Articles in this section · 4
Updated 7 Nov 2023
When the parties have entered into an apparent contract that conceals a hidden contract, the latter, also known as a counter-letter, is effective between the parties. It is not enforceable against third parties, who may nevertheless rely on it.
A registered French Lawyer explains what applies to your business — in English, fixed fee.
within 48h
Fixed Fee
Any time a strategic decision changes how the company is owned, governed or contractually bound — incorporation, fundraising, M&A, restructuring, shareholder agreements, or major commercial contracts. Earlier engagement always costs less than later remediation.
A notary (notaire) is a public officer who authenticates specific deeds (mainly real-estate transfers and certain family-law acts). A corporate lawyer (avocat) advises on strategy, negotiates and drafts company documents, and represents you in disputes. The two roles complement rather than overlap.
Yes — most of our clients are foreign suppliers, investors or holding entities. We bridge the gap between French law and your home jurisdiction's expectations and deliver everything bilingually.
The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the default choice for most international structures: flexible governance, single shareholder allowed, no minimum capital, and works cleanly with foreign holding entities. We assess SARL, SA, SCI on the merits when the situation calls for it.
Yes — communications with a French avocat are protected by the secret professionnel (Article 66-5 of the Law of 31 December 1971). This protection is broader than the common-law attorney-client privilege and applies to written and oral exchanges.
We work on fixed fees for clearly scoped engagements (incorporation, contract drafting, audits) and on monthly retainers for ongoing advisory. Hourly billing is the exception, not the default. You always know the cost before work starts.
Typical timeline is 2–3 weeks from KYC kick-off to RCS registration, assuming standard documentation. Holding-company structures, foreign-shareholder identification or in-kind contributions can extend this — we flag the gating items at the first meeting.
Absolutely. We routinely coordinate with your in-house counsel, expert-comptable or notaire — pragmatic collaboration is the norm, not the exception. We send them everything they need to do their part without duplicating work.
Avocate au Barreau de Paris
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15+ Years In Corporate Practice
English · French · Russian
Ready When You Are
A 20–30 minute call, in English, to scope the engagement. No obligation, no preliminary fee. You will leave the call with a clear view of what the work will cover and what it will cost.
Choose between SAS, SARL, SA or SCI — and structure your first French entity around how you actually plan to operate.
Read MoreDistribution, agency, supply, services and IP licences — drafted around the protections French law actually gives.
Read MoreShareholder conflicts, commercial breaches and pre-litigation strategy — handled by the same team that knows the file.
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French Civil Code
In force