Lionel Lesur joins Franklin as partner in the firm’s Corporate – M&A practice and chair of its Antitrust – Competition practice
After over fifteen years at major British and American law firms, Lionel Lesur, 41, joins Franklin as partner. He will use his dual expertise to bolster the firm’s Corporate – M&A capabilities and chair its Antitrust – Competition practice.
Lionel’s corporate practice focuses mainly on private M&A deals, reorganizations and business alliances, and includes advising large global corporations on establishing and strategically expanding their presence in France.
Lionel has also built in-depth knowledge and expertise in French and European Competition law, with a particular focus on merger control filings and antitrust litigation (including cartels and abuse of dominance/monopolization cases).
He routinely advises Italian, German, Swiss, American, Canadian and other international corporations from key industries, such as Life Sciences, Fashion & Luxury and Consumer Goods.
Admitted to practice in Paris and Rome, Lionel has also worked at the Rome office of a prominent Italian firm, where he achieved recognition for his expertise from numerous Italian businesses.
In addition to his work in the Corporate – M&A and Antitrust – Competition practice groups, Lionel will also be in charge of the firm’s Italian Desk.
Driven by his strong commitment to tackling the current and future challenges facing the law and the economy, he is actively involved in several organizations such as the French Lawyers’ Club (Club des Juristes), the Aristoclès think tank, the International Bar Association – where he created the annual bilateral French-Italian Day event, the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA), the HEC Alumni Association and the Italian Executives in Paris Association.
“I began my career at a British firm which I left in 2011 to participate in the opening of the Paris office of a prominent US law firm, where I was promoted to partner in 2013. I’m joining Franklin to embark on a new entrepreneurial adventure and to take on the exciting challenges of reinforcing the firm’s Corporate – M&A practice internationally and heading up its Antitrust – Competition practice. Franklin’s position as a top-tier, full service, independent law firm makes for powerful potential synergies between my dual practice and the firm’s existing capabilities, and will enable us to strengthen our relationships with our best friends network for the benefit of our French and international clients,” Lionel Lesur said.
Franklin’s Corporate – M&A practice co-chairs Yam Atallah and Alexandre Marque added: “Lionel’s unique blend of skills is an invaluable new asset for the firm. His creativity and business acumen align seamlessly with the firm’s current dynamic and his international recognition will further raise Franklin’s profile with major international players.”
Lionel Lesur will be joined by new associates in September.
