Chris Ivey

I am a partner in our International HR Services Group at Bird & Bird in France. I am dual qualified and advise on a broad range of individual and collective employment issues, both in France and on a European level.

I work with international companies conducting business in France on a wide range of employment issues from day-to-day advice on issues with specific employees to restructuring projects and corporate transactions.

I have also built up specific expertise in cross-border work and multi-jurisdictional issues, including coordinating Europe-wide restructuring plans. My membership of the New York and French bars, alongside my English education and roots and knowledge of French culture, help me to understand and advise businesses on the broader picture and implement their overall strategy while also providing insight at a local level.

Over the years I have learnt to take a pragmatic approach to employment law issues. I look to apply the law to 'real life' and look for business-friendly solutions rather than advising on the black letter law.

The clients I work for are active in a broad range of business sectors, but I have particular experience in the aviation and media, entertainment and sports sectors. My involvement in these areas has enabled me to build a deep understanding of the practical aspects of these businesses and the laws and collective bargaining agreements that apply.

• Assisted a number of clients on negotiations around the termination of employees, and managed a number of restructuring projects, site closures and RIF plans.