News

Partners Sylvie Gallage-Alwis and Thomas Rouhette examine why group and class action mechanisms in France should be considered as the upcoming litigation threat for companies doing business in the jurisdiction and the types of defences they should develop if sued, in Option Droit & Affaires.

Sylvie and Thomas’ article was published, in French, in Option Droit & Affaires, 11 December 2019, and can be read here.

Sylvie is one of the youngest French practitioners recognised for her skills as a litigator by directories. She is specialised in all cutting-edge complex disputes linked to products, namely product liability, product safety, toxic tort, mass litigation/class action, regulatory compliance, and environment. She is ranked in Who’s Who Legal France: Product Liability Defence 2019, which notes she “stands out in the market for her highly respected product liability, toxic tort and mass litigation expertise.” Sylvie is further known in the French market as a leading toxic tort / mass litigation lawyer. As such, she has been involved in most pro-company case law rendered in recent years, notably in asbestos-related cases, with some cases mentioned in the French Civil and Social Security Codes because of the significant reversal in case law they represent.

Recognised by Who’s Who Legal as the “finest product liability lawyer in the country and one of the very best on the continent”, Thomas has a seasoned, wide and multifaceted practice, spanning from contract litigation to corporate and banking disputes as well as to fraud and asset tracing. Thomas is regarded by Who’s Who Legal as one of the top three ‘Global Elite Thought Leaders’ in EMEA for Life Sciences: Product Liability, and the directory notes he has “a tough style that is very effective”.

Read more about Signature’s Product Liability Litigation and Toxic Tort Litigation capabilities here and here.