Gide Loyrette Nouel is an independent French law firm with headquarters based in Paris. It is one of the rare international leading law firms to have originated in continental Europe rather than the UK or USA. Though Pierre Gide's legal practice began as early as 1920, the firm was itself founded in 1957 by Gide, Jean Loyrette and Philippe Nouel after the Paris Bar (Barreau de Paris) amended its rules allowing lawyers to form associations and practice in a collective. The firm currently employs some 1,200 people, spread out over 18 offices in 15 countries. It numbers more than 600 attorneys and legal consultants, including 100 partners, covering 40 different nationalities. The firm operates as a limited liability partnership in London and as its French equivalent, an association d'avocats