Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac becomes President of the UIA at the association’s 70th Congress in Marrakech
Marrakech, 3 November 2026 – On the occasion of its 70th Congress, held from 28 October to 1 November 2026 in Marrakech, the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA - International Association of Lawyers) has appointed Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac as its President until November 2027. He succeeds Fernando Hernández Gómez, President since November 2025.
This 70th UIA Congress brought together lawyers from more than 80 countries for scientific sessions devoted to the major legal issues of our time, the evolution of the profession and the challenges of defending the rule of law.
This investiture crowns a long-standing commitment to the UIA, whose work and development Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac has supported through a variety of roles, with one constant ambition: to strengthen the association’s role in promoting the law, defending lawyers and upholding human rights around the world.
A long-standing commitment to the UIA
A member of the Paris Bar since 1984, Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac has built his career around banking and finance law, commercial litigation and arbitration. Co-founder of the law firm FTMS Avocats, he advises companies as well as banking and financial institutions on their legal, regulatory and litigation matters, both in France and internationally.
He has also chosen to put his experience at the service of the profession on the international stage. A member of the UIA since 1998, he has successively chaired the Financial Services Commission, led the association’s sponsorship activities and served as Director of Finance. In parallel, he has contributed to the work of several commissions, speaking on topics as varied as FinTech regulation, artificial intelligence in banking and finance, anti-money laundering, and due diligence and sustainability obligations.
This involvement in the scientific and institutional life of the association has enabled him to take part in its reflections on the transformation of the law and the challenges that lawyers face, and will face, around the world.
Promoting the rule of law and strengthening the UIA’s action
Convinced that defending the rule of law and human rights depends on a concrete and collective commitment from the profession, Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac also helped create the UIA Endowment Fund for the Rule of Law. This initiative aims to strengthen the association’s financial resources so it can pursue its missions, in particular the defence of lawyers at risk and the promotion of the law worldwide.
His appointment as President is thus a continuation of his commitment within the International Association of Lawyers: bringing its international network to life, encouraging the participation of its members and supporting its actions in favour of the independence of the profession, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
At the head of the UIA, he will be able to draw on this in-depth knowledge of the association, its commissions and its priorities to further develop the association’s activities and consolidate its international reach.
About Silvestre Tandeau de Marsac
Alongside his professional practice, he has for many years been involved in organisations and initiatives serving the legal profession. A former First Secretary of the Conférence of the Paris Bar, he was a member of the Paris Bar Council from 2001 to 2003. He also chaired the Association of Fiduciary Lawyers (AFIDU) (2010–2025) and founded and co-directed the Paris Bar’s International School of Alternative Dispute Resolution (EIMA) (2015–2023).
About the UIA
The UIA, as a global, multicultural legal organisation, fosters professional development and the international exchange of information and ideas, promotes the rule of law, defends the independence and freedom of lawyers worldwide, and strengthens friendship, collegiality and networking among its members.