Gide Loyrette Nouel is an independent international law firm and the first to have originated in France. Its headquarters are located in Paris (15 rue de Laborde, 75008 Paris)). 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 1,000 people, spread out over 12 offices in 11 countries. It numbers over 550 lawyers and legal consultants, including some 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 à responsabilité professionnelle i