Interview with NMCG pioneers

On the occasion of our 100th issue of “l’Actu”, we shine the spotlight on four pillars of our firm: Thomas Mélen, Maureen Curtius, Noémie Naudon and Chloé Perez.

• Thomas Mélen :

“I’ve been practicing law for over 10 years now, 8 of them at NMCG. For 2 years, I practiced Corporate / M&A before turning to “economic” law, both in consulting and litigation.

I thought it would be a good idea to take this step, especially in terms of the “operational” and “accounting” vision it gave me. In my opinion, understanding the business and how it generates revenue is an undeniable advantage.

I’ve always sought a dual approach – advice/litigation – believing that knowing the practical rules – the advice – would make you better at litigation. And vice versa. Understanding how a business relationship is set up, how it lives and how it ends is the key to anticipating future difficulties and, above all, how to protect yourself in the event of a dispute. Create a relationship, know how to undo it, and defend yourself.

On a day-to-day basis, my contacts are mostly managers and operational staff, who expect me to be close to them and provide practical answers. “In concrete terms, what should I do?”, “Can I go?”, “We need to find a way to move forward despite this constraint”.

NMCG’s size and the way it is structured into specialized departments enable us to respond to our customers’ needs in a comprehensive way, without overlooking the impact that different legal areas may have on each other.

My project at NMCG is in line with that of my partners and all the lawyers at NMCG: to be a lawyer without the fuss! In my opinion, that’s what sets us apart from the rest.”

• Maureen Curtius

“More than 9 years ago, Robert Badinter himself, patron of my graduating class at the École de Formation des Barreaux, presented me with my 17th prize. It was the end of 7 years of study and the start of my professional life with NMCG.

I knew I was joining a team with several other people. Little did I know, however, that I’d have the chance to work with people who would become true friends, sharing not just professional projects, but real moments in their lives.

I knew I’d have to plead. What I didn’t know was that, hundreds of audiences later, I’d still have the same desire to convince, move and persuade, while striving to find the right word.

I knew I’d be working on a variety of subjects. I had no idea they would be so varied, technical and exciting.

I knew I’d face obstacles and challenges. I had no idea it would shape my resilience and determination so much.

I knew that the law would constantly evolve. Little did I know, however, how much this would stimulate my intellectual curiosity and drive me to stay informed and up to date in my specialty.

I knew I’d have to juggle priorities and tight deadlines. Little did I know, however, that this ability to manage stress and stay organized would become an essential asset.

Over the years, I’ve watched NMCG grow and I’ve grown with it.”

• Noémie Naudon

“The 100th issue… already! It’s a great opportunity for me to go back 9 years, to 2015, the year we launched Actu NMCG: I joined the firm in June, with just 5 years at the helm… I’m 14 today, Counsel since 2020, but it feels like those 9 years have flown by at breakneck speed!

That said, there’s never a dull moment at NMCG, which is why I wanted to join Arnaud’s team (editor’s note: Blanc de la Naulte). I wanted a challenge, to work on a wide variety of technical cases, to do both advisory and litigation work… I wasn’t disappointed with the multitude of problems I encountered, each as exciting as the next! Just like on my 1st day, when having just arrived a few hours earlier, I had to grab my dress and head to the Palais to defend a case in criminal labor law.

It’s precisely thanks to this exciting, rich and demanding daily, like the dossiers we’re entrusted with, that l’Actu exists… and will exist for at least another 100 issues, that’s for sure!”

• Chloé Perez

“I was lucky enough to join Arnaud Blanc de la Naulte’s team for my first collaboration, in January 2016, and instantly I was passionate about my assignments, which enable me to see all aspects of employment law, both in advisory and litigation work, but also to be in contact with customers and legal professionals.

For 8 years now, my daily routine has been lively, varied and stimulating, making each day as enriching as it is captivating, which for me is a major achievement.

Over the years, I’ve developed a particular appetite for litigation, in all its aspects, having benefited from Arnaud and Sonia’s unfailing guidance and support.

Some of these victories will remain forever engraved in my memory, particularly those cases that were unjustly lost in the first instance, and finally won on appeal, after a lot of hard work and an argument in which I put all my energy.

I’ve also had the opportunity to make many enriching and sometimes life-changing encounters, which have been an invaluable source of learning, contributing to my professional development.

On a personal level, I never imagined for a moment, when I walked through the door of the practice for the first time, the impact this experience would have on my life, the wonderful moments, joys and even laughter that awaited me.

NMCG and I will continue to grow, and the future looks bright!”