French Attorney for Eastern European Businesses
Is your company based in Budapest, Bucharest, Warsaw, or Prague and doing business with France? Whether you are dealing with unpaid invoices, a dispute with a partner, securing a contract, or proceedings before a French court: the Bourg-la-Reine (92) firm assists you remotely, and on-site in Budapest by appointment.
Your teams in the East, your case handled from Bourg-la-Reine.
Member of the French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Listed by the U.S. Embassy in Paris for legal assistance to American citizens.
Registered on the British government's list of English-speaking lawyers in France. Consultations available in English.
Lecturer at Paris-Saclay University.
Your business is in the East, your legal issue is in France
An unpaid invoice from a French client, a dispute with a supplier, a contract to secure, or proceedings before a French court: companies based in Budapest, Bucharest, Warsaw, or Prague need a trusted legal counsel who understands French law and the French court system.
Maître Cohen assists Eastern European SMEs as well as French expatriate families living in the region. He works remotely, in French or English, and meets clients in person in Budapest by appointment.
Clear framework. Maître Cohen is a member of the Hauts-de-Seine Bar and practices French law. He does not practice Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, or Czech law. When the matter requires, he coordinates with trusted local counsel.
Budapest
In-person appointments upon request, and remote consultations.
On-siteBucharest
Video consultations, in French or English.
RemoteWarsaw
Video consultations, in French or English.
RemotePrague
Video consultations, in French or English.
RemoteThe law office is located at 5 rue de Fontenay in Bourg-la-Reine (92), in Hauts-de-Seine. Appointments take place remotely, in Budapest upon request, or at the office.
Six misconceptions about legal matters between Eastern Europe and France
Hover over or tap a card to see what needs to be verified before taking action.
Commercial law: identify your needs
Five situations that most frequently lead an Eastern European business to consult a French attorney.
Debt Recovery
A French client is failing to pay their invoices.
An unpaid invoice from a client established in France must be handled methodically: reviewing the contract and terms of sale, issuing reminders, formal notices, and initiating legal action when required. The sooner you act, the wider your legal remedies.
Key Points to Consider
- Contract, terms of sale, and proof of delivery
- Amount, interest, and late payment penalties
- Debtor's contact details and financial standing
- Deadlines and statutes of limitations
- Formal notice or legal proceedings
How Our Firm Assists You
- Case and evidence analysis
- Formal demand letter drafted under French law
- Debt collection proceedings before the competent court
- Enforcement monitoring, managed remotely
Commercial litigation
A dispute arises with a French supplier or partner.
Non-compliant delivery, termination of established business relationships, breach of contract: the strategy depends on the contract, the applicable law, and the competent jurisdiction. Negotiation or mediation is often more effective than going to trial.
Key Points to Consider
- Applicable law and competent court
- Jurisdiction or arbitration clauses
- Termination of established commercial relationships
- Evidence and communications to preserve
- Negotiation, mediation, or trial
How Our Firm Assists You
- Risk assessment before taking action
- Negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements
- Representation before French courts
- Coordination with your local legal counsel
Commercial contracts
You want to secure a contract governed by French law.
Distribution, supply, service provision, commercial agency: a clear contract mitigates disputes. The firm drafts or reviews essential clauses: duration, pricing, payment terms, liability, governing law, and jurisdiction.
Key Points to Consider
- Payment terms and late fees
- Duration, termination, and exclusivity
- Liability and warranties
- Applicable law and jurisdiction
- General terms and conditions of sale
How Our Firm Assists You
- Drafting or review of the contract
- Strategic advice on sensitive clauses
- French version, communications in French or English
- Updates in the event of changed circumstances
Legal representation
Your company needs to initiate proceedings before a French court.
A foreign company can take legal action or defend itself before French courts. The firm prepares the case file, represents the company, and keeps it informed. Depending on the procedure, many steps can be handled remotely.
Key Points to Consider
- Competent jurisdiction: commercial court or judicial court
- Corporate representative's authority and powers
- Submission and translation of exhibits
- Enforcement of a foreign judgment in France
- Procedural deadlines
How Our Firm Assists You
- Preparation and filing of the legal action
- Hearings and pleadings in France
- Regular progress reports
- Monitoring the enforcement of the court decision
Outsourced legal counsel
You are looking for a dedicated French legal contact without hiring in-house counsel locally.
