Bracewell, a prominent law firm headquartered in Houston, has officially announced its expansion into France with the establishment of a new office in Paris. This strategic move is marked by the recruitment of an 11-lawyer team specializing in energy and infrastructure, previously part of Norton Rose Fulbright.

The newly formed Paris office will be situated in La Défense, the business district known for its modern skyscrapers and corporate headquarters. This location is poised to serve as a hub for Bracewell’s initiatives in project development, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and finance transactions within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The incoming team will be under the leadership of seasoned partners Anne Lapierre, Arnaud Belisaire, and Simon Cudennec. Lapierre has been appointed as the managing partner of the Paris office, marking it as Bracewell’s tenth office globally.

This team brings a wealth of experience and expertise, focusing on both renewable and conventional power sources, energy transition, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects across France and Francophone Africa. The strategic addition of this team is expected to enhance Bracewell’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the energy sector.

Gregory Bopp, Bracewell’s managing partner, expressed enthusiasm about this expansion, stating, “The addition of this energy and infrastructure team, one of the largest and most highly regarded in Paris, builds on the strengths of our global energy platform and broadens our capabilities in France, Africa, and the broader EMEA region.” This sentiment underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its global reach and expertise in the energy sector.

Anne Lapierre, who joins Bracewell after nearly 25 years at Norton Rose Fulbright, brings a robust background in project development, M&A, construction, and energy asset financing. During her tenure, she held significant roles, including serving as the global head of energy, and worked across the firm’s offices in Paris and Casablanca.

Arnaud Belisaire, another key figure in the new team, has dedicated over two decades to Norton Rose Fulbright, where he has been a partner for more than 13 years. His experience includes co-heading the firm’s energy practice in Paris, advising project developers, utility companies, and investment funds on various energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in the fields of wind power, solar energy, and biomass.

Simon Cudennec specializes in deals related to energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, with a particular focus on oil and gas companies, upstream service providers, and sponsors involved in hydropower, fuel, LNG, solar, and wind projects. His expertise is expected to further bolster Bracewell’s offerings in these critical areas.

Lapierre remarked on the firm’s reputation, saying, “Bracewell’s focus on sector excellence has made it one of the leading energy law firms in the world. Arnaud, Simon, and I are thrilled to join a dedicated global team that has broad capabilities and a sterling reputation across the entire energy spectrum.” This statement reflects the team’s alignment with Bracewell’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the energy sector.

The new Paris office is not only a significant addition to Bracewell’s global footprint but also a strategic enhancement of its capabilities in serving clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors. With the expertise of the newly formed team, Bracewell is well-positioned to tackle complex projects and provide comprehensive legal support to clients navigating the evolving landscape of energy and infrastructure.

As the energy sector continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Bracewell’s expansion into Paris signifies its intent to remain at the forefront of these developments. The firm is poised to leverage its enhanced capabilities to meet the needs of clients in an increasingly dynamic and competitive market.

The full roster of the new team includes eight associates and counsel, further solidifying Bracewell’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services in the energy and infrastructure domain. The team members are expected to play pivotal roles in driving the firm’s initiatives in Paris and beyond.

As Bracewell embarks on this new chapter, the firm’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future in the European market and enhancing its service offerings to clients engaged in energy and infrastructure projects.