France is generally regarded as a not too unfriendly Continental European forum in which to litigate, although – quite unfairly – it is sometimes regarded as chauvinistic. As a country of civil law tradition, it is still inclined towards maintaining a balance of interests between the parties so that plaintiffs (including individuals) and defendants (including corporations) can litigate on an equal footing.
Despite a recent trend towards an increase, the quantum of the damages awarded remains ‘under control’ and safeguards such as the absence of discovery/disclosure, punitive damages or jury trials, are generally seen as preventative measures from a possible drift of the French legal system. French lawyers are also bound by very strict professional rules concerning success fees and the prohibition of client soliciting which have traditionally limited the development of a ‘plaintiff’s bar’.
