A law firm event in Paris: dinner or cocktail party on a boat

A law firm does not entertain in the same way as other companies. Guests pay close attention to dress, to the quality of conversation and, above all, to confidentiality. A privately hired boat meets these expectations: the venue is closed to outsiders, conversations stay among the guests, and the Seine provides a setting that speaks for itself, without ostentation.

We have already covered key account client evenings, networking and speeches on board in general terms. This article takes a complementary angle: the conventions specific to the legal world, and how to adapt the format to the occasion, whether it is a partners' cocktail party, an associate promotion or a dinner with clients.

Why a boat suits a law firm

In a law firm, discretion is not a detail. On a privately hired boat, no outsiders are present: no neighbouring table, no passers-by. Your clients can talk with the partners without the awkwardness of a restaurant or hotel that is open to the public.

The setting also shapes the atmosphere. The movement of the water and the view of the quays ease conversation and make it flow without ever forcing the tone. It is a venue that leaves a lasting impression while remaining understated, which matters when you are hosting executives, general counsel or fellow lawyers.

The partners' cocktail party: a flexible, elegant format

A cocktail party is the most natural format for bringing your clients, partners and fellow lawyers together around the firm's partners. It encourages people to move around: everyone can greet, introduce and talk with several people over the course of the evening.

A few pointers for a successful cocktail party:

• a duration of two to three hours, long enough for meaningful conversation without becoming tiresome;
• refined, savoury canapés that are not messy, so guests can chat with a glass in hand;
• very discreet music, or simply a background ambience;
• a welcome at boarding given by a partner or an associate, so that every guest is recognised on arrival.

Remember to spread the partners across the different areas of the boat, so that every guest of honour finds someone to talk to without waiting.

The associate promotion evening

Announcing a new partnership or celebrating the promotion of associates is a high point in the life of a firm. This format is more internal, sometimes extended to families or a few close clients. The tone is warmer than at a client dinner, while still maintaining a polished standard of dress and conduct.

Set aside time for the announcement, with a short speech from the managing partner, followed by a moment of conviviality. A seated dinner works well if you want to honour those being promoted, with a top table or a seating plan that highlights them. If the team is large, a buffet-style cocktail gives everyone more freedom to congratulate those concerned.

The client dinner: prioritising conversation

For a client dinner, the seated table remains the best tool. It creates a long stretch of time, conducive to building trust. The number of guests should stay modest: the smaller the table, the higher the quality of the conversation. A yacht suits small groups, while a barge can host larger dinners.

The seating plan deserves real thought. Place each client next to a relevant contact, pair people who are likely to get on, and avoid seating together clients with competing or opposing interests. Also take dietary requirements and drink preferences into account, which you can gather in advance with the invitation.

Speeches, discretion and running order

In the legal world, public speaking is an exercise people know well. It should nevertheless remain short and well timed. A word of welcome as guests board, then a second moment during dinner or before dessert: two speeches are enough, of a few minutes each. Provide a discreet microphone if the group is large, so that everyone can hear without the speaker having to project.

A few practical points to protect confidentiality:

• limit photos and videos, or agree on a single photographer who will respect the guidelines;
• avoid any posting on social media during the evening, and mention this tactfully in the invitation;
• brief the crew and the caterer on the nature of the event, so that staff remain discreet;
• choose a time that lets you enjoy the evening light without encroaching on the working day, for example a boarding at the end of the afternoon.

As for dress, smart city wear is the norm. Say so in the invitation so that everyone feels at ease, especially in the cooler months when a jacket or coat will be useful on deck.

Preparing your evening well

Start by defining the objective: thanking clients, marking a promotion, or strengthening relationships with referrers. This objective determines the format, the duration and the size of the boat. Next, draw up the guest list and the role of each partner, so that no guest of honour is left out.

A site visit before the event lets you check the welcome, the flow of movement on board and where the speeches will take place. Finally, clearly communicate the boarding point, the time and the dress code in the invitation, with a contact who can be reached on the day itself.