1/ When and why did you open an office in Brittany?
Pierre Lamidon: The Rennes office was set up in 2010 in response to an identified need in the Breton market for a tailored range of legal services for local players. Historically based in Nantes and Paris, the idea of opening a new office in Rennes was an innovative move for Cornet Vincent Ségurel.
René-Pierre Andlauer: The partners at the time wanted to extend to Brittany the model that had made the firm so successful since its creation: offering a comprehensive range of local business law services with recognised experts who were already fully integrated into their ecosystem. The firm therefore relied on existing firms with which it already had strong links: François-Xavier Michel's firm and Guy Portier's firm, which Pierre took over from.
2/ Who are your clients and what areas do you work with them on?
Angéline Lepigoché: The firm's clients include companies, managers, investors, banks and local authorities in the Greater West of France and beyond. We operate in a wide range of sectors, including industry, services, real estate, technology, automotive and many others, with a particular focus on mid-sized companies. Our expertise covers a wide range of services: corporate law and mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, employment law, economic law, litigation, real estate, public business law, etc.
Pierre Lamidon: Over the years, we have consolidated our position, particularly in the organisation of external growth, business transfers, group monitoring and private equity transactions at regional level, with a significant increase in the number of transactions we handle. We maintain close relationships with financial players such as investment banks and investment funds, which enables us to understand market dynamics and offer tailored, relevant advice to our clients. Our firm is recognised for its cross-functional expertise and its ability to provide clients with effective support in their strategic projects and transactions.
René-Pierre Andlauer: In terms of market presence, we have become a major player in our region in just a few years, with growing recognition of our expertise and our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We are identified as one of the leading firms in the region, with a strong integration in the local economic fabric.
3/ You've just moved house: what prompted the move?
Angéline Lepigoché: The move was motivated by the gradual expansion of our team, which was beginning to feel too cramped in our old premises. With a team of 35 lawyers and a projection of around forty in the coming months and a total of around 50 occupants, it was imperative to find a suitable space. Our new location in the heart of the city, close to a train station and public transport, also encourages a sustainable approach, reducing travel-related emissions. This location also strengthens our connection with our other offices and makes it easier to get around.
Pierre Lamidon: This new location is in line with our ambition for the Rennes office: to offer clients in the region a legal services hub at the heart of the region, but also one that is connected to the whole of the Greater West and the main routes in France.
4/ What was your approach to fitting out the offices?
Angéline Lepigoché: In redesigning our premises, we focused on optimising the space available for our day-to-day work, as well as improving the customer experience. In particular, we've created a large meeting room to welcome our customers for important signings or meetings. This new configuration also offers additional areas for participants to isolate themselves during long meetings. So we've thought of every detail to provide a comfortable and functional environment, promoting a pleasant experience for our staff and customers alike.
René-Pierre Andlauer: We paid particular attention to the well-being of our staff by creating coherent and homogenous workspaces. The lawyers' offices have been designed according to their preferences, with rather closed spaces, in response to their requests. We have also created a space dedicated to trainees at the heart of the office, encouraging them to share ideas and collaborate, while remaining close to the common areas to facilitate interaction with the whole team.
Cornet Vincent Ségurel's move to its new offices in the Ilot Beaumont in Rennes symbolises more than just a simple move, it marks a decisive stage in the firm's expansion in Brittany. This move to more suitable and connected premises demonstrates the firm's desire to continue to increase its regional presence, while strengthening its local roots and client proximity.
Photo credit: Léya Hallereau
