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In this episode of French Insider, Swiss-American winemaker Jean Hoefliger joins host Karl Buhler to discuss the latest trends, challenges and global shifts shaping the U.S. wine market. They explore everything from champagne's continued popularity and Napa's reputation to French investment influences and the evolving business models behind American wineries.   Discussion Topics Status of the U.S. wine market today How the industry is still feeling the aftershocks of COVID-19, from production to sales channels U.S. wine's standing in the global market Napa Valley's unique place in the U.S. and international wine markets Winery valuation and current trends in bottle sales Why champagne continues to trend and remain so desirable among American consumers What's drawing French investors and wine houses to the U.S. market, and the impact they are having on production, branding and vineyard practices Recent collaborations between French investors and American winemakers, and what both sides are learning from each other The biggest challenges and opportunities that wineries, importers and investors face in the coming years Will new drinking habits persist, or could the industry reinvent itself again   About Karl Buhler As an associate with the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in Sheppard Mullin's New York Office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States.   About Jean Hoefliger Born in Switzerland, Jean Hoefliger worked in vineyards and wineries throughout the world before landing in Napa Valley in 2001. After working for 15 years as a winemaker, he switched to consulting, and today has consulted with over 25 brands spanning the globe—from California, Oregon and Washington to Italy, Switzerland, and Australia.   Contact Information Jean Hoefliger  Karl Buhler    Additional Resources JH Wine Consulting Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Melissa Hughes, a senior associate in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group and member of the French Desk, joins us to explore the use of AI for automated decision-making throughout the employment life cycle, including the associated risks and how they can be mitigated.   What we discussed in this episode:  How does AI interact with the workplace? From an employment perspective, where does AI carry the most risk? Why is the use of AI in employment decisions particularly concerning? How can employers mitigate the risks associated with AI tools? What should employers consider when selecting an AI tool? Does the U.S. have any AI regulations comparable to the E.U.'s AI Act?  What U.S. trends should employers be aware of? What advice would you give companies as they roll out AI tools or increase the use of AI to do business? Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to the signing of Executive Order 14365, "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence." As a result, some discussions may not reflect the policies or guidance established by this order.   About Melissa Hughes As a senior associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's San Francisco office, Mellissa Hughes defends and counsels employers in a range of disputes, involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, PAGA actions, and class actions. She also has traditional labor law experience, including arbitration, unfair labor practice proceedings, and litigation under the National Labor Relations Act. Melissa represents employers of all sizes in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and every phase of litigation, from pre-suit strategy through post-trial motions. She also serves as a trusted advisor on day-to-day workplace issues, including disability accommodations, leaves of absence, performance management, workplace investigations, and compliance with California's complex wage and hour laws. As a member of Sheppard Mullin's French Desk, Melissa advises French companies and groups operating in or expanding to the U.S. on a full range of employment and personnel matters in both French and English.   About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and general corporate matters, including the expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Mellissa Hughes Inès Briand    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Sheppard Mullin immigration attorneys Greg Berk and Christine Doyle join host Inès Briand to discuss recent developments in U.S. immigration law and their impact on both individuals and employers.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What happened with the recent White House proclamation on H-1B visas? How does the White House intend to change wage preferences for the H-1B lotteries? How will the new "Gold Card" program impact Green Card applicants and the companies that employ them? What are some workplace enforcement trends we're seeing for employers in the U.S.? What should individuals know about entering the U.S. for business purposes? What should they know about searches and seizures of electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry? What are the current trends you're seeing regarding U.S. work visas? What options are available to someone interested in obtaining an investor-based visa or Green Card?   About Greg Berk Greg Berk is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group and leads the firm's immigration practice from its Orange County, California office. He is certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and is the author of Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference, published by the American Bar Association for general counsel and HR managers. With more than 25 years of experience, Greg advises clients on all aspects of U.S. immigration law. He helps employers across the globe hire and retain foreign executives and other highly skilled professionals critical to their U.S. operations, and also represents investors in E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters.  He also counsels clients on I-9 compliance and a wide range of other immigration-related regulatory issues.   