DEFINITION OF "CONSEIL D'ETAT AND COUR DE CASSATION" LAWYER

"Conseil d'Etat" and "Cour de cassation" lawyers are also often referred to as "Avocats aux Conseils".

Only they may represent clients before the two French Supreme Courts, namely "Conseil d'Etat" and "Cour de cassation".

"Cour de cassation" has jurisdiction over judgments issued by all judiciary Courts. Unlike the Courts of appeal, it does not review the facts of the case but it only rules on law issues. As a regulating Court its mission is to assure a uniform interpretation and application of the law on the whole territory.

"Conseil d'Etat" rules in matters of administrative law involving governmental bodies.

In addition "Avocats aux Conseils" may represent clients before all administrative Courts and Regulatory Commissions, International Courts and Arbitrators.

To be allowed to practice before the two French Supreme Courts, the lawyers must reach a special agreement.

The law provides that the number of law firms entitled to practice before the Supreme Courts is definitely limited to sixty with a maximum of three partners per law firm.

"Avocats aux Conseils" come under a separate Council independent of the Bar Council.