Resources for law firms
Find a French-speaking lawyer for a matter abroad
Communicate in French with a lawyer based abroad. Consider working language, local practice and experience together when preparing your cooperation.
The challenge
Combine a shared language with the right expertise
Sharing French as a working language can make it easier to prepare an engagement and communicate between firms. It can help you explain a situation, ask follow-up questions and discuss how findings will be presented. However, a common language is only one of the criteria that make a professional suitable.
A French-speaking lawyer based abroad must also have the relevant practice area and territorial experience. A useful search combines these dimensions instead of stopping at a statement that French is spoken. Your needs may range from an initial conversation in French to documents prepared in that language.
The approach
Specify the level of communication you need
Start by identifying the country, the general subject and the proposed work. Then explain your language requirements: meetings in French, written correspondence, a summary or discussions with the client. These are different uses and should be discussed before the engagement.
At the first meeting, ask the lawyer to describe their local practice and experience working with French-speaking firms. Confirm their availability and the scope they can handle directly. A shared language does not replace an assessment of professional suitability.
The profile information available on European Lawyers Directory can help guide this search. Use it to draw up an initial shortlist, then confirm the languages actually used and communication arrangements with the selected firm.
Take action
Focus your search for French-speaking counsel
- Combine your language requirement with a country and a practice area.
- Distinguish between conversation, drafting and reporting needs in French.
- Arrange a short meeting to confirm that the lawyer understands the need and is available.
The value of a shared language lies in precise communication. The right professional combines that ease of communication with a practice suited to the matter you wish to discuss.
Further reading
Continue your journey
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