Promotions at Moncey: three partners and one counsel

Moncey Avocats is pleased to announce the promotion of three new partners – Alexandre Bankowski (Corporate), Jonathan Devillard (Finance), and Thibaut Lefort (Restructuring) – as well as the promotion of Valentin Besnard as Counsel within the Litigation department. These appointments will take effect on January 1, 2026.

These internal promotions illustrate the firm’s strategy of organic growth and reflect Moncey Avocats’ commitment to developing its talents and building on the trusted relationships between its lawyers and clients.

Since its creation in April 2021, the firm has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 15 lawyers to more than 50 professionals today, now counting 12 partners and 3 Counsels. This growth has been accompanied by the steady development of the firm’s expertise across all its practice areas: Private Equity, M&A, Finance, Tax, Restructuring, Employment Law, and Litigation.

“Internal promotion lies at the core of Moncey Avocats’ DNA. These four appointments are the natural recognition of Alexandre, Jonathan, Thibaut, and Valentin’s professional excellence and full commitment to our clients and the firm’s development. Combining technical expertise and a true team spirit, they perfectly embody our values. We are proud of this new milestone for them and for the firm,” comments David Malamed, Managing Partner of Moncey Avocats.

About the newly promoted lawyers

Alexandre Bankowski advises on the corporate aspects of M&A and private equity transactions. His clients include French and international corporations and investment funds.
Alexandre took part in the creation of Moncey Avocats in 2021. He previously worked as an associate at De Pardieu Brocas Maffei from 2016 to 2021. A member of the Paris Bar since 2016, Alexandre holds a Master’s degree in Franco-English Business Law from Université Paris-Sud (2012) and an MSc in Management from emlyon business school (2016).

Jonathan Devillard focuses on acquisition finance and corporate finance. He advises debt funds (senior, mezzanine, or unitranche), sponsors, and corporate borrowers on a wide range of transactions covering structured finance, debt restructuring, and corporate lending. Before co-founding Moncey Avocats in 2021, Jonathan joined Desfilis in 2019 after beginning his career at De Pardieu Brocas Maffei in 2015. A member of the Paris Bar since 2016, Jonathan holds an LL.M. in International Financial Law from King’s College London (2013), an Advanced Master’s in International Business Law and Management from ESSEC (2012), and a Magistère in International and European Business Law from Université de Lorraine (2011).

Thibaut Lefort assists companies and groups facing complex restructuring situations, as well as financial shareholders and investors (both financial and industrial), in both amicable and judicial proceedings. His practice also includes litigation related to distressed situations.Thibaut joined Moncey Avocats in January 2023 as Counsel, working alongside partner Pierre-Alain Bouhénic. After four years at Pinsent Masons (2015–2019), he joined the restructuring teams of Bird & Bird in 2019 and Brown Rudnick from 2020 to 2023. Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2015, he holds a Master’s degree in Business Law from Aix-Marseille University. He will become the second Restructuring partner, alongside Pierre-Alain Bouhénic, who leads the team. Moncey Avocats’ Restructuring team now counts two partners and four associates.

Valentin Besnard advises on complex business litigation, including pre-litigation, litigation, and arbitration, often with an international dimension. He has particular expertise in post-acquisition disputes, shareholder conflicts, directors’ liability, and commercial or securities litigation. He also has solid experience in enforcement proceedings and white-collar criminal law.
Valentin began his career with an independent French business law firm, where he practiced for five years before joining Moncey in 2023 as part of Philippe Lauzeral’s team. A member of the Paris Bar since 2018, he holds a Master’s degree in Private International Law and International Trade Law from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (2015).