France law firms and lawyers

The law of France is based on the civil law tradition. It is renowned for having established the Code civil des Francais which influenced the law of many countries inside and outside Europe.

The Court of Cassation, locally known as the 'Cour de cassation' is the highest court in France.

A French lawyer licensed to practise law in France is called 'Avocat'. An avocat must be registered with one of the 181 mandatory local bar associations. The 'Conseil National des Barreaux' is the national body that encompasses all bars associations and regulates the legal professional in French.

The notaires also plays a significant role in the French legal system, primary for company, family and property related matters. A notaire, unlike notary public is a legal specialist and public officer authorised to draw up authenticated contracts to which the parties are obliged.