Practice

Environment

Environmental concerns are a strategic issue for companies and local authorities. In view of the complexity and constantly changing nature of national and international environmental standards, it is vital to be able to access high-quality legal support, tailored to the needs and objectives of each business.

Our team of dedicated specialists has extensive and long-established expertise in environmental law. The team works with the firm’s other teams and departments to give you the benefit of a specialised and cross-disciplinary approach to environmental issues. Our team provides our clients with operational responses to the many and varied requirements of environmental protection. Our expertise is tailored to our clients’ businesses in advisory, litigation, contractual and audit matters.

We work with clients in France and around the world, including companies in industry, services, energy, transport, waste, real estate and finance, public authorities and international bodies. We advise them on all aspects of environmental law and sustainable development, including regulatory issues, transactions, projects, litigation and social and environmental responsibility.

Areas of intervention

  • We can help with matters relating to installations classified for environmental protection purposes (known in France as ICPEs), water rights, IPPC, Seveso and IED directives, REACH and CLP regulations, etc.

  • We advise our clients on the environmental aspects of infrastructure projects, including environmental authorisations, environmental assessments, species protection, etc.

  • We help to manage issues related to soil and water pollution, environmental liability, polluted sites and soils, financial guarantees, etc.

  • We provide support for real estate transactions involving environmental matters, including environmental risk management, negotiating environmental clauses, due diligence, etc.

  • We provide expertise in mining law, natural resource management, corporate social and environmental responsibility, etc.

  • We advise on matters of environmental compliance, product liability, energy performance, ecodesign, the circular economy, etc.

  • We have recognised expertise in energy law, including renewable energy, and nuclear law.

  • We provide guidance on the tax implications of environmental law, including the carbon tax, energy efficiency certificates, State aid, etc.

Awards

  • Chambers Europe - France 2024

    Environment

    Band 1

    Gide has a well-regarded environment law team that acts for key public and private clients from the energy, mining and waste management industries. The clients benefit from close collaboration with the firm's public law department. The practice offers additional expertise in environmental criminal law.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024

    Environment

    Tier 1

    Great expertise and responsiveness' are the calling cards of the environmental group at Gide. Key areas of expertise for the team extend from matters relating to water and soil contamination and protected species to sustainable project development, regulatory work and environmental litigation.