Situated in the heart of Lyon, Dupont Legal Advisory has been a cornerstone for local and international businesses seeking nuanced legal guidance. Founded by Julien Dupont in 2002, our firm began with a vision to blend time-honored French legal rigor with global agility. Over more than 20 years, we have safeguarded the interests of startups, family enterprises, and multinational corporations alike. Our attorneys are known for their ability to demystify complex legal challenges with clarity, turning obstacles into pathways for growth and security.
Our ethos centers on integrity, continuous learning, and a resolute focus on client empowerment. We are innovators with deep respect for tradition—leveraging legal technology without compromising on personalized relationships. Our multilingual, multicultural team regularly counsels clients navigating France's unique business landscape, cross-border transactions, and ever-evolving regulations.
At Dupont Legal Advisory, every engagement starts with attentive listening. We know that each client’s situation is distinct. That is why our counsel is always strategic, tailored, and designed to anticipate both immediate concerns and long-term ambitions. Professionalism, transparency, and trustworthiness are the pillars of our service. We have been recognized regionally and abroad for excellence in client care—not just delivering accurate legal work, but making sure our clients always feel informed, empowered, and confident in every decision.
Our history is marked by successful outcomes across mergers, high-stakes contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and defending business interests in challenging disputes. We have helped clients innovate responsibly, navigate regulatory changes swiftly, and expand internationally with peace of mind. The Lyon business community’s vibrancy inspires us daily. We actively contribute to local legal education initiatives and mentor tomorrow’s leaders. For us, legal support is not simply about risk management: it is about enabling the bold ideas and ambitions that shape our city and beyond. When you work with Dupont Legal Advisory, you join a partnership grounded in accessibility and excellence—whether your language is French, English, or the nuanced language of business.
Comprehensive legal advisory tailored for dynamic business needs. From the heart of Lyon, we offer a suite of specialized legal services designed to address every stage of a business’s journey—whether entering a disruptive market, scaling internationally, or navigating evolving regulations. Each service is provided with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality and forward-thinking strategy.
Our team offers strategic legal advice to keep your company legally robust at every growth stage. We assist with mergers, acquisitions, company restructuring, and ongoing operational matters. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your family-run business, or overseeing a multinational operation, you can count on our insight to manage due diligence, governance, and regulatory compliance. Clients appreciate our focus on both opportunity and risk, removing legal barriers to your ambition while ensuring long-term security.
Protecting your interests begins with clear, thorough contract work. Our lawyers meticulously draft and review all commercial agreements, including NDAs, supplier relationships, employment contracts, and strategic alliances. Each document is tailored to anticipate issues, minimize risks, and support your business goals—never off-the-shelf, always bespoke. We help you avoid costly disputes by ensuring clarity and enforceability from the outset, and we explain complex terms in accessible language so you never sign blindly.
When business disputes escalate, our experienced litigators step in to defend your interests assertively—yet with poise and pragmatism. We manage all phases of litigation, from pre-trial negotiations and mediation to full courtroom representation. Our lawyers have a proven record before French commercial courts and international arbitration panels. Through detailed strategy, relentless preparation, and strong advocacy, you can feel supported even in high-stakes or urgent situations.
Protect the heart of your business—your innovations, brands, and creative works. We handle trademarks, patent registration, copyright, and trade secret protection, focusing on proactive strategies for safeguarding intellectual property (IP) in France and abroad. With a deep understanding of digital business, technology transfer, and creative industries, we defend your IP in disputes, help you maximize value in licensing agreements, and ensure compliance with evolving laws.
Stay ahead of compliance demands—GDPR, anti-corruption regulations, environmental and social governance (ESG) frameworks—with practical guidance from specialists. We help you assess current gaps, implement robust internal controls, and develop policies that keep your organization on the right side of French, European, and international standards. Our approach focuses on tangible risk mitigation and cultivating a company culture of accountability and resilience.
“Dupont Legal Advisory expertly navigated our merger with clear advice and unwavering professionalism. Their team’s multilingual communication made a complex process seamless.”
“Prompt, practical, and always available—Dupont Legal is my go-to for contract review and compliance queries. Highly recommended for any growing business.”
“Thorough preparation and a supportive approach. Their litigation support protected our interests with confidence and compassion.”
“Responsive, highly professional, and so helpful in complex negotiations. Dupont Legal Advisory treats every question with attention—an invaluable partner.”
“From protecting our recipes to keeping us GDPR compliant, the team’s guidance is always practical. They truly understand Lyon’s business spirit.”
Experienced, approachable, and committed to your legal success. Our team is composed of passionate experts, each bringing deep knowledge in their specialist domains, strong local roots, and international perspective. Meet the advisors who put your business interests at the center of every strategy.
Founder & Managing Partner
With over 25 years in corporate law, Julien has guided hundreds of organizations through complex transactions and regulatory environments. His leadership is marked by his client loyalty and a dedication to ethical, innovative practice. His experience ranges from family business transfers to major international expansions, earning the trust of Lyon’s entrepreneurial community. Julien believes every client deserves clarity, support, and strategies that fuel their ambitions.
Senior Associate, Litigation
Claire brings a sharp legal mind and empathetic approach to every case she handles. Specializing in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, Claire is particularly adept in the technology and innovation sectors. She is known for her strategic thinking, excellent communication with clients, and a solid record in out-of-court settlements as well as complex court cases.
Head of Compliance & Data Privacy
An expert in GDPR, environmental governance, and anti-corruption, Olivier is renowned for shaping robust compliance cultures. His proactive advice helps businesses prevent issues before they arise. He has spoken at numerous European legal conferences and is committed to helping clients balance legal duty with business pragmatism.
Intellectual Property Counsel
Ariane protects creativity and innovation with incisive, proactive legal strategy. Her background includes both legal and creative industries, giving her unique insight into copyright, trademark issues, and IP litigation. Ariane collaborates closely with clients to maximize the value and security of their intangible assets.
Client Relations Manager
Mélanie is the welcoming voice for all new clients, guiding them through onboarding and initial questions. Her background in international hospitality makes her the anchor of our client care excellence initiative in Lyon since 2017.
Legal Analyst
Mathieu supports our legal team with research, document analysis, and staying ahead of regulatory trends. A Lyon native, he is fluent in both French and English, and passionate about the details that matter most for client success.
Office Administrator
The organizational backbone of Dupont Legal Advisory, Sophie ensures seamless scheduling, resource allocation, and a welcoming office for all visitors.
Ready to discuss your legal needs? Reach out for a confidential consultation.