K&L Gates Paris Managing Partner Elected President of the Paris Bar

Global law firm K&L Gates congratulates Paris Managing Partner Louis Degos on his election to president of the Paris Bar (Bâtonnier), a role which he will officially assume from 2026 to 2027. The election marks a new high in Degos’ career as the Paris Bar, which comprises close to 35,000 lawyers, is the biggest bar association in France and in Europe and one of the most influential bar associations across the globe.

Throughout his career, Degos, a highly regarded litigation and arbitration lawyer, has participated in more than 200 arbitrations as counsel or arbitrator in ad-hoc arbitrations or in accordance with arbitration rules. For nearly 25 years, Degos has been frequently appointed as a mediator in domestic and international disputes. He also acts as counsel in alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Degos stated: “I am very honored that my colleagues and peers chose to entrust me with such high responsibilities, and, together with my vice-president Carine Denoit-Benteux, I will strive to implement the program we brought forward during our campaign, especially when it comes to the part that lawyers play in French society and the code of conduct by which they should abide, the way they adapt to AI, the professional equality between women and men and the specific issues concerning young lawyers in the profession. I am looking forward to working together with all parties involved to keep improving our colleagues’ professional and personal lives.”

The election further strengthens K&L Gates’ position in the French market following the hires of six new lawyers last year.

Melissa Tea, a leader of the firm’s global Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, added: “This incredible honor is a true testament to Louis’ dedication to professional excellence and the stellar reputation he has earned over the course of his long and distinguished legal career, not just within the Paris legal community but far beyond.

With lawyers in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America, K&L Gates’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice is positioned to assist clients in resolving their disputes at the local, national, and international levels. The firm’s litigators are some of the foremost practitioners in their field, with many ranked nationally and internationally and including fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Law Institute, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, among others.