The ‘extremely specialised and committed’ team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is equipped to oversee real estate acquisitions, transfers, leases and sales, in addition to urban planning, property development and financing mandates. The practice is directed by ’market reference’ David Lacaze, who majors on real estate finance, real estate investment funds and real estate restructuring. Additional key figures include Anne Petitjean, who brings strength to off-plan matters; and Isabelle Augais.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Anne Petitjean is fast, efficient, and a very good negotiator who always tries to find solutions.’

  • ‘A very competent and committed team.’

  • ‘We recommend David Lacaze, for his ability to manage complex files, and Isabelle Augais for her ability to negotiate in our best interests. When it comes to real estate asset management contracts, they are simply the best on the market.’

  • ‘David Lacaze and his team are always up-to-date with tax and real estate developments.’

  • ‘A team that has a global vision of real estate issues and news, and works in collaboration between specialists in contracts, town planning and real estate taxation.'

  • ‘David Lacaze is truly our favorite lawyer and certainly one of the market references. Its ability to know where files are going is exceptional. He is very respected by his colleagues. Isabelle Augais must also be mentioned because she knows how to put everyone at ease.'

  • ‘Extremely specialised and committed team capable of delivering complex subjects in very challenging time frames. Ability to think outside the box to find innovative solutions.’

  • ‘David Lacaze stands out for his availability and his ability to quickly deal with complex real estate and corporate subjects. His commitment is unwavering.’

Key clients

  • Tikehau Investment Management
  • Générale Continentale Investissement
  • Société Générale
  • Idemia
  • MIMCO Asset Management
  • Willis Tower Watson France
  • Nuveen
  • Biocodex
  • abrdn
  • Extendam
  • Brookfield (Uxco Group)
  • Euryale Asset Management

Work highlights

  • Advised Générale Continentale Investissement on the sale of a property complex in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
  • Advising Tikehau Investment Management on its acquisition of the Hotel California, a four-star hotel in Paris, from DigitalBridge.
  • Advised Société Générale Group on the sale of the Crédit du Nord headquarters in Lille to Keys REIM.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Lacaze

Other key lawyers

Anne Petitjean, Isabelle Augais