“Dr Alain Cornec has established himself as one of the foremost figures in international family law, earning respect across jurisdictions for his mastery of complex cross-border disputes and private wealth matters. A pioneer of international family law practice in Paris, he combines exceptional legal scholarship with decades of practical experience advising families, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals whose lives and assets span multiple countries. His rare ability to unite family law, private international law, business law and succession planning enables him to deliver sophisticated solutions to some of the most intricate international disputes. Through his leadership, global perspective and enduring contribution to the development of international family law, Dr Cornec remains a trusted adviser to clients and professionals around the world.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Dr Alain Cornec is one of France’s most respected international family lawyers and a recognised authority on cross-border family law disputes. Based in Paris, he has spent decades advising international families, business owners, professionals and high net worth individuals on complex legal matters that span multiple jurisdictions.

A member of the Paris Bar and a Doctor of Business Law from the Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Alain was among the first lawyers in Paris to develop a dedicated international family law and private client practice. His work regularly involves cases with connections to the United Kingdom, North America and other international jurisdictions.

His unique combination of family law, private international law, business law and property expertise allows him to handle some of the most sophisticated and challenging cross-border disputes.

What Alain Cornec Does

Alain specialises in international family law and complex cross-border disputes involving individuals, families and private wealth.

His areas of expertise include:

• International divorce and separation
• Cross-border family disputes
• International succession and inheritance matters
• Private wealth and asset protection
• International jurisdiction disputes
• Property and real estate disputes
• Enforcement of foreign judgments
• International litigation
• International arbitration
• Private international law
• Business and corporate-related family disputes
• Technology and commercial litigation

He is particularly well known for advising clients whose family, business and financial affairs span multiple countries and legal systems.

Why He Stands Out

Alain was one of the pioneers of international family law practice in Paris at a time when cross-border family disputes were far less common than they are today.

His extensive experience in business law, company structures, real estate and commercial matters gives him a valuable commercial perspective when dealing with family disputes involving complex assets, businesses and international investments.

Clients benefit from a lawyer who understands not only the legal issues arising from divorce and succession disputes, but also the commercial realities that often underpin significant family wealth.

Known for his strategic thinking and international outlook, Alain regularly advises clients facing legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.

International Recognition and Leadership

Alain is a founding member and former Vice-President of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), one of the world’s most prestigious organisations for leading family law practitioners.

He also serves as Vice-President of the Academia Euro-Americana de Derecho de Familia and sits on the board of directors of the Institut du droit de la famille et du patrimoine.

These roles reflect his long-standing influence on the development of international family law and his reputation among leading family lawyers around the world.

International Experience

Alain’s international standing is reflected in the breadth of his work and professional relationships.

He appears on the approved lawyer lists of the American, Canadian and Swedish Consulates in Paris and has represented the Japanese government before the French courts.

His practice frequently involves English-speaking clients and international families requiring sophisticated advice on disputes spanning several countries.

Academic and Professional Credentials

In addition to his legal practice, Alain has made significant contributions to legal education and scholarship.

His credentials include:

• Doctor of Business Law, Panthéon-Sorbonne University
• Member of the Paris Bar
• Former Teaching Assistant, University of Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne)
• Master’s degree in English

He is fluent in French and English and also works in Spanish and Italian, making him particularly well suited to international matters involving multiple jurisdictions.

Publications and Thought Leadership

Alain has authored and contributed to numerous respected publications covering international family law, private international law and commercial litigation.

His published works include contributions to:

• Family Law in Europe (Butterworths)
• Encyclopedia of Family Life
• Publications on international company law and European law
• Articles on divorce, succession and international litigation
• Seminars and conferences on private international law and cross-border disputes

He is a regular speaker at professional conferences and legal seminars focused on international family law and international dispute resolution.