A dedicated lawyer at your disposal for your ad hoc or ongoing legal matters involving France: contract review, prompt legal opinions, correspondence, and case management.
Key Points to Consider
- Ad hoc or ongoing needs
- Contracts and general terms and conditions
- Ongoing disputes or conflict prevention
- A dedicated point of contact for your teams
How Our Firm Assists You
- Consultations via video call, phone, or in Budapest upon request
- Written legal opinions in French or English
- Fee agreements tailored to your needs
- Seamless coordination with your local counsel
A business in Eastern Europe. A matter in France. A single French legal counsel.
Outline your situation in a few lines. Initial consultation at €156, via videoconference or in Budapest upon request.
French citizens living in Eastern Europe: Family law
The firm also assists French families residing in Budapest, Bucharest, Warsaw, or Prague when the matter falls under French law.
International Divorce
French couples residing in Budapest, Prague, or Warsaw: competent jurisdiction, applicable law, and handling proceedings in France.
Children between two countries
Habitual residence, visitation rights, and relocation: legal rules depend on the family's situation and any existing court decisions.
Child support and alimony
Determining, modifying, or recovering support payments when one parent resides in Eastern Europe.
Estate planning and inheritance
Assets in France, succession, and asset division: proactive planning with a French attorney, remotely.
From the first contact to following through on your case
Initial Contact
Outline your situation in a few lines via our contact form or on WhatsApp, in French or in English.
Consultation
Case assessment via videoconference or in-person in Budapest. You will leave with clear checkpoints and defined next steps.
Fee Agreement
Scope of work and legal fees are set out in writing before we begin. No unexpected costs along the way.
Continuous Support
The firm manages the proceedings and remains by your side at every stage, wherever you are—in Eastern Europe or France.
Your Case File, Ready for Review
Missing some documents? Do not worry, the initial consultation is also designed to assess your situation.
Clear, Upfront Legal Fees
Initial consultation to thoroughly assess your situation.
A clear agreement details the scope of work and legal fees before work begins.
For debt recovery or contract drafting, a fixed-fee arrangement may be offered depending on the assignment.
Fees are provided for informational purposes and vary depending on the specifics of the case. The firm does not guarantee any specific legal outcome.
French attorney in Eastern Europe: FAQ
Can a French attorney act on behalf of a company based in Hungary, Romania, Poland, or the Czech Republic?
Yes, whenever the case involves France: a French client, supplier, or partner, a contract governed by French law, or proceedings before a French court. Maître Cohen advises exclusively on French law and does not practice local law. When necessary, he collaborates closely with local counsel in your country.
What should I do if a French client fails to pay my invoices?
Gather the contract, unpaid invoices, and any reminders already sent. Depending on the case, a formal notice followed by debt recovery proceedings can be initiated. It is best to act promptly, as statutory limitation periods apply.
Can you review a contract governed by French law?
Yes. The firm reviews and drafts key clauses: payment terms, liability, duration, termination, governing law, and dispute resolution.
Can a court judgment rendered in my country be enforced in France?
This depends on the nature of the decision and applicable recognition rules, particularly within the European Union. Each case is examined individually.
Can Maître Cohen meet with me in Budapest?
Yes, Maître Cohen travels regularly to Budapest and can meet with you in person by appointment. For Bucharest, Warsaw, and Prague, consultations take place via videoconference. He is a member of the Hauts-de-Seine Bar, with offices located in Bourg-la-Reine (Paris area).
Can consultations be conducted in English?
Yes, consultations can be held in either French or English. Legal documents and proceedings in France are conducted in French.
Do you also assist French families residing in Eastern Europe?
Yes: divorce, child custody, support payments, and estate matters, whenever French law applies. Consultations are available remotely or in person in Budapest upon request.
How much does an initial consultation cost?
The initial consultation fee is €156. The scope of work and corresponding fees are then clearly outlined in a written fee agreement before proceeding.