English-speaking lawyers in France

British homeowners in the Dordogne, Americans in Paris and tech workers on the Riviera make up the English-speaking population of France. English-speaking lawyers in France help them when French law gets involved.

Usual topics include buying property, where a notaire handles the deed, French succession rules and reserved heirship, residence cards, employment contracts and dismissal before the conseil de prud'hommes, divorce and company formation. An avocat must belong to a local barreau, and the national directory of the Conseil National des Barreaux lets you verify one. French courts work in French, so foreign documents need a sworn translation (traduction assermentée).

French law requires a written fee agreement (convention d'honoraires). English-speaking lawyers in France are concentrated in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice. Hourly rates are common in Paris, while fixed fees are typical for simple files. Legal expenses insurance from a French policy may cover part of a dispute. Ask English-speaking lawyers in France to coordinate with your notaire. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.