France’s cluster of sizeable independent firms is remarkably diverse. Gide’s own network of overseas offices is unique in France; Jeantet Associes is full-service but has only a small New York office; Bredin Prat is closely associated with Davis Polk & Wardwell, having created an integrated capital markets team earlier this year.

Similarly, Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier has a reputable M&A focus that makes it comfortable concentrating its efforts in a fairly narrow field.