Dorean Avocats has developed a recognised expertise in real estate and construction law.

 

The firm assists its clients in defining, structuring and securing their real estate transactions, from site acquisition through to the operation or disposal of the property, including planning constraints, construction, drafting of legal documentation and asset management.

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In construction law, the firm acts at every stage of a building project and for all parties involved – public and private employers, developers, contractors, architects and engineers, subcontractors, insurers and purchasers. It advises its clients on the structuring of the project and the drafting of the contracts underpinning it (public and private works contracts, design and project management agreements, property development agreements, off-plan sales, subcontracting), and throughout the works: variations, claims, final accounts, liquidated damages, practical completion and the clearing of snagging items.

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Dorean Avocats also advises its clients on the prevention and management of disputes arising from such projects, at the pre-litigation stage and before the administrative and civil courts: defects and defective workmanship, statutory builders' warranties, delays and abandonment of works, court-appointed expert proceedings, landlord and tenant disputes and eviction proceedings, disputes relating to notices to quit, service charges and the reinstatement of premises.

 

Such disputes frequently involve an insurance law dimension, which the firm handles in full: triggering of building defects insurance (dommages-ouvrage), ten-year liability and contractors' all risks policies, notification and management of claims, joinder of contractors and their insurers, and contribution claims between co-obligors.

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In real estate law, the firm has built an operational practice geared towards occupiers, corporate groups and complex transactions. It assists its clients in negotiating and drafting commercial and professional leases, off-plan leases (BEFA), occupation, services and co-working agreements, as well as in the management of their leased estate: lease renewals, rent reviews and uncapping, early exits, and the rationalisation and consolidation of sites.

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The firm acts on the sale and purchase of businesses (fonds de commerce) and leasehold rights, real estate transactions and co-ownership and operational matters, across all asset classes: production sites, warehouses and logistics platforms, retail units, retail chains and shopping centres, offices and head offices, and portfolios held by property companies, family offices and institutional landlords.

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The firm also brings its real estate expertise to M&A and restructuring transactions: real estate due diligence, analysis and mitigation of property risks in share purchase agreements and warranties and indemnities, carve-outs, head office relocations, portfolio acquisitions and sale and leaseback transactions.

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As a cross-practice capability serving all of the firm's teams, Dorean Avocats' real estate practice is involved both upstream of transactions and in the day-to-day management of assets, including multi-site projects in France and abroad, working alongside the firm's public law, litigation, M&A and employment teams. It favours a pragmatic, business-minded approach focused on the client's commercial objectives and the operational security of its projects.