1960 Letter from French Legal Giant Pierre Marcilhacy to Parisian Lawyer and Author, Yves-Frederic Jaffre

On offer is a correspondence October, 1960 between two prominent Parisian lawyers.  

The letter bears the letterhead of Pierre Marcilhacy, a noted lawyer and politician in France. It was addressed to Yves-Frederic Jaffre, an equally-noted lawyer and author. Context suggests that the case they are involved with is a marital dispute with each lawyer representing one of the parties.

In the letter, Marcilhacy addresses Jaffre as “Mon cher ami” (my dear friend). He goes on to discuss his fees and his intention to file an appeal according to Jaffre’s instructions. Finally, he explains that he must wait for the agreement of Madam Reyt prior to filing his appeal.

Marcilhacy was born in 1910. He practised law and also served in the French government. During WWII, he fought with the French Resistance. He became a Senator and, in 1965, he ran against Charles de Gaulle in the presidential elections. He lost and threw his support behind Francois Mitterrand. He and Mitterrand became good friends and when Mitterrand was elected President in 1981, Marcilhacy was appointed to the French Constitutional Court. He passed away in 1987.

Yves-Frederic Jaffre was born in 1921. He practised law in Paris where he held several positions within his professional association. He was appointed an Officer in the French Legion of Honor. In addition to his legal career, he authored a number of works, many concerning various legal cases.

For a historian, especially one interested in modern French law and government, this letter is an excellent opportunity see the daily, ordinary work done by professionals whom the pubic often only sees in their public roles.

The letter measures 10.5 inches by 8.25 inches and is a typed, single-side sheet of paper. The paper is in good condition.