for their expertise in acting for financial sponsors, Alicia Bali and Hugues Racovski are also prominent figures in the practice.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has an impressive record of acting for ad hoc bondholders groups and steering committees on some of the most significant recent restructuring transactions in the French market, and also has notable expertise in advising debtors and investors. Among the team’s core areas of strength are distressed LBO workouts, cross-border debt restructurings, and debt for equity swaps, as well as pre-insolvency proceedings, bankruptcy proceedings and distressed M&A. Paris managing partner and European restructuring co-chair Lionel Spizzichino leads the team, bringing to bear extensive experience in complex lender-led and cross-border restructurings. Other key names include Batiste Saint-Guily, whose skill set includes in and out-of-court restructurings, insolvency proceedings and distressed transactions, and Audrey Nelson.

Ashurst LLP‘s practice spans the full range of restructuring, insolvency and special situations, with a strong emphasis on handling complex mid to large-cap deals, including many of the most sophisticated recent transactions in the French market. In particular, the team has excellent credentials in major cross-border restructurings, including those involving distressed listed companies, and in representing creditors, sponsors and new money providers (especially banks and private equity and hedge funds). Noam Ankri, who is well regarded for his expertise in high-yield bonds in French restructurings, leads the practice. Elsa Decourt is also a key name for cross-border restructurings.

Bredin Prat fields a diverse practice which takes in financial restructurings (including domestic and cross-border mandates), asset sales, insolvency proceedings and related litigation. The team is equally adept at advising distressed companies, shareholders, creditors and investors, with particular strong suits in the construction, financial services, energy, media, technology and leisure sectors. Highly experienced practitioners Olivier Puech, who has standout expertise in insolvency proceedings, particularly the judicial aspects and related litigation, and Nicolas Laurent, who focuses primarily on amicable proceedings relating to financial restructurings and on representing debtors or bidders in insolvency proceedings, oversee the team.

Clifford Chance‘s strong suit lies in complex, multi-jurisdictional restructuring and insolvency proceedings, with the Paris office able to draw upon the expertise of teams around the globe. Under the leadership of the experienced Delphine Caramalli, the team acts for a diverse client base of domestic and international investors, private equity funds, hedge funds and other lenders, shareholders and buyers, covering the full range of financial restructuring processes, consensual and judicial insolvency proceedings (particularly preventive procedures for ad hoc mandates and conciliation), and distressed M&A. The team also draws on the support of new arrivals Arnaud Fromion and Frédéric Guilloux, who joined the wider global financial markets practice from Goodwin at the end of 2024, and specialise in leveraged finance with a focus on restructuring.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP stands out for its strength in complex, cross-border restructurings, bringing together expertise in corporate, finance, litigation, compliance and competition law. The team is well versed in advising on both in and out-of-court restructurings, as well as on the acquisition of distressed assets, acting for a varied client base of debtors, buyers, creditors and shareholders. The team is led by seasoned practitioners Guilhem Bremond, a prominent adviser to French and international clients in relation to restructurings, insolvency litigation and distressed investments, and Laurent Mabilat.

Noted for the broad scope of its practice, Jones Day's restructuring and insolvency team has significant experience of advising the full range of debtors, sponsors and lenders (including traditional banks as well as alternative lenders such as private equity firms, asset managers and funds). The firm is adept at handling complex restructuring deals and insolvency proceedings, related litigation and distressed M&A, with particular strength in cross-border matters. Fabienne Beuzit, a key adviser on high-profile restructuring and insolvency cases both in France and internationally, heads the practice, while Rodolphe Carrière provides capable support.

Linklaters houses a broad restructuring and insolvency offering, ranging from pre-insolvency proceedings through to liquidation, although it has a particularly strong record in complex, high-profile financial restructuring deals. The firm’s client base is equally extensive, including debtors, creditors, sponsors, shareholders and managers (with notable expertise in advising funds). Expert in cross-border financial and operational restructurings Carole Nerguararian is a key member of the team. Former practice head Aymar De Mauléon left the firm in 2025.

Mayer Brown established its dedicated restructuring practice in October 2024 with the arrival of seasoned practitioner Marc Santoni and his team from restructuring boutique Santoni & Associés, consolidating an alliance between the two firms that began in 2022. The team has extensive experience in advising debt funds and corporate creditors on debt restructurings, especially LBOs and in relation to government-backed loans; assisting with insolvency proceedings; and handling the takeover of companies in receivership. Santoni is well regarded for his skill in advising on the restructuring of French companies and assisting investment funds with distressed acquisitions.

