On July 2, 2026, the French American Bar Association (FABA) had the pleasure of hosting its traditional U.S. Independence Day celebration in Paris. Held at the welcoming venue Les Tontons du 8ème, the event brought together nearly 50 attendees, demonstrating the continued enthusiasm of the French-American legal community for the networking and social opportunities offered by FABA.
This year’s celebration held special significance. With the arrival of a new leadership team, FABA sought to revive a longstanding tradition that has long been a hallmark of the association: celebrating the Fourth of July by bringing together attorneys, in-house counsel, legal professionals, and members of the broader French-American and international legal community.
From the beginning of the evening, guests embraced the festive atmosphere with enthusiasm. In a setting that was both relaxed and professional, attendees enjoyed a cocktail dinner featuring tapas, sharing platters, and a variety of refreshments, accompanied by wine and soft drinks. The informal format encouraged meaningful conversations among long-time FABA members, new members, and first-time attendees discovering the association.
Beyond celebrating America’s national holiday, the event perfectly reflected FABA’s mission: fostering connections among legal professionals from both sides of the Atlantic. At a time when international business and legal relationships continue to expand, opportunities to meet peers, exchange perspectives, and strengthen professional networks are more valuable than ever.
Throughout the evening, conversations covered a wide range of topics, including cross-border legal practice, regulatory developments, international arbitration, talent mobility, professional opportunities, and personal experiences. The diversity of backgrounds represented at the event is one of the greatest strengths of the FABA community and contributes significantly to its vitality and appeal.
The gathering also gave many participants the opportunity to learn more about the association’s activities. While FABA regularly organizes conferences, panel discussions, and seminars addressing current legal issues, it also places great importance on informal networking events. These occasions play a crucial role in building lasting relationships among members and strengthening the sense of community that defines the organization.
The success of the 2026 Independence Day celebration highlights the strong attachment of FABA members and friends to these traditions. The excellent turnout, the positive energy throughout the evening, and the enthusiastic feedback received afterward all demonstrate the value of creating opportunities for meaningful professional and personal connections.
The new leadership team is particularly pleased to have revived this Fourth of July tradition and extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the event’s success: the participants, the FABA members involved in organizing the evening, and the team at Les Tontons du 8ème for their warm welcome and outstanding hospitality.
This event marks another important step in FABA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties between the French and American legal communities. It forms part of a broader program of activities that will continue throughout the year, bringing together legal professionals to share knowledge, expand networks, and cultivate high-quality professional relationships.
We would like to thank all attendees once again for making this celebration such a success. We look forward to welcoming the FABA community at future events and to continuing to promote the French-American spirit that has been at the heart of our association for so many years.
