Paris Office
Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation – Tier 1
Signature’s Paris office continues to hold a Tier 1 ranking in Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation, with the Guide noting that the firm "is the place to go for high-stakes civil tort, civil liability damages, product recall and product liability cases."
The Guide notes that Signature's practice "has extensive experience managing mass proceedings, class actions and product recall situations. The team is also retained to handle high-profile commercial and ESG proceedings, while its range of expertise also extends to corporate and shareholders’ conflicts."
Partner Thomas Rouhette is again ranked in The Legal 500’s ‘Hall of Fame’. The Guide notes that Thomas "is an outstanding trial lawyer." He is referred to in the Guide as “exceptionally reliable, communicates clearly, and expresses himself with remarkable precision. His ability to present complex arguments simply and persuasively sets him apart. Clients appreciate his pragmatic judgement and the reliability of his strategic assessments, which are consistently borne out in practice."
Partner Sylvie Gallage-Alwis is again recognised as a ‘Leading Partner' in this practice area. The Guide notes that "Sylvie Gallage-Alwis stands out for her unparalleled expertise in product liability defence in France, as well as for her exceptional interpersonal skills. Calm and attentive, she listens to her clients and remains composed in stressful situations, while demonstrating a brilliant and strategic mind. Her combination of technical excellence and strong leadership makes her an essential figure in the market." Commentators describe Sylvie as "a true expert in her field."
Partners Jérémie Fierville is also recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’. The Guide notes Jérémie is "excellent, very focused on delivering the right result for clients and technically very capable."
Partner Ela Barda is also again recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’.
Partner Laurent Martinet is recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’, and commentators describe Laurent as "pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and connected with the French legal world and Paris bar, and he is also adept at working with US attorneys and companies."
According to commentators, "the team is excellent, always ready to meet our needs and anticipate risks and expectations. They respond quickly, demonstrate innovation, and are proactive. They are very pleasant people to work with. Precise and attentive, they provide high-quality service." In addition, commentators note that, ‘the quality of their service has always been exceptional. The team excels at developing and coordinating litigation strategies that are not only thorough but also realistic and perfectly aligned with clients' expectations. Communication with both clients and the courts is top-notch, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and efficiency throughout the proceedings. One of the firm's greatest strengths lies in its ability to accurately anticipate procedural developments."
Aviation – Tier 2
Signature’s Paris office maintained a Tier 2 ranking in the Aviation category with Partner Thomas Rouhette maintaining his ranking in The Legal 500’s ‘Hall of Fame’ for this practice area.
Insurance – Tier 2
Signature Paris retains a Tier 2 ranking in the Insurance category, with the Guide noting that "beyond its undeniable technical expertise, Signature Litigation's insurance team is highly responsive and reassuring to its clients. Its in-depth knowledge of the insurance market in France, combined with its ability to find solutions even for complex cases, makes this team a solid partner."
Partners Thomas Rouhette and Emmanuèle Lutfalla are again recognised as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in this area, with commentators noting Emmanuèle's "experience, professionalism and interpersonal skills."
Senior Associate Déborah Azerraf is ranked as a 'Leading Associate' in this practice area. She is referred to in the Guide as "sought after for claims-management advice and support in complex insurance litigation."
Commentators note, "Emmanuèle Lutfalla and her team anticipate clients' needs and expectations and manage to create a climate of trust that is useful in resolving the most sensitive situations."
One commentator describes that,"Working with 5 people within this firm on different subjects, I was able to appreciate their high level of involvement and availability to allow for live monitoring of disputes."
The Guide highlights the team's "availability, responsiveness, proactive approach and high-quality analysis" as well as their "efficiency" and "relevance."
Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration – Tier 5
Signature Paris continues to be ranked for Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration. The Guide notes the team's "extensive expertise and in-depth knowledge of international law, and the ability to use this expertise and knowledge to substantiate the facts of a case and find strategic and creative solutions to resolve disputes. The entire team are highly committed to client satisfaction, as they are patient and available to answer questions, advise clients, and keep them informed of the progress of their case."
The Guide notes the team's "ability to identify, create, coordinate, and implement cutting-edge strategies to best defend its clients' interests in all arbitration proceedings. The expansion of its Paris team solidifies its presence in the Parisian market."
Partner Philip Dunham is again recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’, with commentators noting he "is well versed in complex construction disputes and has a remarkable ability to master the multitude of facts that arise in such disputes. He offers clients sound advice and a measured perspective. He has deep experience in Asia and the Middle East, is perfectly fluent in English and French, and also sits as an arbitrator."
Philip is referred to in the Guide as "particularly well regarded. He is highly knowledgeable and meticulously courteous and exudes the confidence that comes with great experience."
Counsel Amany Chamieh is also recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer' in this practice area. The Guide notes that she "stands out within the team thanks to her significant expertise in international arbitration, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Her understanding of the cultural nuances specific to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, combined with her fluency in Arabic, allows her to anticipate many needs in this region and provide genuine added value."
The team offers "very good advice, to the point and with attention to detail. Point out issues beyond what was requested."
Gibraltar Office
Dispute Resolution – Tier 1
Signature's Gibraltar office retains its Tier 1 ranking in the Dispute Resolution category.
Partner Elliott Phillips is again ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’, with commentators describing him as "extremely innovative and charismatic."
Elliott is also referred to in the Guide as "a global expert in commercial litigation, trusts, fraud, asset tracing, insolvency, and shareholder disputes."
Senior Associates Colin Grech and Paul Grant are again recognised as 'Leading Associates' in this area.
Frankfurt Office
Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation – Firm to Watch
Signature Frankfurt is recognised as a Firm to Watch in the Dispute resolution: Commercial Litigation category.