Highest-earning French independent Fidal takes second place in Europe

Fidal, whose financial year ended on 30 September 2009, revealed the figures to The Lawyer as part of the forthcoming ­European 100 supplement, which will be published on 19 April.

Its gross turnover makes it the highest-earning independent firm in France and the second-highest in Europe after Garrigues, which posted a gross turnover of e334.4m for the year to 31 August 2009. Fidal also ­features in the top 100 firms ­globally by turnover.

The firm, which is headquartered in Neuilly-sur-Seine, has 95 offices in France, one office in Brussels and one in Tunisia.

Led by chairman Jean Gousset, Fidal employs 1,209 lawyers, excluding trainees, and 555 ­partners, 284 of whom are in the equity division.

The firm advises major groups and small and medium-sized businesses on tax and legal matters.