Henri Savoie leads the public law team at Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier and has extensive experience advising public sector companies and institutions across a broad range of mandates and disputes. The group regularly appears in litigation before French courts and regulatory authorities across variety of industries, and is particularly renowned for its expertise in public contract law, especially in the energy sector. The team also advises on regulatory aspects of M&A deals, with unique knowledge in privatisation issues and foreign direct investment. Guillaume Griffart is a notable practitioner in FDI and banking regulation mandates.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Darrois possesses in-depth knowledge of French public law and its practical applications. Their recommendations are both precise and clear, and they consistently maintain a broader perspective, even when navigating complex and multifaceted cases. Work is effectively distributed between senior and junior team members, ensuring optimal value for clients.’
- ‘Henri Savoie stands out as one of the most experienced lawyers I have encountered. I was genuinely impressed by his delivery in court hearings—concise, clear, and marked by exceptional flow and impact. Beyond his unwavering professionalism, he is also a pleasure to collaborate with.'
- ‘First class team with amazing commercial and interpersonal skills. Go to guys for expertise and resolution.’
- ‘Henri Savoie is also excellent at providing advice and complex analyses in public/regulatory law.’
- ‘Intimate knowledge of the administrative judge and public law doctrine.'
- ‘They are very efficient in every aspect. I Always receive very helpful advice.’
Key clients
- EDF
- Bouygues
- Bouygues Telecom
- SNCF Réseau
- Abertis
- Caisse des dépôts et consignations
- La Poste
- QBE
- Atos
- RTE
- Île-de-France Mobilités
- Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Work highlights
Assisting EDF in claims challenging the regulation requiring the company to supply an additional 20 TWh of electricity at a price set by regulation to eligible suppliers for the period from April to December 2022, within the framework of regulated access to historic nuclear electricity (ARENH), and seeking damages for the loss suffered by EDF in this respect.
Assistance to SANEF in multiple legal actions challenging, on grounds of an excess of power as well as on a constitutional basis, the new tax on the operation of long-distance transport infrastructures introduced by the Finance Act for 2024.
Advised Abertis, a global infrastructure and mobility management group owned by ACS Group and Mundys, on its contemplated acquisition from Crédit Agricole Assurances and AXA IM Alts of an indirect controlling stake in Atlandes, the concession company for the A63 motorway.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Henri Savoie
Other key lawyers
Guillaume Griffart