On July 31, 2025, the Autorité de la concurrence published an opinion evaluating the effects of the 2015 reform aimed at enhancing the freedom of establishment and adjusting regulated rates for legal professionals in France. This assessment follows inquiries initiated in October 2024, marking the 10th anniversary of the Law for Growth and Activity.

The reform has generally improved the freedom of establishment, leading to a broader range of services and increased participation from women and young graduates. However, many newly established offices, particularly notaries and commissioners of justice, continue to face financial difficulties, often taking three to five years to achieve profitability.

In terms of rate regulation, the Autorité found that the expected outcomes have not been realized. The methods for revising rates remain ambiguous, and the reductions implemented have not sufficiently aligned with operational costs. The Autorité has made several recommendations to enhance the current system, including exploring ways for legal professions to meet the profitability target of 20% set by the French Commercial Code.

Competition law advisors should note the mixed results of the reform, particularly regarding the financial viability of new entrants and the need for clearer rate regulation. The Autorité's proactive role in regulating the establishment of notaries and commissioners of justice is crucial, as it identifies areas where new offices are needed to improve service availability.

Recent recommendations have led to the addition of 1,650 notaries from 2016 to 2024, with specific increases noted in various years. The Autorité has also recommended the establishment of new offices for commissioners of justice, contributing to the growth of this profession. However, the financial challenges faced by newer offices highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and strategic adjustments by legal firms.

The Autorité's analysis indicates that while offices established before the reform are financially stable, newer offices struggle significantly. Recommendations for improvements include extending freedom of establishment to Alsace-Moselle, increasing transparency in rate calculations, and aligning the legal monopoly of notaries with EU law.

Overall, the opinion emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolving regulatory landscape in the legal profession, as these changes could significantly impact competition dynamics and pricing strategies for legal services in France.