International law firm Bird & Bird boosts its Employment team in Paris with two new partners – Philippe Thomas and Thibault Meiers.
The recruitment of Philippe and Thibault perfectly aligns with Bird & Bird’s ambitions to pursue the consolidation of the firm’s International Employment Law practice in France and globally, as a cornerstone of the firm’s service offering, particularly given the strategic importance of the international Employment Law practice in supporting cross-border transactions and multinational client relationships.
It further strengthens the Paris and Lyon hub while enhancing cross-border capabilities across its international network.
Philippe and Thibault have been working for more than 10 years together. They will join alongside associate Viviane Valilou.
Philippe Thomas
Philippe is a seasoned expert with 35 years of experience and an outstanding reputation in the market. Renowned for his strategic approach, he advises clients in the Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Tech & Comms sectors on complex employment law matters. Philippe is also highly skilled in guiding businesses on strategic decisions, consulting with employee representatives, conducting internal investigations, and resolving disputes related to the departure of senior executives. A trusted advisor and accomplished litigator, he combines experience and pragmatism to deliver tailored solutions that protect his clients’ business interests. His ability to manage intricate challenges is particularly recognised by his clients.
Thibault Meiers
A next-generation partner, Thibault stands out for his sharp technical expertise and strong market recognition. With experience gained at international and boutique law firms, he skilfully supports his clients on the employment aspects of M&A transactions, particularly those involving personnel transfers. Visionary and pragmatic, Thibault excels in managing complex organisational changes and the collective disputes that arise from them. He is also a strategic partner for businesses in negotiating collective agreements, handling relations with employee representatives, and resolving sensitive crises. His ability to anticipate challenges and deliver innovative solutions makes him a key player in employment law.
Alexandre Vuchot and Emmanuelle Porte, co-heads of Bird & Bird’s offices in France, comment: “We are delighted to welcome Philippe, Thibault and Viviane to our team in France. Philippe’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise, combined with Thibault’s outstanding technical acumen, bring a powerful synergy to our French Employment Practice. Their arrival not only elevates our ability to deliver top-tier legal counsel in the French market but also reinforces our strategy for the international Employment Law practice. By strengthening our Paris and Lyon hub and enhancing our cross-border capabilities, Philippe and Thibault will play a key role in driving forward our commitment to delivering innovative, market-leading solutions for our clients across the globe.”
Nathalie Devernay, Alison Dixon and Thomas Hey, Co-heads of Bird & Bird’s international Employment Group, said: “Together, Philippe and Thibault will form a formidable duo, with support from Viviane, that combines strategic leadership with deep technical capability, servicing our international clients across the full spectrum of employment matters, from complex restructurings and M&A employment aspects to investigations and high-stakes litigation. Their arrival also bolsters our sector strengths in financial services, life sciences, technology, and media, creating new opportunities for collaboration across the Bird & Bird network.”
Philippe said: “I’m drawn to the depth and quality of Bird & Bird’s Employment Practice as well as the strength of its international network. Bird & Bird’s strong European platform and access to a wide range of sectors will enable me to offer comprehensive solutions to my clients while collaborating with talented colleagues across the firm’s global network. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my goal of delivering exceptional, multidisciplinary support to meet the evolving needs of my clients.”
Thibault added: “I am thrilled to join Bird & Bird, a firm whose collaborative culture and sector-focused approach align seamlessly with my own pragmatic approach to legal practice, closely attuned to clients’ needs. I look forward to collaborating with talented colleagues across the Employment team to deliver innovative and strategic solutions. I am particularly eager to further advance the integration of LegalTech and AI within the practice, harnessing these tools to enhance both the value and efficiency of the services we provide.”