About Christine L. Doyle Christine L. Doyle is Special Counsel in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in the firm's Orange County office. She focuses her practice on immigration law, advising employers and their employees on a wide range of U.S. and global immigration matters. Christine has extensive experience managing employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa petitions and regularly counsels clients on I-9 compliance and other aspects of workforce mobility and immigration strategy.   About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Greg Berk Christine L. Doyle  Inès Briand   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Agathe Benoit, Chief Operating Officer and founding team member of Giftory, joins Sheppard Mullin attorneys Karl Buhler and Inès Briand to discuss the company's business model and the challenges of launching the "experience gifting" concept in the United States.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is Giftory, what are its core offerings, and where does it operate? What motivated the company to expand into the corporate gifting and B2B market? What challenges have been faced in bringing the experience gifting concept to the U.S.? Given the concept of experience gifting is relatively unfamiliar in the U.S., how did you initially connect with providers, engage customers, and assemble a team? Does Giftory offer the same experiences across all locations, or do offerings vary by city and state? What criteria does the company use when deciding to partner with a provider? How does Giftory ensure a premium experience for both the gift giver and the recipient? What are the advantages of purchasing through Giftory, rather than directly from the provider? What key achievements and challenges stand out in the process of building and expanding the business? What advice would you offer others looking to launch a business in the United States?   About Agathe Benoit Before co-founding Giftory, Agathe Benoit served as Head of Seller Operations at Back Market, the global leader in refurbished technology. There, she led a team of 20, overseeing critical areas such as sales, seller engagement, support, communications, and partnerships. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening seller relations and achieving operational success. Previously, she spent six years as a Senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, advising clients on complex business challenges and strategic initiatives across multiple industries. Earlier in her career, Agathe served as Product/Marketing Manager at OMB Labs, Teaching Assistant at Columbia University, Part-time Consultant at PRODIGY NETWORK, and Visiting Student Researcher at the University of California. She also volunteered at ASS INDE ESPOIR. Agathe was educated at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, specializing in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, before earning an International Baccalaureate from the Centre International de Valbonne. She later attended École Polytechnique, where she earned an Engineering degree in Applied Mathematics. In 2012, she completed a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering at Columbia University, in collaboration with Columbia Business School.   About Karl Buhler As an associate with the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in Sheppard Mullin's New York Office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States. Born and educated in France, Karl began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements. Karl moved to New York to further build his corporate experience in cross-border transactions and disputes at a U.S.-based firm, where he worked closely with French companies implanted in the United States.   About Inès Briand  Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Agathe Benoit  Karl Buhler Inès Briand   Additional Resources Giftory   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and  Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson, Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce California and Polina Bogdanovitch, Managing Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce New York, join host Melissa Hughes to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities for French companies looking to expand into the U.S. market. What We Discussed in This Episode: What are the objectives and recent developments pertaining to both East and West Coast French-American Chambers of Commerce (FACC)? How do industry focuses differ between the East and West Coasts? What considerations and growing opportunities should French companies looking to expand into the U.S. focus their attention on? What practical tips or advice can help French companies successfully market themselves and thrive after entering the U.S. market? Given the diversity of the United States, how crucial are tailored, region-specific business strategies? Which U.S. visas are most relevant for French businesses seeking to expand, and how do they differ? What challenges do local employment laws and immigration requirements pose, and how can businesses mitigate these obstacles? What advantages do local networks and regional resources offer when establishing connections in the U.S. market? What networking events are available through and provided by the FACC?   About Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson Based in San Francisco, Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson is the Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce California, a non-profit, non-governmental, member-driven organization seeking to improve the commercial and industrial relationships between France and California. As Executive Director, Anne-Emmanuelle oversees the FACC California's dynamic business platform of over 200 companies and network of 5,000 plus contacts. Originally from Paris, she is a dynamic, seasoned professional with over 15 years of expertise spanning marketing and procurement. Before joining the FACC, Anne-Emmanuelle held the role of Director of Indirect Procurement at the Estée Lauder Companies, where she spearheaded the EMEA procurement strategy for store design and construction. Prior to that, she served as the European Marketing Manager at Dyson, overseeing the launch of multiple products and driving regional marketing initiatives.   