Gaspar Cottard

Gaspar Cottard's practice focuses on French, European, and international environmental law, with a focus on complex litigation. Dually trained in public business law and environmental law, Gaspar advises clients in administrative and court proceedings relating to industrial risks, as well as in transactional matters. He coordinates technical and scientific matters involving asbestos, PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and other chemicals, aligning them with the requirements of European (REACH [Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals], CLP [classification, labeling and packaging]) and national regulations.

He routinely handles issues concerning Classified Installations (ICPE), environmental audits, and the management of waste and contaminated sites and soils. He assists industrial operators with the monitoring, coordination, and management of regulatory procedures for the development, operation, restructuring, or closure of their facilities. He also has in‑depth knowledge of how central government and local authorities operate, which he leverages to secure projects.

His practice covers the spectrum of disputes before administrative, civil, and criminal courts, with a holistic, cross-forum strategy focused on navigating the intersection of courts and regulators.

Gaspar also has specific experience in environmental criminal law, particularly in connection with the transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law, and in overseeing innovative proceedings, in coordination with the Firm's criminal defense team. He assists clients in complex investigations at all stages of the process. In this capacity, he contributes to the development of defense strategies and represents clients in expert examinations, interviews, and hearings.

Gaspar has taught environmental, health, and safety law at the University of Tours and is also a guest speaker at the Paris Chamber of Commerce on EHS matters.