Villeneau Rohart Simon
It all began almost a century ago in Marseille, with Léopold Dor, who pleaded in the major maritime trials of the 1930s to 1950s, notably the dramatic fire on the liner Normandie. He is also remembered for his contribution, within the CMI, to the drafting of the Hague, York and Antwerp rules. He was succeeded by Jacques Villeneau, who joined forces in the 1970s with Jean-Serge Rohart and Patrick Simon to found SCP Villeneau Rohart Simon in Paris.
Following its success, the SCP expanded to include other partners, and handled most of the major maritime disasters, including those involving the Amoco Cadiz, Olympic Bravery, Tanio, Ievoli Sun, Erika, Prestige and Costa Concordia, defending shipowners, insurers, builders, charterers, P&I clubs and many other small entrepreneurs and major international groups.
A second office was opened in Marseille in 2001, and our long-established network of correspondents enables us to operate effectively abroad (particularly in French-speaking Africa). However, we remain a niche firm specializing entirely in maritime and transport law, independent of any multinational law firm.
Le cabinet
Villeneau Rohart Simon is a law firm based in Paris and Marseille that has been in business since 1978.
Villeneau Rohart Simon has been involved in major maritime litigation for over forty years (Amoco Cadiz, Estonia, Erika, Prestige, Costa Concordia, etc.) and is recognised as one of France's leading maritime law firms.
With offices in Paris (since 1978) and Marseille (since 2000), it provides advice, litigation, arbitration and mediation services throughout mainland France and overseas, and can also operate abroad (particularly in French-speaking Africa).
Although it is not dependent on any foreign firm, Villeneau Rohart Simon has privileged international links with numerous foreign correspondents who can intervene in all circumstances.