About Polina Bogdanovitch Possessing a rich background in business development across New York and London, Polina Bogdanovitch is the Managing Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce New York, where she fosters connections that empower French entrepreneurs to grow and prosper in the U.S and is a primary contributor to the FACC-NY's Committees' composition and programs. Before stepping into her current role, Polina served as the Associate Director of Development at FACC-NY, where she led efforts in member recruitment and engagement. During her tenure, which spanned the challenges of the COVID era, Polina collaborated closely with members to enhance their U.S. commercial growth by identifying synergies within the network and fostering meaningful connections. Prior to her time at FACC-NY, Polina held business development roles, working with technology and startup clients. Born and raised in France, she has spent over a decade living and working in the United States.   About Melissa Hughes Based in the firm's San Francisco office, Melissa Hughes is a senior associate in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group, where she defends and counsels employers in a range of employment disputes. As a litigator, Melissa represents businesses of all sizes, from pre-litigation through post-trial motion practice before state and federal courts, as well as representing employers in connection with administrative proceedings.  Additionally, Melissa serves as a trusted advisor to employers, helping to manage a broad range of employer issues such as disability accommodation, workplace investigations, California wage and hour laws, and employee leaves of absence. Melissa is a member of the Sheppard Mullin French Desk, where she is a trusted advisor to several French groups and companies operating in or seeking to expand to the U.S. with respect to employment and personnel matters.   Contact Info: Anne-Emmanuelle de Boysson Polina Bogdanovitch Melissa Hughes   Resources: FACC California FACC New York   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Sheppard Mullin partners Jonathan Meyer, Liisa Thomas and Carolyn Metnick join host and French Desk Co-Chair, Valérie Demont, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and privacy under a new Trump administration.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is CISA and what is its role in cybersecurity? What can we expect from the Trump administration regarding cybersecurity? Could we see less regulation but greater enforcement? Might there be more stringent regulation with respect to cyber attacks and private ransomware? Where does the United States currently stand in terms of privacy law? What is the current status of state and federal privacy laws in relation to the healthcare industry? In terms of privacy, where could enforcement be headed under the incoming administration? How do the various state attorneys general and federal agencies coordinate on enforcement? What enforcement trends should businesses be aware of, and what do they need to focus on? What specific enforcement trends are we seeing in the healthcare space? Generally speaking, what types of penalties could result from enforcement actions?  Could a company's officers and directors face personal liability, either criminal or civil? How might class action litigation originate from a cybersecurity or privacy incident? What should businesses prioritize in terms of cybersecurity and privacy compliance?   About Jonathan Meyer As a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Governmental Practice Group and leader of the firm's National Security team, Jonathan E. Meyer counsels clients on their interactions with federal and state government, as well as national and homeland security, Congressional oversight, cybersecurity, AI, high tech, and transportation security, among other issues. Prior to returning to Sheppard Mullin, Jon served as the Sixth General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2024. His decades of experience in Congress, the Justice Department and DHS position him to bring an insider's perspective to interactions between private companies and the government. He has defended scores of Congressional investigations and has prepared witnesses for over 100 hearings, including Supreme Court nomination hearings, impeachment hearings, oversight hearings, high tech and antitrust investigations, and civil rights investigations, among others. He has also represented defendants and witnesses in high-stakes Justice Department criminal investigations. The media – including CBS News, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico – regularly turn to Jon for insight into issues regarding national security, homeland security, government investigations, cybersecurity, immigration, politics and Congress. He has twice been honored with the Secretary of Homeland Security's Outstanding Service Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by DHS, among numerous other prestigious accolades recognizing his exceptional service.   About Liisa Thomas Liisa M. Thomas, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Chicago and London offices, serves as the Leader of the firm's Privacy and Cybersecurity Team and as the Office Managing Partner for Chicago. As a member of the Intellectual Property Practice, she focuses on privacy, advertising, and unfair competition law.  