Viguié Schmidt & Associés is the go-to-firm for high-stakes shareholders’ conflicts and post-M&A litigation, often involving major listed or family-led companies, with the firm acting on behalf of companies, shareholders or former high-level executives. But its caseload remains diverse and extends to various other areas, including dealing with key matters involving insurance brokers, high-stakes family estate disputes and complex commercial litigation. Yves Schmidt and Martin Donato co-head the practice, which also includes Nicolas Viguié, Daniel Villey and Etienne Gouesse.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Expertise, negotiation skills, strategic vision, practical experience.’
- ‘Excellent team. Versatile. Suitable for high-level litigation.’
- ‘A very thorough analysis of cases. The implementation of a real strategy.’
- ‘Daniel Villey has an unparalleled mastery of corporate law.’
- ‘A great team which provided detailed and high level advice.'
- ‘Martin Donato is great legal adviser, but he is proactive too. He pays undivided attention to the deadlines and gives a heads up of what lies ahead.’
Key clients
- Renault
- Aon
- Fimalac Entertainment
- Abénex
- Marex
- EPC
- Indachlor (Indaver)
Work highlights
Defending Renault against its former CEO Mr. Carlos Ghosn, who filed actions before the French civil and commercial courts for his variable remuneration payable in shares, long-term investing plan shares and his retirement guaranteed regime.
Defending Abénex in a litigation against Montefiore before the Court of Appeal, following the non-acquisition of Cruise & Travel in April 2020.
Defending a Middle Eastern petrochemical exporter in pending proceedings before the Paris Court of Appeal against BNP Paribas following measures taken by the bank in 2012 in the context of sanctions by US OFAC for embargo violations.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Yves Schmidt; Martin Donato
Other key lawyers
Nicolas Viguié; Daniel Villey; Etienne Gouesse