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Gilles August, admitted to both the Paris and New York Bars, is the co-founder and Senior Partner of August Debouzy, a law firm he established in 1995 with former diplomat Olivier Debouzy. He created the firm with a groundbreaking vision, merging business law with public affairs to deliver a unique, innovative approach. From the very beginning, Gilles August sought to position August Debouzy within an international framework, establishing a network of trusted partner firms abroad and later opening an office in Brussels, strategically located at the heart of European institutions. A visionary leader committed to transforming the legal profession, Gilles August has built one of Paris’ most influential law firms, renowned for its expertise across all areas of business law and its role as a trusted advisor to major players in both the French and global economies.
As head of the Corporate department at August Debouzy, Gilles August is known for his strategic oversight, drawing on his extensive experience in both high-level advisory work and complex litigation. His career has provided him with a nuanced, operational understanding of the challenges faced by the defense and aerospace sectors, areas he has served for many years. Gilles August has successfully attracted and retained a prestigious roster of clients, including some of the largest French and international corporations, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, business litigation, and arbitration. This has positioned his firm as a preferred partner for key economic decision-makers. His leadership has been widely recognized, earning him numerous professional accolades, including the distinction of "Lawyer of the Year: Government Relations Practice" by Best Lawyers for the 2026 edition, where his peers praised his strategic vision and boldness. In 2007, Gilles August was honored with the title of Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur and appointed Officer of the National Order of Merit, further cementing his status as one of the leading figures in the legal world.
French I English
BEST LAWYERS 2026
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013)
Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice, Corporate Law, Government Relations Practice (Lawyer of the Year), Litigation, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
IFLR 1000 2024
M&A: Notable practitioner
OPTION DROIT & AFFAIRES 2024
Fusions-acquisitions dont la majorité des opérations est supérieure à 200 millions d’euros: Tier 3/5
DÉCIDEURS STRATÉGIE FINANCE DROIT 2024
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Operations worth between €75m & €500m: leading
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August Debouzy’s lawyers have been recognized and honoured in the first edition of the “Top 40 lawyers of the CAC 40” list published by Forbes magazine (France)
AUGUST DEBOUZY’S LAWYERS HAVE BEEN HONOURED AND RANKED IN THE FIRST EDITION OF THE “TOP 40 LAWYERS OF THE CAC 40” LIST PUBLISHED BY FORBES MAGAZINE (FRANCE
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August Debouzy advised Airbus in connection with the signing of agreements with the French, U.K. and U.S. authorities
August Debouzy advised Airbus on the signing of agreements with the French National Financial Office (“Parquet national financier” or “PNF”), the U.K. Serious Fraud Office and the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of State. These agreements are entered into in connection with investigations into corruption allegations and compliance with United States regulations on the sale of military equipment (International Traffic in Arms Regulations, ITAR). August Debouzy advised Airbus on the legal and judicial strategy to be implemented and on its negotiations with the PNF. The team who provided assistance included Gilles August (Partner) and Olivier Attias (Counsel).
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August Debouzy BEST LAWYERS - 2020 Edition
August Debouzy's lawyers have ranked in Best Lawyers since 2010. Their skills have been rewardd yet again this year. Find out about our 32 Best Lawyers !
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L'équipe Corporate du cabinet August Debouzy récompensée par le classement anglo-saxon IFLR1000 - The Guide to the World’s Leading Law Firms.
L'équipe Corporate du cabinet August Debouzy a été récompensée par le classement anglo-saxon IFLR1000 - The Guide to the World’s Leading Law Firms. Félicitations à Gilles August, Associé, Laurent Cotret, Associé, Pierre Descheemaeker, Associé, Julien Wagmann, Associé et Olivier Moriceau, Counsel.
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August Debouzy BEST LAWYERS - 2019 Edition
August Debouzy’s lawyers have ranked in Best lawyers since 2010. Their skills have been rewarded yet again this year. Find out about our 23 Best Lawyers!
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AUGUST DEBOUZY creates a Business Ethics practice group : first firm in the French legal market to provide cross-disciplinary compliance services
In launching its BUSINESS ETHICS practice group dedicated to compliance issues, the French law firm August Debouzy intends to support companies which, beyond just ensuring compliance, aim to use ethics as a means to drive growth. Their objective: help companies foresee and confront specific compliance related risks, and use the requirements to make their businesses more competitive and attractive, in France and internationally.
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August Debouzy is successfully growing its law business
Co-founder together with Olivier Debouzy of the law firm named after its two founding partners in 1995, Gilles August takes no offense as having his firm referred to as a “law business”.
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August Debouzy poursuit avec succès son entreprise de droit
Par Antoine Boudet, Les Echos Le cabinet d'avocats d'affaires a vu son chiffre d'affaires progresser de 6 % en 2016, à 52,2 millions d'euros. Cofondateur
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August Debouzy: Law Firm of the Year in France By “Le Monde du droit”
AUGUST DEBOUZY received 7 awards during the 5th edition of the “Palmarès des avocats” organized by “Le Monde du droit” (March 23, 2017). This recognitio
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Palmarès des avocats 2017 : August Debouzy, cabinet d’avocats de l’année !
Lors de la 5e édition du Palmarès des avocats organisée par le Monde du droit en partenariat avec l’AFJE
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