Liisa frequently coordinates global privacy, data security and digital advertising matters for her clients. They value her global insights and familiarity with business systems outside the U.S. With Liisa's assistance, her clients – including major consumer brands, advertising agencies and consumer research companies – are able to navigate thorny data breach disclosure issues, use emerging interactive advertising techniques and create compliant security programs, all while effectively managing their legal risks. Clients praise Liisa's ability to add real value to their businesses, and describe her as "keeping [clients] one step ahead of where [they] need to be." Liisa is the author of two treatises: Thomas on Data Breach: A Practical Guide to Handling Worldwide Data Breach Notification, which has been described as "a no-nonsense roadmap for in-house and external practitioners alike;" and Thomas on Big Data, praised for being a "comprehensive and detailed analysis of the complex and rapidly changing world of privacy law." Recognized as an industry leader in privacy, data security and advertising law, she has been honored by Best Lawyers in America, Leading Lawyers Network, Chambers, Super Lawyers, and The Legal 500, for her "broad depth of privacy knowledge."    About Carolyn Metnick Carolyn V. Metnick is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group in the firm's Chicago office and a member of the Healthcare and Privacy & Cybersecurity Teams. She represents a range of healthcare industry clients, including hospitals and health systems, physician organizations and digital health companies. Carolyn's practice focuses on healthcare regulatory and transactional matters, with an emphasis on health information privacy and security. In addition to providing guidance on various privacy and security laws, including HIPAA and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), she also counsels businesses in data breach investigations and compliance with federal and state breach notification laws. Carolyn also advises healthcare clients on issues related to AI, including governance, contractual matters, and data related issues. Additionally, she represents healthcare industry clients in transactional matters, including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. Her background as a former litigator helps inform her transactional work. Carolyn is a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) and a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E). She is also the founder and leader of Sheppard Mullin Healthy AI, an initiative focused on legal issues related to the use of AI in healthcare.    About Valérie Demont Based in the firm's New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm's French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.  Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India). Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.   Contact Info: Jonathan E. Meyer Liisa M. Thomas Carolyn V. Metnick  Valérie Demont   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.  

In this episode of French Insider, Reid Whitten, Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office and leader of the firm's CFIUS team, joins host and Sheppard Mullin's French Desk Co-Chair, Valérie Demont, to discuss the incoming Trump Administration's proposed tariffs and their potential impact on international trade.   What We Discussed in This Episode: President-Elect Trump has signaled his intention to actively use tariffs as a key tool in trade policy. What has he said on the subject so far, and what can we expect on a general level? Where does Europe stand in terms of these tariffs, and will French products be impacted? Can we expect a process for tariff exemption under the incoming administration? What do we know about the pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and his views on tariffs? If these tariff policies are implemented and enforced as planned, what effects could they have on existing multilateral or bilateral agreements, and what global response might we see? What should businesses consider as they prepare for these tariffs, and are there any immediate steps they can take to better position themselves? Are there any developments within the United States that could make relocating production domestically more cost-effective for businesses? What was the outcome of the previous Trump Administration's tariff policy, and did they accomplish President Trump's goals?   About Reid Whitten As Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office and leader of the firm's CFIUS Team, Reid Whitten's practice centers on international trade regulations and investigations. Reid is a member of Chatham House, the UK's Royal Institute of International Affair, as well as an adjunct lecturer at the New College of the Humanities in London, at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, and at Wake Forest University in the U.S. He also conducts seminars on regulatory updates for industry groups in the U.S., France, Belgium, Spain and the UK.  As a thought leader in cross-border business regulation, Reid is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis for television news channels, international newspapers and trade publications. He is also the lead author and editor of The CFIUS Book.   About Valérie Demont Based in the firm's New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm's French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.   Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India). Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.   Contact Information Reid Whitten Valérie Demont   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Jonathan Meyer, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Governmental Practice Group, former General Counsel of DHS, and leader of the firm's National Security team, joins host Valérie Demont, Sheppard Mullin's French Desk Co-Chair, to discuss anticipated changes under the incoming Trump Administration and its potential impact on business, national security, and other key areas. