MCE CARREL is a distinctive boutique law firm within the French legal landscape, combining deep sector expertise with a strategic, innovation-driven approach that aligns closely with the needs of high-growth, technology-focused clients. Established in 2014 by Alexandra Carrel, the firm has evolved from its origins as Cabinet Carrel into an internationally connected practice, reflecting both the trajectory of its founder and the increasingly global ambitions of its client base. Its positioning today is firmly anchored in IP, life sciences and digital innovation – areas in which the firm has cultivated both technical fluency and commercial acuity.
The firm’s philosophy is rooted in a “made-to-measure strategic, business approach”, which distinguishes it from more traditional legal service providers. Rather than offering isolated legal advice, MCE CARREL operates as a partner in innovation, advising clients across the entire life cycle of their technologies – from early-stage R&D through to commercialisation, licensing and eventual exit strategies.
Its practice encompasses corporate and M&A transactions, private equity and venture capital investments, tax law, labour law, commercial law and litigation. This combination of highly specialised expertise and complementary legal services enables the firm to support clients throughout the entire life cycle of their businesses, investments and personal projects.
Today, MCE CARREL is particularly recognised for its integrated approach to innovation-driven industries. Rather than treating IP as a standalone discipline, the firm combines IP, corporate, commercial, regulatory and transactional expertise to provide comprehensive advice tailored to the business objectives of its clients. This multidisciplinary approach is especially valuable in sectors where innovation constitutes the principal source of value creation and competitive advantage.
At the heart of the firm's innovation and IP practice is Alexandra Carrel. With more than two decades of experience, she brings a rare combination of legal, scientific and commercial expertise. Her background includes senior positions in leading international law firms, as well as serving as General Counsel and Secretary General of Inserm Transfert, the technology transfer arm of the French National Institute of Health & Medical Research. This unique experience has provided her with a deep understanding of IP not merely as a legal asset, but as a strategic driver of innovation, investment, collaboration and business growth.
Alexandra's expertise is particularly pronounced in the life sciences, energy and technology sectors, where she advises clients on the protection, development and commercialisation of innovative products and technologies, including pharma, biotechnology platforms, medical devices, digital health solutions, batteries, new materials, energy storage systems, clean technologies and technologies supporting the energy transition. Her practice also encompasses data governance, data management, AI and digital innovation, with a particular focus on the legal and strategic issues arising from the generation, sharing, protection and exploitation of data in research-intensive and technology-driven industries.
Qualified in both French and Swiss law, and familiar with American legal frameworks and market practices, Alexandra is particularly well positioned to assist clients in cross-border transactions and international collaborations. Her ability to bridge legal systems, scientific environments and business cultures is particularly valued by clients operating in highly regulated and innovation-driven sectors.
Alexandra has developed particular expertise in assisting innovative companies across the complete gamut of innovation – from early-stage research and technology transfer through financing rounds, strategic partnerships and commercial scale-up, including the renegotiation of legacy agreements where IP rights and future economic interests must be carefully balanced.
A significant aspect of her practice consists of helping clients develop IP strategies aligned with their long-term business objectives, whether the objective is to retain control over core technologies, establish collaborative development models or leverage IP assets in fundraising and M&A transactions. Alexandra provides commercially focused advice grounded in a deep understanding of both legal and business considerations.
Her work frequently involves structuring complex collaborations between industry, academic institutions and research organisations. She regularly advises on technology transfer, product manufacturing and industrialisation, out-licensing, cross-licensing and co-development transactions, data-sharing frameworks, strategic alliances and joint ventures. These operations often involve sophisticated arrangements related to IP ownership, future developments, governance structures, revenue sharing mechanisms and commercialisation rights.
In addition to her advisory work, Alexandra is actively involved in knowledge dissemination and capacity building. She regularly delivers training programmes and seminars on IP, innovation management and technology transfer in both France and Switzerland, contributing to the development of best practices within the innovation ecosystem.
Committed to delivering pragmatic and cost-effective legal solutions, Alexandra and her team actively leverage advanced legal technologies and AI tools to streamline legal processes, enhance efficiency and reduce legal costs for clients, while maintaining the high level of legal analysis, judgement and strategic advice required for intricate and high-value matters. This combination of sector expertise, technological innovation and commercial awareness allows her to support clients facing increasingly complex legal and strategic challenges in fast-evolving industries.
