At a time when litigation can permanently weaken business relationships, legal and economic players are increasingly turning to amicable solutions.
This is the whole point of the conference organized on March 25, 2026 in Lyon by the Rhône-Alpes delegation of the French Association of Corporate Lawyers (AFJE)in partnership with the CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Etienne Roanne and the Lyon Bar.
Lawyers and corporate lawyers: essential cooperation to prevent and resolve conflicts
Opened by several institutional figures, including Philippe Valentin, president of the CCI, Hubert Mortemard de Boisse, concrete engineer, the meeting brought together a large audience, invited by the AFJE, moderated in particular by Frédéric Bricout, regional delegate of the delegation Rhône-Alpes of the AFJE. The meeting was dedicated to business leaders, jurists, lawyers, academics, mediators and even arbitrators.
More than 200 professionals attended to discuss the growing use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)such as mediation and arbitration.
At the heart of exchanges: complémentarité between lawyers and corporate lawyers. Cooperation deemed essential to prevent and resolve conflicts while preserving business continuity. “Une proximité privilégiée”according to Lyon president Hubert Mortemard de Boisse, who stands out concretely in this type of joint initiative.
The two round tables made it possible to address, in a pragmatic manner, the contributions of the Mard in an evolving legal context, particularly since the decree of July 18, 2025. Speed, confidentiality, cost control: so many assets that appeal to companies, including internationally.
Promote the strategic role of the corporate lawyer
The conference also highlighted the role of the Lyon Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation, recently launched to support companies in the management of their disputes. Its representatives detailed solutions deemed competitive and adapted to contemporary economic challenges.
Committed for a long time in favor of these practices, the AFJE intends to continue its actions to promote the strategic role of the in-house lawyer in the conflict management. The success of this conference confirms, according to its organizers, that the effective resolution of disputes now constitutes an issue of general interest.
New meetings have already been announced to continue the reflection and support the rise in power of the Mard in the French legal landscape.