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is the Trump Administration's cabinet going to look like? Why has President-Elect Trump selected the individuals he has named to lead departments such as the DOJ and DHS, and what might we expect from them? What will be the priorities which the new Administration will be focused on in respect of enforcement? Will the Trump Administration's stance on immigration impact the growth of businesses within the country? What might CFIUS look like under the incoming administration, and how might the focus on foreign investments change, especially for countries like China? Under a Republican-controlled Congress, what can we expect to see from congressional investigations? About Jonathan Meyer Jonathan Meyer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Governmental Practice Group and leader of the firm's National Security team. Jonathan counsels clients on their interactions with federal and state government, as well as national and homeland security, Congressional oversight, cybersecurity, AI, high tech, transportation security, and more. Jonathan served as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2024, where he led legal teams, handled Supreme Court cases, and advised on sensitive national security issues. With extensive experience in Congress and the Justice Department, Jon offers an insider perspective on government and private sector interactions. Jon is a two-time recipient of the Secretary of Homeland Security's Outstanding Service Medal, along with the U.S. Secret Service Director's Honor Award, the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner's Ensign Award, and the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant's Distinguished Service Medal, among numerous other awards and honors. About Valérie Demont In the firm's New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm's French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.   Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe (including France) and Asia (including India).  Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.   Contact Information: Jonathan Meyer Valérie Demont   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Jared Nagley, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Antitrust and Competition Group formerly with the FTC's Bureau of Competition, joins host Inès Briand to discuss the impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the U.S. antitrust landscape, and potential impacts from both a Democratic and Republican outcome.   What We Discussed in This Episode: Will the outcome of the upcoming Presidential election have a major impact on antitrust enforcement? How do Democrats and Republicans view antitrust enforcement, and what are the similarities and differences between their perspectives? How have both parties become more aggressive in their view of enforcement, and which industry sectors are they targeting? Given healthcare's significant and public role in the US economy, how does enforcement differ under both political parties, particularly in relation to industry consolidation and drug costs? Which party has a more aggressive stance on antitrust challenges and investigations in the Big Tech space, and how will this industry be impacted? Which party has adopted a more assertive approach toward antitrust challenges and investigations in Big Tech and what might this industry look like post-election? What has been proposed to address serial acquisitions or roll-ups? About Jared Nagley Jared Nagley is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's New York office, where he is a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Group. Jared's practice focuses on complex antitrust matters, including defending clients in litigations and government investigations brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, and state and international enforcement authorities, in addition to advising clients in their mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic business issues. He is a member of the firm's French Desk and Canada Desk Teams. Prior to joining Sheppard, Mullin, Jared spent eight years at the FTC's Bureau of Competition, where he served as the lead attorney in several significant public matters and was the recipient of the Janet D. Steiger Award. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Jared Nagley Inès Briand   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

In this episode of French Insider, Noel Rimalovski, Managing Director of GH Partners LLC joins host Brian Weimer, Telecom Team Leader of Sheppard Mullin, to discuss cross-border initiatives in the satellite and space industry. These initiatives include France's CoFace compared to The EXIM Bank in the United States, the emerging small launch industry, and the potential for commercial opportunities on the moon.   What We Discussed in This Episode: How does working with France's CoFace differ from working with The EXIM Bank in the United States? How does The EXIM Bank compare to the way France approaches export credit agency financing? Who can access financing from an export credit agency? Can a French company approach The EXIM Bank? Aside from SpaceX, who are some of the players in the nascent industry of small launch providers? Are the small launch providers that have proliferated in recent years targeting SpaceX's market? Is the recent multi-orbit trend lately likely to continue? Why is it essential for space and satellite companies to ensure alignment with their government? Is there any real potential for large-scale commercial opportunities on the moon? Is the space industry transitioning into a more commercial chapter of financing? Is there a push for more sustainable projects in the space industry?   About Brian Weimer Brian Weimer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Washington, D.C. office, where he also serves as Leader of the firm's Telecom Team and Co-Leader of the CFIUS Team. Brian provides regulatory and transactional advice across the entire telecommunications ecosystem. As leader of the firm's Space & Satellite practice, he is perhaps best known as a leading lawyer for the satellite industry.   About Noel Rimalovski Noel Rimalovski brings a deep background in M&A and corporate finance to GH Partners.   Throughout his 20-year career, he has provided advisory services to clients, including sales and acquisitions, restructurings, capital raisings, valuations and fairness opinions to domestic and international clients in the Telecommunications, Media, Technology, Industrial and Consumer sectors.  