Partner
Frances Auchincloss Goldsmith, admitted to the Paris Bar, has confirmed and extensive experience in advising clients and litigating before the French courts in private client matters, as well as general commercial and civil litigation. As a Franco-American, she has developed valued experience of French international private law and often advises clients on the legal consequences of their case in France.
Frances is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth : “Her advice is always spot-on and she is very detailed in her approach” and “I am always comfortable referring matters to her; she is very responsive and classy to deal with.“.
Previously an associate in the litigation and private client departments of a large corporate law firm, she decided in 2014 to leave to help found the Libra Avocats firm, where she is now a Partner.
She has robust experience in resolving complex financial cases, whether in the context of litigation, negotiations or in establishing pre and post-nuptial agreements that present an international element. Frances is motivated by helping her clients move on to the next stage of their lives, whether the crisis confronted is a separation or caused by an inheritance dispute. Her experience—particularly on important transnational litigation cases—has allowed her to develop an expertise in international family and estate law.
Frances resolves for her clients complex international jurisdiction and applicable law questions as well as problems arising from the recognition of foreign decisions, whether they originate from Anglo-Saxon countries, Europe or the Middle East where she has a growing client base. She has a reputation for being pragmatic, responsive and having a solution based approach for durable results.
Frances also works with institutional clients in commercial litigation and international arbitration.
In addition to pleading before French courts to defend her clients’ rights, Frances has been personally appointed an expert before foreign courts in litigation relating to matrimonial regimes and complex issues of dividing property and estate disputes or on questions related to parental authority and jurisdiction.
Committees and distinctions :
- Fellow de International Academy of Family Lawyers
- Membre du Pension Committee de International Academy of Family Lawyers
- Former President and Vice-Chair of the Family Law committee – American Bar Association – Section of International Law
- Lauréate en mars 2015 du « Fifth IAML European Chapter Annual Award for Young Family Lawyers »
Education
- Master 223 Droit du patrimoine professionnel, Université de Paris Dauphine.
- Maîtrise en Sciences de Gestion – Droit des affaires internationales, Université de Paris Dauphine.
- Bachelor of Arts, concentration en Economie, Washington & Lee University.