Job Profile: Public Law Attorney

The Public Law Attorney is a legal expert specializing in the relationship between businesses and public administrations. They assist clients in understanding and applying administrative law rules, whether concerning public procurement, urban planning, public service, or state liability. They advise and assist in ensuring project compliance with administrative regulations, and defend clients in disputes against public authorities or before administrative courts.

A specialist in administrative action, the Public Law Attorney handles cases related to public contracts, urban planning, or administrative decisions. They provide both advisory and litigation services before administrative courts.

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The Public Law Attorney assists their clients—businesses, local authorities, or individuals—in their dealings with the administration. They intervene in public procurement award or execution procedures, appeals against administrative decisions (building permits, sanctions, refusal of authorization), or public service litigation. They draft legal briefs, analyze legal texts, develop litigation strategies, or negotiate with administrations. They plead before administrative courts (administrative tribunals, administrative courts of appeal, Conseil d’État).

Excellent knowledge of administrative law, constitutional law, public procurement law, urban planning, and administrative procedures is essential. A Public Law Attorney must possess great rigor, strong analytical skills, excellent command of legal writing, and a good sense of diplomacy in dealings with the administration. A university degree in law is required, specifically a Master 2 in public law, local government law, or administrative law, complemented by obtaining the CAPA. A specialization or additional diploma in administrative litigation or environmental law is an asset.

At the start of their career, a Public Law Attorney's annual remuneration in Paris ranges from €60,000 to €100,000 (excl. VAT), depending on the firm's type and the cases handled. With experience, it is possible to advance to a partner position, join a legal department within a local authority, a public institution, or a ministry, or specialize in related fields such as environmental law, public procurement, or spatial planning. Opportunities also exist within administrative courts or independent administrative authorities.