Before joining GH Partners, Noel served as Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital (USA), 2007-08, in the Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology Group. While at Macquarie, he completed $1.8bn of investments in the telecommunications sector. Prior to Macquarie, he was Director in the Mergers & Acquisition Group of Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and its predecessor Wasserstein Perella, where he completed over $20 billion in transactions in the Industrial, Consumer, Technology, Telecommunications and Media sectors.  Prior to joining WP, Noel gained experience as a banker on structured financings, securitizations and proprietary investments at Millennium Capital Markets and Lazard Frères.   Contact Information Brian Weimer Noel Rimalovski   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This episode is a replay of Episode 30 which originally aired on March 18, 2024. In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is an ESTA visa waiver? How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver? How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver? Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available? How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa? What is an H-1B visa? When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.? When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one? Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card? Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.? Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts? Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry? Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this? How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas?   About Greg Berk Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm's immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers.   About Inès Briand  Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Inès Briand  Greg Berk   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This episode is a replay of Episode 29 which originally aired on February 1, 2024. On this episode of French Insider, Erik Sloan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cboe Canada and the Global Head of Company Listings for Cboe Global Markets, joins host Andrew Bond to explore how Cboe operates a global network of securities and derivatives exchanges that help companies efficiently navigate global capital markets, including the factors that set the Cboe exchanges apart from other exchanges and the types of companies well-suited to list their securities on one or more of the exchanges in the Cboe network.    What We Discussed In This Episode: What led you to Cboe Global Markets? What markets is Cboe in? Where might the exchange expand? What differentiates Cboe from country-based exchanges like Nasdaq or the NYSE? What value would Cboe bring to a French company considering public listings in both Europe and the United States? What types of companies do you feel are a good fit for the Cboe marketplace? How does the Cboe help companies navigate regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions? After a French company is listed on Cboe in the United States, what is the procedure for expanding its listing to another foreign market? What would you consider Cboe's greatest successes so far? What have been Cboe's biggest challenges? What is your best advice for either a private company seeking to go public on Cboe exchange or a publicly traded company considering a move from another exchange?   About Erik Sloane Erik Sloane has been with Cboe Canada since its inception and helped define and implement its foundational stock exchange and fund distribution platforms. He's since held several senior roles, including Head of Funds & Trading and Head of Product Management. As Chief Revenue Officer, he is currently responsible for driving growth by working closely with capital-raising companies, asset managers, sell-side firms, buy-side firms and other industry stakeholders. Erik launched his career at a global business and technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Cboe Canada, he led project management at the Alpha Exchange, where he previously oversaw delivery of its core technology platform. He's also chaired several industry advisory groups instrumental in shaping Cboe Canada's strategy and currently serves on the Operations Committee of the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA).    About Andrew Bond A partner in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's Century City office, Andrew Bond has a broad-based securities practice. In addition to assisting clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions, he counsels Canadian clients on listing requirements for the NYSE, NASDAQ, and platforms operated by the OTC Markets Group. Andrew previously practiced in Canada, where he advised both U.S. and Canadian issuers on registered securities offerings, private placements, and Securities Exchange Act compliance.   Contact Information Erik Sloane  Andrew Bond   Additional Resources Cboe Canada   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Romain Poirot, Managing Partner of French Morning and Frenchly, joins host Karl Buhler of Sheppard Mullin to discuss the French Morning Media Group, from its inception to where it is today, and how it creates a sense of community for francophone people away for home. This episode was recorded in French.   