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Sheppard Mullin's French Insider

Sheppard Mullin's French Insider

By: Sheppard Mullin's French Desk attorneys
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 What should French and Francophone investors know about successfully doing business in the U.S.? From cultural and legal differences, to business development and expansion, Sheppard Mullin's French Insider podcast is dedicated to helping French and Francophone investors and companies growing their companies in the U.S. Each episode will feature conversations with thought leaders and experts in various industries including technology, life sciences, fashion, energy, entertainment, and many others. Tune in to learn about the challenges faced by those investing in the US and practical advice to approach those challenges.Copyright © 2025 Sheppard Mullin. All Rights Reserved. Economics Politics & Government
Episodes
  • AI at Work: Steering Employers Through Legal Minefields with Melissa Hughes of Sheppard Mullin

    AI at Work: Steering Employers Through Legal Minefields with Melissa Hughes of Sheppard Mullin
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode of French Insider, Melissa Hughes, a senior associate in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group and member of the French Desk, joins us to explore the use of AI for automated decision-making throughout the employment life cycle, including the associated risks and how they can be mitigated.

    What we discussed in this episode:

    • How does AI interact with the workplace?

    • From an employment perspective, where does AI carry the most risk?

    • Why is the use of AI in employment decisions particularly concerning?

    • How can employers mitigate the risks associated with AI tools?

    • What should employers consider when selecting an AI tool?

    • Does the U.S. have any AI regulations comparable to the E.U.'s AI Act?

    • What U.S. trends should employers be aware of?

    • What advice would you give companies as they roll out AI tools or increase the use of AI to do business?

    Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to the signing of Executive Order 14365, "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence." As a result, some discussions may not reflect the policies or guidance established by this order.

    About Melissa Hughes

    As a senior associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's San Francisco office, Mellissa Hughes defends and counsels employers in a range of disputes, involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, PAGA actions, and class actions. She also has traditional labor law experience, including arbitration, unfair labor practice proceedings, and litigation under the National Labor Relations Act.

    Melissa represents employers of all sizes in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and every phase of litigation, from pre-suit strategy through post-trial motions. She also serves as a trusted advisor on day-to-day workplace issues, including disability accommodations, leaves of absence, performance management, workplace investigations, and compliance with California's complex wage and hour laws.

    As a member of Sheppard Mullin's French Desk, Melissa advises French companies and groups operating in or expanding to the U.S. on a full range of employment and personnel matters in both French and English.

    About Inès Briand

    Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States.

    As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and general corporate matters, including the expansion of French companies in the United States.

    Contact Information

    Mellissa Hughes

    Inès Briand

    Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and

    Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.
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    21 mins
  • Navigate the Maze—Hot Topics in U.S. Immigration with Greg Berk and Christine Doyle of Sheppard Mullin

    Navigate the Maze—Hot Topics in U.S. Immigration with Greg Berk and Christine Doyle of Sheppard Mullin
    Oct 21 2025
    In this episode of French Insider, Sheppard Mullin immigration attorneys Greg Berk and Christine Doyle join host Inès Briand to discuss recent developments in U.S. immigration law and their impact on both individuals and employers. What We Discussed in This Episode: What happened with the recent White House proclamation on H-1B visas? How does the White House intend to change wage preferences for the H-1B lotteries? How will the new "Gold Card" program impact Green Card applicants and the companies that employ them? What are some workplace enforcement trends we're seeing for employers in the U.S.? What should individuals know about entering the U.S. for business purposes? What should they know about searches and seizures of electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry? What are the current trends you're seeing regarding U.S. work visas? What options are available to someone interested in obtaining an investor-based visa or Green Card? About Greg Berk Greg Berk is a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group and leads the firm's immigration practice from its Orange County, California office. He is certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and is the author of Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference, published by the American Bar Association for general counsel and HR managers. With more than 25 years of experience, Greg advises clients on all aspects of U.S. immigration law. He helps employers across the globe hire and retain foreign executives and other highly skilled professionals critical to their U.S. operations, and also represents investors in E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters. He also counsels clients on I-9 compliance and a wide range of other immigration-related regulatory issues. About Christine L. Doyle Christine L. Doyle is Special Counsel in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in the firm's Orange County office. She focuses her practice on immigration law, advising employers and their employees on a wide range of U.S. and global immigration matters. Christine has extensive experience managing employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa petitions and regularly counsels clients on I-9 compliance and other aspects of workforce mobility and immigration strategy. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States. Contact Information Greg Berk Christine L. Doyle Inès Briand Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.
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    33 mins
  • Bringing "Experience Gifting" to the U.S.: The Story of Giftory with COO and Founding Team Member, Agathe Benoit

    Bringing "Experience Gifting" to the U.S.: The Story of Giftory with COO and Founding Team Member, Agathe Benoit
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of French Insider, Agathe Benoit, Chief Operating Officer and founding team member of Giftory, joins Sheppard Mullin attorneys Karl Buhler and Inès Briand to discuss the company's business model and the challenges of launching the "experience gifting" concept in the United States. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is Giftory, what are its core offerings, and where does it operate? What motivated the company to expand into the corporate gifting and B2B market? What challenges have been faced in bringing the experience gifting concept to the U.S.? Given the concept of experience gifting is relatively unfamiliar in the U.S., how did you initially connect with providers, engage customers, and assemble a team? Does Giftory offer the same experiences across all locations, or do offerings vary by city and state? What criteria does the company use when deciding to partner with a provider? How does Giftory ensure a premium experience for both the gift giver and the recipient? What are the advantages of purchasing through Giftory, rather than directly from the provider? What key achievements and challenges stand out in the process of building and expanding the business? What advice would you offer others looking to launch a business in the United States? About Agathe Benoit Before co-founding Giftory, Agathe Benoit served as Head of Seller Operations at Back Market, the global leader in refurbished technology. There, she led a team of 20, overseeing critical areas such as sales, seller engagement, support, communications, and partnerships. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening seller relations and achieving operational success. Previously, she spent six years as a Senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, advising clients on complex business challenges and strategic initiatives across multiple industries. Earlier in her career, Agathe served as Product/Marketing Manager at OMB Labs, Teaching Assistant at Columbia University, Part-time Consultant at PRODIGY NETWORK, and Visiting Student Researcher at the University of California. She also volunteered at ASS INDE ESPOIR. Agathe was educated at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, specializing in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, before earning an International Baccalaureate from the Centre International de Valbonne. She later attended École Polytechnique, where she earned an Engineering degree in Applied Mathematics. In 2012, she completed a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering at Columbia University, in collaboration with Columbia Business School. About Karl Buhler As an associate with the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in Sheppard Mullin's New York Office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States. Born and educated in France, Karl began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements. Karl moved to New York to further build his corporate experience in cross-border transactions and disputes at a U.S.-based firm, where he worked closely with French companies implanted in the United States. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States. Contact Information Agathe Benoit Karl Buhler Inès Briand Additional Resources Giftory Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find ...
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    31 mins
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