The Paris office of Simmons & Simmons is expanding its Real Estate department and launching its Environmental department with the arrival of two new partners, Michaël Lévy and Laure Nguyen, as well as an associate, Alice Houdart. These hires reflect the firm’s commitment to the continued growth of its real estate practice, with the aim of broadening its expertise, increasing its capacity, and better supporting real estate market players as they navigate increasingly complex challenges, particularly in light of significant regulatory, urban planning, and environmental developments.
Michaël Lévy advises on all aspects of real estate law and has been assisting institutional investors, real estate funds, asset managers, industrial groups, end-users, and players in the hospitality sector with their strategic transactions for nearly 25 years. He has extensive experience in real estate asset acquisitions and disposals (offices, warehouses, data centres, hotels, shopping centres), structuring real estate investment funds, and establishing joint ventures. He is also recognised for his expertise in commercial leases, property management, construction, and development projects. Additionally, he handles real estate litigation, particularly disputes related to commercial leases.
Laure Nguyen, on the other hand, has over 15 years of experience in urban planning law and environmental law. She advises on complex environmental issues involving classified installations, polluted sites and soils, waste, water, nuclear matters, and energy projects. She also assists her clients with urban planning and construction matters, both in advisory and contentious contexts.
Michaël Lévy commented: “Joining Simmons felt like a natural choice and an incredible opportunity. The firm’s DNA, its international positioning, agility, and sectoral expertise align perfectly with our ambitions and those of our clients. We are delighted to join a multidisciplinary and well-regarded practice in the market, where we can build synergies with the teams of Elisa Bocianowski, Céline Larmet, and Chloë Nessim.”
Elisa Bocianowski added: “We are thrilled to welcome Michaël and Laure. Their arrival reflects our ongoing ambition to grow our team and expand our real estate practice in Paris. Their respective expertise enhances our ability to meet our clients’ needs in a rapidly evolving sector and marks a new milestone in the strategic expansion of our activities.”
Jacques-Antoine Robert, Managing Partner of the Paris office, concluded: “We are delighted to welcome Michaël Lévy’s team to Simmons. This addition once again highlights the remarkable momentum we are experiencing in Paris. Michaël and Laure’s expertise not only complement each other but also enrich our service offering, enabling us to cover the full spectrum of real estate. These skills are particularly sought after by our clients, who face significant challenges in urban planning regulations, environmental matters, and land management.”
This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.