What We Discussed in This Episode: French Morning's history - the premises and its development in the United States, Canada and in the UK Local news and creating a community The impact on Covid and French Morning's media diversification through webinars. Topics covered and events organized French elections coverage - live debates and streaming Sports events - football, rugby… gatherings behind « Les bleus » French Morning Media Group and its different subsidiaries Growth strategy of the magazine and plan for the future   About Romain Poirot  Romain Poirot has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Romain started his career in 2010 as an Assistant of Sales and Purchases in the Back Office at Magirus. In 2011, they worked as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Inlingua and also served as a Team Manager for Street-marketing events at France Prestige. From 2012 to 2016, he worked at ALTIOS International, where they were involved in International Business Development activities, including researching and prospecting the US market, qualifying potential clients, and assisting in trade show preparations. In 2009, he joined Red Bull as a Student Brand Manager.  In 2016, he became a Managing Partner at Frenchly, a leading publication for Americans traveling or living in France. In 2017, they joined Maudits Français as a Managing Partner. Since 2013, they have been the Managing Partner and Head of Revenue at French Morning USA, the leading publication for French expats living in the United States & UK. Romain Poirot attended Pace University in 2012 for a brief period, although the degree and field of study are unspecified. From 2009 to 2012, they studied at EM Strasbourg Business School, where they earned a Bachelor of Marketing and International Business. Additionally, in 2010, Romain studied Spanish and business in Spanish at Universidad de Alicante for a short duration.   About Karl Buhler  Karl Buhler is an associate in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in the firm's New York Office. Karl focuses his practice on domestic and cross-border transactions. He handles in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States.  Karl was born and educated in France. He began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Karl then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements.   Contact Information French Morning Roman Poirot Karl Buhler   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is an ESTA visa waiver? How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver? How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver? Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available? How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa? What is an H-1B visa? When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.? When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one? Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card? Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.? Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts? Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry? Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this? How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas?   About Greg Berk Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm's immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers.   About Inès Briand  Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Inès Briand  Greg Berk   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

On this episode of French Insider, Erik Sloan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cboe Canada and the Global Head of Company Listings for Cboe Global Markets, joins host Andrew Bond to explore how Cboe operates a global network of securities and derivatives exchanges that help companies efficiently navigate global capital markets, including the factors that set the Cboe exchanges apart from other exchanges and the types of companies well-suited to list their securities on one or more of the exchanges in the Cboe network.    What We Discussed In This Episode: What led you to Cboe Global Markets? What markets is Cboe in? Where might the exchange expand? What differentiates Cboe from country-based exchanges like Nasdaq or the NYSE? What value would Cboe bring to a French company considering public listings in both Europe and the United States? What types of companies do you feel are a good fit for the Cboe marketplace? How does the Cboe help companies navigate regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions? After a French company is listed on Cboe in the United States, what is the procedure for expanding its listing to another foreign market? What would you consider Cboe's greatest successes so far? What have been Cboe's biggest challenges? What is your best advice for either a private company seeking to go public on Cboe exchange or a publicly traded company considering a move from another exchange?   About Erik Sloane Erik Sloane has been with Cboe Canada since its inception and helped define and implement its foundational stock exchange and fund distribution platforms. He's since held several senior roles, including Head of Funds & Trading and Head of Product Management. As Chief Revenue Officer, he is currently responsible for driving growth by working closely with capital-raising companies, asset managers, sell-side firms, buy-side firms and other industry stakeholders. Erik launched his career at a global business and technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Cboe Canada, he led project management at the Alpha Exchange, where he previously oversaw delivery of its core technology platform. He's also chaired several industry advisory groups instrumental in shaping Cboe Canada's strategy and currently serves on the Operations Committee of the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA).    About Andrew Bond A partner in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's Century City office, Andrew Bond has a broad-based securities practice. In addition to assisting clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions, he counsels Canadian clients on listing requirements for the NYSE, NASDAQ, and platforms operated by the OTC Markets Group. Andrew previously practiced in Canada, where he advised both U.S. and Canadian issuers on registered securities offerings, private placements, and Securities Exchange Act compliance.   Contact Information Erik Sloane  Andrew Bond   Additional Resources Cboe Canada   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.