About Catherine
Catherine Saint Geniest: Leading Real Estate Legal Counsel in France
Catherine Saint Geniest is a highly respected and experienced legal professional specializing in complex real estate transactions. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, she consistently delivers exceptional results for clients involved in high-stakes development projects, commercial leasing agreements, and intricate sales and litigation matters. Ms. Saint Geniest’s expertise extends across a broad spectrum of real estate law, providing invaluable guidance and strategic counsel to businesses and individuals alike.
Prior to joining Jeantet in 2013, Catherine held leadership positions at renowned legal firms including Rambaud Martel and Orrick, where she headed the real estate department, demonstrating a significant track record of success and building a strong reputation within the industry. Her tenure at these leading firms provided her with a deep understanding of the nuances of international real estate law and a commitment to providing clients with innovative and effective solutions.
Catherine’s involvement extends beyond purely transactional work. She possesses considerable experience in managing disputes related to real estate, skillfully navigating both deals and litigation to achieve optimal outcomes for her clients. Her proactive approach and thorough understanding of legal strategies ensure that clients are well-protected throughout the entire process.
A former member of the Paris Bar Council, Catherine’s dedication to the legal profession is underscored by her Chartered Surveyor – MRICS accreditation and her recognition as a Knight of the Legion of Honor – prestigious honors reflecting her contributions to the field. She actively shares her knowledge and expertise, serving as a lecturer at the French Bar Association Training School, shaping the next generation of legal professionals. Currently, she holds an Executive Committee position at Jeantet, further solidifying her commitment to the firm’s continued success and strategic direction.
Ms. Saint Geniest's skill set encompasses a wide range of real estate legal matters, including:
- Real Estate Development Contracts: Expert guidance on drafting and negotiating complex development agreements, ensuring compliance and mitigating risk throughout the project lifecycle.
- Commercial Leases: Strategic advice on all aspects of commercial leasing, from initial negotiation to lease renewals and dispute resolution.
- Leases in Future State of Completion: Handling sophisticated leases where the property’s final state is yet to be determined, requiring detailed planning and risk management.
- Sales Transactions: Comprehensive legal support for real estate sales transactions, encompassing due diligence, title review, and closing procedures.
- Real Estate Litigation: Strong advocacy and strategic representation in litigation related to real estate disputes, including breach of contract, property rights, and boundary issues.
Catherine’s dedication to her clients’ success is recognized through numerous awards. She has been consistently recognized as a “Recognized: Construction Law” and “Recognized: Real Estate Law” attorney, demonstrating her expertise and influence within the industry. Furthermore, she has been consistently recognized as a “Recognized in Best Attorney USA” since 2018, solidifying her position as a leading legal professional.
Education & Credentials:
- Paris Bar Council Member: Demonstrated commitment to the legal profession and adherence to the highest standards of legal practice.
- Chartered Surveyor – MRICS: Holds professional accreditation as a Chartered Surveyor, reflecting expertise in property surveying and valuation.
- Knight of the Legion of Honor: A prestigious French honor recognizing significant contributions to the arts and sciences, reflecting Catherine’s distinguished career.
- Lecturer at the French Bar Association Training School: Shares her legal knowledge and experience with aspiring lawyers, contributing to the development of future legal professionals.
Practice Areas:
Construction Law | Real Estate Law
Awards:
Recognized: Construction Law | Recognized: Real Estate Law | Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2018
Affiliations: Jeantet Executive Committee
