Biography
Founding partner, Senior Partner
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.
Practice Areas
- Private Equity
- M&A
Highlights
- Aeronautics & Defense
- Life sciences & Healthcare
- Luxury - Retail
- Energy
- Banking - Finance
- Transportation
Education
- Master of Laws (LL.M), Georgetown University Law Center, Washington D.C, 1986
- University of Paris II, Panthéon, DEA (post-graduate degree) in Business Law, 1984
- Graduate of École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), 1983
- University of Paris II Panthéon, Master in Private Law, 1981
Admitted to the bar
- Bruxelles, 2001
- New York, 1986
- Paris, 1984
Languages
French I English