Administrative and Public Law

Representing a ship inspector in a 'test case' against the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), a private body with a public service function responsible for accreditation of ship inspectors who conduct safety inspections on oil tankers and at oil terminals. The case concerned the unlawful removal of our client's accreditation. We successfully challenged the fairness of accreditation-body disciplinary processes and the client was awarded damages. This case triggered similar claims.

Representing a facilities management company in a review of the rationality of a decision made by Hertfordshire County Council in respect of the public procurement process relating to a GBP 25m multi-site property management and security services contract. The case also included issues of the unlawful exercise of delegated power by an officer. The case involved a damages claim for GBP 10m.

Advising a French state-owned company performing postal services on the setting up and implementation of tender procedures for a EUR 200m collective catering contract for its employees and a EUR 20m contract for the supply of banknote processing machines.

Advising a French subsidiary of an international discount retailer chain in respect of a large number of building permit applications for the construction and renovation of their stores in France.

Representing a French subsidiary of a US industrial group in litigation brought by several former protected employees against dismissal authorisations granted by the DRIEETS, a French public body responsible for labour law issues.

Representing an Asian telecommunications company in obtaining various administrative authorizations (such as a building permit, an environmental permit, etc) required for setting up a data center campus in France, a project valued at EUR 1bn.

Representing a French company in the digital marketing sector in a c.EUR 3m dispute against the French State as a consequence of the illegality of the latter's decision to validate a Plan de sauvegarde de l’emploi (ie an employment protection plan) which resulted in major financial losses for the company.

Representing a war material manufacturer in a référé précontractuel (ie a pre-contractual appeal in the administrative court on the grounds of inequality) seeking the annulment of the award procedure for a defense procurement contract valued at EUR multi-million for the supply of precision rifle scopes.

Representing a metropolitan authority in a EUR 150m dispute with a European civil engineering company relating to arising from a public-private partnership contract for the design, financing, construction, maintenance and operation of one of the largest sports stadiums in France. The dispute involved lengthy expert appraisals and pre-insolvency proceedings.

Representing a consortium appointed as the preferred bidder to sign a EUR 500m public procurement contract for IT services in the context of a référé précontractuel (ie a pre-contractual appeal in the administrative court on the grounds of inequality) brought by a competitor.

Representing a European biotech company in a EUR 15m dispute with a public hospital following a malfunction of a medical robot resulting in brain damage to the patient.

Advising a global fast-food chain on the application of French Anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) of 2020 and on the allocation of responsibilities for compliance in franchise arrangements.

Advising the owner of a castle of significant public and historic importance in France in relation to a safety order issued by the local municipality arising out of concerns that a part of the building may collapse. In addition to requiring significant repair works, the order required evacuation of local residents living in proximity to the building and compensation of the evacuation costs by the building's owner.