ADVANT Altana‘s practice runs the gamut of restructuring and special situations, including financial and operational restructurings, distressed M&A, related litigation and the restructuring of regulated entities. Supported by the firm’s offices in Italy and Germany, the Paris team is also adept at handling cross-border cases. Pierre-Gilles Wogue, an expert in advising distressed companies with an international dimension, Michel Jockey and Mana Rassouli, who has wide-ranging expertise in advising debtors, shareholders and investors on restructurings, jointly lead the experienced team.

A&O Shearman's Paris office is frequently called upon to advise on complex domestic and cross-border restructurings, benefitting from the firm's global presence and the expertise of its finance, M&A, litigation, real estate and tax departments. The team acts for a wide range of debtors, creditors, shareholders and investors, with particular skill in representing financial institutions, including major French banks. Hector Arroyo, who is qualified to practise in France, England and Wales, and Brazil, leads the team.

Demonstrating notable strength in sectors such as sport, retail and transport, August Debouzy‘s restructuring and insolvency team pulls together expertise in tax, M&A, corporate, finance and employment law to cover all aspects of complex restructurings (including cross-border mandates). The team has a strong emphasis on advising debtors and shareholders, but has recently been increasingly active in acting for investment funds involved in takeover bids. Laurent Cotret, who is particularly skilled in advising on debt restructuring, oversees the practice.

BDGS Associés has expertise across the board of financial and industrial restructurings, insolvency-related litigation and distressed M&A, but focuses primarily on mid and large-cap restructurings, including complex cross-border transactions and cases with involvement from the French state. The team is skilled in advising debtors, shareholders and investors, with additional experience on the creditor side. Henri Cazala, who has significant experience in major financial and operational restructurings (both in and out-of-court proceedings) and distressed investments, leads the practice.

Advising creditors and stakeholders is the central pillar of Bird & Bird‘s restructuring and insolvency practice, which has a particularly strong emphasis on representing pools of banks in large-scale financial restructurings. The team is equipped to handle the full range of in and out-of-court proceedings, refinancings and insolvency-related litigation. Nicolas Morelli, who has significant litigation expertise, and Romain de Ménonville, who is well versed in debt restructurings, especially distressed LBOs, lead the team. Finance partner Jessica Derocque is also noted.

Acting for a wide array of debtors, investors, shareholders and creditors, CMS Francis Lefebvre is able to cover all aspects of restructuring and insolvency proceedings, including cross-border cases. In addition, the team has continued to expand its expertise in distressed M&A. Alexandre Bastos leads the team, and has a strong all-round practice that ranges from preventive procedures to restructurings through safeguard and receivership plans and insolvency-related litigation.

FTPA is well versed in representing debtors, takeover entrepreneurs and shareholders in relation to operational and financial restructurings, covering everything from corporate reorganisations and special situations to restructurings, the acquisition of distressed assets and cross-border insolvency proceedings. The experienced team is overseen by Edouard Fabre, an expert in advising court-appointed administrators, and Romain Lantourne, whose practice spans restructurings, insolvency proceedings and related litigation, while Serge-Antoine Tchekhoff and Bruno Robin also lend their expertise.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s restructuring and insolvency team is distinguished by the strength of its creditor-side practice, with robust experience of representing pools of French and international banks in complex, multi-jurisdictional cases. The team is particularly skilled in debt restructurings, although its workload extends to insolvency-related litigation and the disposal of distressed assets. Pauline Bournoville, a specialist in corporate debt restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, leads the practice.

Jeantet has wide-ranging expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters, from mandat ad hoc and conciliation proceedings to safeguard, reorganisation and liquidation proceedings, insolvency-related litigation and the carve-out and acquisition of distressed companies. The varied workload is matched by the firm’s ability to act for all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, investors and purchasers, and court-appointed administrators. Laïd Estelle Laurent, who is experienced in both domestic and cross-border cases, heads the team. Aymar De Mauléon joined the team in 2025.

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI acts for a growing roster of debtors, buyers, creditors and shareholders in complex distressed situations, with experience spanning financial and operational restructurings, insolvency proceedings and related litigation. In particular, the team is able to draw on firm-wide expertise in the private equity space to advise funds on the acquisition of distressed assets. Practice head Timothée Gagnepain is a high-profile name for French and international restructurings and insolvencies, while Théophile Jomier is also a key member of the team.

Orrick‘s restructuring and insolvency team continues to be instructed on high-profile mandates by a variety of debtors, creditors and other stakeholders, with a particularly strong emphasis on acting for clients in the private equity and financial services spaces. Able to work closely with the firm’s international offices, the team is also a preferred choice for cross-border matters. Aurélien Loric, a go-to adviser on both amicable and judicial insolvency proceedings, leads the practice, while François Wyon provides key support.

