UGGC Avocats, Interlaw’s strategic partner firm in France, has concluded its 2025 leadership election, appointing Ali Bougrine, Franck Lepron, and Sophie Uettwiller as managing partners for the first time, alongside Jennifer Carrel and Philippe Hansen, who continue in their current leadership roles. UGGC Avocats appoints new managing partners every two years to oversee different aspects of the firm’s business. 

Ali Bougrine’s appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to cultivating new leadership from within its international team as he concurrently serves as managing partner of UGGC Africa and head of M&A in France. Ali also acts as EMEA chair of Interlaw’s mergers and acquisitions special business team and has been involved in developing the network’s footprint in increasingly important markets in Africa.

Franck Lepron, a partner since 2011, specializing in public law and Sophie Uettwiller, a partner since 2003 specializing in employment law, were elected managing partners for the first time. 

Jennifer Carrel, who has served both as partner within the firm’s employment practice since 2012, retains her position as managing partner, providing valuable continuity in UGGC’s strategic direction. She serves as global co-chair of Interlaw’s employment, labor and pensions special business team, and as EMEA chair of the network’s Women in Interlaw affinity group. 

Philippe Hansen, specializing in public law and urban planning, was also re-elected managing partner. All five elected managing partners serve alongside the founding managing partner of the firm, Jean-Jacques Uettwiller.

Commenting on his appointment, Ali said, “Interlaw has been instrumental in shaping the way I think about leadership, through its partner training initiatives, and the relationships I’ve built with peers around the world. These experiences have given me a broader, more agile mindset, which I believe will strengthen how we lead internally at UGGC Avocats. I’m looking forward to bringing that perspective to our teams and helping foster a more connected, forward-thinking culture across the firm as I settle into my new role.”

Jennifer stated, “One of the most valuable aspects of Interlaw is the exposure it offers to diverse leadership styles and firm cultures from around the world. That kind of perspective is rare, and it’s helped me approach challenges within my firm with greater creativity and confidence. The relationships built across the network are not only enriching professionally, but they also inform how we mentor, collaborate, and lead more effectively from within.”