In the era of the energy transition, where engineers and economists often appear to take the lead, it is frequently the detailed and methodical work of lawyers that ultimately determines which projects receive the green light.
At the intersection of the European regulatory framework, large-scale hydrogen transport initiatives, and multi-billion-euro investments, the presence of legal professionals plays a pivotal role. They enable the conclusion of complex agreements, the attraction of capital, and the delicate interweaving of environmental law, cutting-edge technology, and climate sustainability.
Stéphanie Gandet knows this well. As one of the three co-founders of the law firm Lexion Avocats, she oversees a specialised legal team. The inspiration of the name combines « lex » (Latin for « law ») with « ion » (referring to the chemical particle), a fitting reflection of the firm’s unique positioning. The practice supports businesses and local authorities across the full spectrum of legal challenges they face in the fields of environmental law, energy, and urban planning.
In anticipation of the National Biogas Days (Journées Nationales du Biogaz), during which farmer-methanisers will be opening their doors on 20–21 September 2025, we spoke with her, to gain first-hand insight into what it means to work at the forefront of the energy transition.
Can you explain how a legal team contributes to the development and transformation of the energy sector?
S.G. : As lawyers, we must not allow the energy transition to be driven solely by economic and technological factors. We can also play a crucial role by guiding our clients toward low-carbon activities. By providing reliable guidance on how new energy producers should comply with European and national environmental targets, we steer them in a secure way toward meeting emerging regulatory requirements.
To be more specific, to date, our firm has chosen to support clients promoting decarbonization, advising on over 250 biogas units and contributing to legal due diligence reports, for acquisition, financing and risk assessments of similar facilities.
We see ourselves as a part of the chain of a project—from its conception to its implementation and subsequent lifecycle—and in essence, we act as a supportive “framework” for the successful execution of the energy transition.
Beyond applying a complex, often highly legal framework, we also have a duty to engage at the source of the legislation itself, voicing our professional opinions. Having participated in the parliamentary work on the Energy-Climate Law in 2019, particularly regarding guarantees of origin for biomethane, I have firsthand experience of how crucial our contribution can be. More recently, by raising concerns about potential ambiguities introduced by the new law regarding the removal of penalties in electricity purchase agreements from biogas units with guaranteed pricing (BG16), we received assurances from the Minister of Energy that our input would be taken into account.
We must understand that we are in the midst of a complex and constantly evolving transformation, and as professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure the success of this endeavor.
What skills do young lawyers need to thrive in the demanding energy sector?
S.G. : I would say there is no ready-made formula.
The energy sector is not a typical area of law as we once knew it. One of the first things you need to understand is that it requires not only deep legal knowledge but also a broad understanding that spans finance and technical terminology.
For this reason, we must stay constantly informed and engaged with the field, participating in conferences and forums where legal practice intersects with project financing and emerging technologies—always in the context of the energy transition.
Of course, you don’t need to be an expert from day one. By being present at every stage of a project’s lifecycle, and taking on a role that goes beyond that of a conventional legal advisor resolving environmental or planning issues, we evolve into strategic partners.
And finally, what advice would you give us as graduate students entering the job market?
S.G. : Be curious and well-informed. Don’t be afraid to take risks. As I often tell my colleagues, it’s better to take action than to stay safely within recycled solutions—after all, mistakes are part of the learning process.
Embrace challenges, because they give depth and meaning to our work. The complexity they bring doesn’t just make the effort harder—it transforms it into an exciting journey of learning and creation.
And remember, everyone starts somewhere. No one expects you to know everything; what matters is showing a willingness to work hard and to keep learning.
Étudiant en M2 Droit et gestion des énergies et du développement durable
Avocat inscrit au Barreau de Thessalonique, Grèce
