Matthieu Taillandier - Banking & Finance Practice Group Leader

Member Voices

Matthieu Taillandier Arendt & Medernach Luxembourg WLG Banking & Finance Practice Group Leader

1. Share with us something new and interesting about your firm (new practice area, implementation of a new technology, etc.).
Sure, let me mention three different things:

First the One Arendt strategy For more than 30 Years, Arendt & Medernach has been a pioneer in the Luxembourg legal market focusing not only on excellence and on comprehensiveness in the legal services, but also in striving to serve our clients in all areas relevant for their business and constantly expanding our range of services to address the full scope a business’s lifecycle. This is what we call the "One Arendt strategy”. This approach is unique in the Luxembourg market as we combine legal, tax, regulatory and advisory expertise bridging the gap between legal advice and its implementation. By combining our collective areas of expertise, we have a go-to-market approach that gives our clients access to a much wider range of skills than a traditional law firm. This enables us to work on matters with a much broader scope where, for example, the client might need legal expertise but also access to consultancy, business services, taxation, etc.

Second new technology We have invested heavily in technology and automation over the last three years. This has enabled us to offer clients access to legal services that can be delivered, in part, through the use of our automated tools. We have now launched a new internal group: IT and Robotics (IT&R). This team of over 30 professionals not only supports our internal IT infrastructure but now also includes project management professionals who are focused on rolling our legal automation to our clients, by leveraging over investment over the last three years in AI technologies.

And last but certainly not least, we reinforced our Restructuring & Insolvency practice in 2020 to cope with new challenges faced by shareholders, creditors, liquidators and companies experiencing financial difficulties by capitalising on a multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of all involved practices. We are able to advise on out-of-court and court restructurings and insolvency proceedings.

2. As the EMEA co-chair for WLG's new Banking & Finance Group, what are you most looking forward to in leading and participating in this group?
Creating new bridges between the banking and financial practices of WLG members firms is, in my opinion, the main objective. I am always amazed at how much trust is generated by knowing each other. By sharing our knowledge, experiences and challenges, we will strengthen this trust and create opportunities to work together.

3. When the world opens up for international travel again, where would you like to travel?
I had Atlanta and Lisbon on my map to meet and connect with my WLG friends in 2020 and I definitely hope that we will be able catch up on this in 2021. In a more private note for me, the perfect destination is where culture, landscapes, wildlife and also sea can meet. Based on these criteria, Namibia and Sri Lanka are my next spots and if I can find the time to break and sail in the Caribbean, I will certainly seize the opportunity.

4. Have you had any recent client, marketing or other collaboration with a WLG member firm(s)?
Luxembourg is more often an inbound than an outbound jurisdiction. Things are, however, changing and I am always happy when I can introduce WLG group colleagues to clients. Last month, I had the opportunity to involve our colleagues from Bech-Bruun and Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak for what I am sure will be a fruitful experience for all.