Paul Hastings LLP rebuilt its restructuring practice in May 2024 with the arrival of Caroline Texier, who brings to the table strong expertise in insolvency proceedings and debt restructuring, and her team from DLA Piper. The group is well equipped to advise debtors, buyers, creditors, shareholders and investors on major French and cross-border restructurings and the acquisition of distressed assets, with particular skill in the private equity and real estate sectors (benefitting from the wider firm’s capabilities in these areas).

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés is frequently called upon to advise companies in financial difficulties on pre-insolvency and insolvency proceedings, and is also adept at assisting creditors (most notably investment funds, banks and financial institutions) and investors in distressed businesses. The team also has a strong suit in representing insolvency practitioners in related litigation. Practice head Nicolas Partouche is well versed in amicable and judicial insolvency proceedings and related disputes. Julie Cavelier is also a key name to note.

Dedicated insolvency boutique PLM Avocats enjoys a particularly strong reputation for representing debtors in amicable and judicial insolvency proceedings and assisting industrial buyers with the acquisition of distressed assets, with a client base that ranges from mid-size companies to subsidiaries of groups and investment and mezzanine funds. Patricia Le Marchand, who has a wealth of experience in operational and financial restructurings, insolvency proceedings, and related litigation, oversees the practice.

Racine‘s broad practice covers all forms of financial and social restructurings, insolvency proceedings, and related litigation, with a strong emphasis on large-scale industrial restructurings, cross-border cases, and debt restructurings for distressed LBOs. The team is equipped to represent all stakeholders, acting for clients from across the banking and finance, real estate, retail, logistics, manufacturing, and medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Laurent Jourdan, an expert in LBO restructurings and the turnaround of distressed companies, leads the team alongside Antoine Diesbecq and Emmanuel Laverrière.

Thanks to its sizeable network of offices, Simon Associés is well placed to advise clients throughout France on financial and social restructurings and insolvency proceedings. The firm is particularly well known for its advice to SMEs, but also represents investment funds, banks and mezzanine lenders, and receivers, assisting in both amicable and collective insolvency proceedings. Managing partner Jean-Charles Simon and Emmanuel Drai jointly lead the practice, and Hubert de Frémont advises on related labour law issues.

Boutique firm VALOREN has a focus on special situations, specialising in restructuring, M&A and corporate law (including distressed M&A), and litigation. The team predominantly acts for companies and shareholders, particularly in amicable and collective proceedings, but is also able to advise investors and credit institutions. Virginie Verfaillie Tanguy, who has extensive experience in both French and international restructuring and insolvency proceedings, jointly leads the practice with Virginie Lockwood, a key name for social restructurings.

Working closely with the firm’s banking and finance, M&A and tax teams, Alerion is able to cover the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters, from debt restructurings and the acquisition of distressed companies and assets to insolvency proceedings and associated litigation. Gilles Podeur, who has recently seen an uptick of instructions in insolvency proceedings with a cross-border dimension, heads the team.

Archers A.A.R.P.I.'s restructuring and insolvency group is skilled in handling both litigation and transactional matters, with notable strength in advising clients in the retail, food and beverages, and manufacturing sectors. The team also plays a prominent role in advising financial institutions and private equity firms. Fabrice Patrizio, who combines expertise in operational and financial restructurings, insolvency proceedings and distressed M&A, heads the practice.

With offices in Paris and Neuchâtel, boutique firm Barbier Legal is uniquely placed to handle restructurings and special situations with French and Swiss elements. Under the leadership of Jérôme Barbier, the team focuses predominantly on the small to mid-size market, with notable expertise in acting for companies in financial difficulties in amicable and judicial insolvency proceedings.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises on a steady stream of financial restructurings, insolvency proceedings and acquisitions of distressed assets, routinely acting for debtors, creditors and investors (with notable expertise in representing clients in the real estate sector). Led by the dual-qualified Didier Bruère-Dawson, the team has particularly strong capabilities in cross-border cases. Marie Gicquel is also a key name to note.

Stéphane Cavet oversees the restructuring and insolvency team at Chammas & Marcheteau, which combines its expertise with the experience of the firm’s corporate, M&A and tax practices to advise on complex financial restructurings, insolvency proceedings and the takeover of distressed companies. The firm acts for a range of parties, including SME debtors, investors and buyers, in both domestic and cross-border cases.

Dentons fields a diverse restructuring and insolvency practice that is equipped to represent any stakeholders in insolvency proceedings, from debtors and creditors to purchasers of distressed assets. In particular, the team has robust skill sets in cross-border restructurings, distressed M&A, financial institution insolvencies and out-of-court workouts. Audrey Molina, whose practice spans amicable and collective insolvency proceedings and related litigation, heads the team.

