International law firm DAC Beachcroft has announced the appointment of two transport specialists as partners in its Paris office, further expanding DACB's global Transport offering in aviation, marine and land transport.
Laura Dubois and Béatrice Fleuris join DACB as partners from the specialist boutique law firm they jointly founded in 2018, Leno Advocats, best known for its expertise in aeronautics, aviation, marine, insurance and transport.
Laura has extensive knowledge of all aspects of the aviation sector, having specialised in it throughout her legal career. She acts for French, European and American clients involved in the manufacture, certification, maintenance and operation of aircraft, the air transportation of passengers and cargo and related logistics services, in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Laura also advises airlines on European competition law in relation to dominant market position issues.
Beatrice's expertise covers marine, domestic and international aeronautics, insurance and transport work, where she advises on complex product liability issues, personal injury, and cargo loss and damage claims. In addition, she regularly acts as leading counsel on the acquisition, sale and financing contracts of aircraft and aeronautical equipment.
"Laura and Beatrice are both highly respected in the aviation market and we are delighted to welcome them aboard," commented Alex Stovold, Head of Aviation at DACB. "They have fantastic credentials and shared growth ambitions, and will be a perfect fit as we continue to expand our international aviation offering to clients."
"Opening a transport practice in France complements our global strategy for this sector and we are extremely happy to be able to offer marine services from our Paris office," further commented Anthony Menzies, Head of Marine Insurance at DACB.
Vladimir Rostan d'Ancezune, Head of DAC Beachcroft France, added, "Our focus is to be the law firm of choice for the global insurance industry and the arrival of Laura and Beatrice is a further step in helping us to achieve this objective. Last year, we launched offices in Peru and Hong Kong and are opening two offices in the US this month, to support the ongoing expansion of our global offering to clients across insurance, shipping, international trade and commodities. The growth of our transport practice is another key part of that global offering."
Launched in 2019, DAC Beachcroft France has grown significantly under the leadership of Vladimir Rostan d'Ancezune. With over 23 lawyers, its teams advise global insurers and reinsurers, as well as domestic and multinational companies, on a wide range of insurance lines of business and corporate risk. On 1 January 2025, the office relocated to new premises at Washington Plaza, in Paris' central business district, to support this exceptional growth.
DACB's network of aviation lawyers advises airlines, general aviation operators, airports, MROs, ground handling companies, aviation security companies and product manufacturers in both the civilian and defence spheres. The team is particularly focused on providing aviation advice to the insurance industry on claims defence and coverage work as well as subrogation.
DACB's global team of marine insurance lawyers provide advice on the full range of risks across marine, energy and transport insurance. Its extensive capability includes hull and machinery, freight, cargo and project cargo/DSU, as well as builders' risk, charterers' and ship repairers’ liability and related war and strikes, terrorism and political risk cover. The team's experience in transport claims includes transport liability in relation to loss of, or damage to, cargo at sea or carried by road, rail or air.