FIDAL stands out for its large resources, fielding a sizeable restructuring and insolvency team from offices throughout France. The group’s core strengths lie in advising distressed companies in relation to debt restructurings and corporate reorganisations, and groups of creditors in insolvency proceedings, although its practice also covers distressed M&A. Isabelle Vincent, Arnaud Roiron and Brigitte Petitdemange lead the team from Paris.

Franklin‘s insolvency practice can now draw on the expertise of three partners, following the arrival of Laura Bavoux from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in June 2024, bringing significant experience in cross-border cases to the table. The team is well equipped to advise debtors, creditors, shareholders and purchasers, with a broad caseload that takes in pre-insolvency and insolvency proceedings, associated litigation and distressed M&A. The experienced Numa Rengot leads the team, while Arnaud Pédron is another key contact.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.‘s growing restructuring and insolvency practice is particularly skilled in representing debtors in conciliation proceedings, but is also capable of acting on the side of creditors, including international funds and financial institutions. The team handles both pre-insolvency negotiations and insolvency proceedings, as well as drawing on practice head Jean-Gabriel Flandrois‘ M&A expertise to handle distressed acquisitions. Nadia Haddad is another key name.

Boutique firm Lamoure Rivals continues to establish a foothold in the French market following its launch in March 2023, benefitting from the experience of founding partners Bérangère Rivals and Lionel Lamoure across the full scope of restructuring and insolvency law. Rivals is particularly skilled in judicial insolvency proceedings and restructuring-related litigation, while Lamoure is adept at handling LBO restructurings and distressed M&A.

Pierre-Alain Bouhénic joined Moncey Avocats from Brown Rudnick LLP in January 2023 to oversee its restructuring and insolvency practice, bringing to bear extensive experience in both contentious and transactional matters. The growing practice is well versed in acting for corporate debtors in pre-insolvency and insolvency proceedings, as well as assisting investors in the takeover of distressed companies, with particular strength in cross-border cases.

Led by seasoned litigator Philippe Hameau, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright has robust experience in both transactional and contentious insolvency matters, and is particularly active in cross-border cases, acting for a growing roster of international clients. The firm is also noted for its advice to financial institutions and its ability to handle restructurings in the shipping and aviation sectors.

Osborne Clarke‘s restructuring team takes a cross-disciplinary approach, frequently working alongside the firm’s corporate and employment teams to handle complex cases, ranging from out-of-court preventive proceedings to court-ordered reorganisations, distressed acquisitions and insolvency-related disputes. Nassim Ghalimi, a key adviser to debtors, shareholders, creditors, buyers and corporate managers, heads the practice, while Paul Lafuste is also a name to note.

Under the leadership of Serge Pelletier, Rescue Law represents a diverse client base of SMEs-ETIs, investment funds and receivers in relation to financial and operational restructurings, judicial insolvency proceedings, the takeover of distressed companies, asset transfer plans and insolvency-related litigation. In addition, the firm is noted for its niche expertise in advising technology start-ups in financial difficulties.

Squadra Avocats established its insolvency practice in September 2022 with the arrival of department head Charles Morel from August Debouzy, whose recent caseload spans significant cases in the media, technology and medical sectors. The team is adept at advising both distressed companies and financial investors, with experience spanning amicable and judicial insolvency proceedings, the acquisition of distressed assets, and insolvency-related litigation.

Stephenson Harwood continues to grow its restructuring and insolvency practice, with a focus on mid to large-cap transactions and strong sector-specific expertise in transportation (particularly aviation and shipping), telecoms and decarbonisation. The team acts for the full spectrum of stakeholders, but is particularly well suited to advising shareholders, purchasers and creditors. Alexandre Koenig, who stands out for his complementary litigation expertise, heads the team.

At UGGC Avocats, the team’s wide-ranging expertise and ability to tap into other departments at the full-service firm enables it to assist with all facets of insolvency proceedings, from preventive procedures through to collective proceedings, takeover bids and associated litigation. Led by the experienced Thierry Montéran and Marine Simonnot, the team acts for a broad client portfolio, including distressed companies, directors, shareholders, investors and creditors.

Veil Jourde‘s insolvency practice works closely with the firm’s M&A, litigation, finance, tax and employment departments to advise a broad array of debtors, managers, shareholders, investors and creditors in distressed situations. The team’s caseload takes in financial restructurings, distressed M&A, insolvency proceedings and insolvency-related litigation. Practice head Eugénie Amri has notable recent experience in cases in the retail, aviation and media sectors.

VOLT Associés has continued to strengthen its reputation in the field of small to mid-cap restructurings, with expertise spanning turnaround strategies, debt restructurings, debtor-in-possession financings, the takeover of distressed companies, and bankruptcy-related disputes. Alexis Rapp leads the team, which frequently works in conjunction with the firm’s finance, corporate and tax departments to advise investment funds, banks, corporates, managers and shareholders.