Enforcing the lawx
We speak to Paris Associate Nelson Dijoux Coquillas about his life outside work as a reservist Gendarme.
A job in the Gendarmerie is not for the faint hearted. The celebrated French armed military police force has jurisdiction for general law enforcement on the streets (such as enforcing recent coronavirus quarantines), as well as law enforcement in times of conflict.
Working alongside the civilian police, the job of a Gendarme involves everything from protecting the public to responding to an armed robbery or a traffic accident.
Fourth-year Paris-based Associate Nelson Dijoux Coquillas knows the job well. Since 2009, he’s been a reservist Gendarme in his spare time, meaning his connection to upholding the law goes beyond his work as a lawyer.
He says: “We do everything a full-time Gendarme does, with the same uniform, weapons, vehicles and assignments. We commit to working at least 10 days a year, but I’d usually work between 30 to 60 days every year.
“The nature of my job in Arbitration is perfect for fitting it in around my regular job, because, more often than not, I can see when I’ll be busy weeks or months in advance, so I’m able to plan my days as a Gendarme around my work at the Firm.”
Nelson initially joined the Gendarmerie as an alternative to a part-time career as a firefighter.
He says: “I’d volunteered for a scheme for young firefighters and was ready to start serving for the fire service before my mum and dad tried to convince me that it was too dangerous, so I switched to the Gendarmerie.
“It can be a dangerous job sometimes, but extremely rewarding.”
“Ironically, the job of a Gendarme is probably even more dangerous, because you can be called to a conflict overseas at any time or be asked to respond to terror attacks or to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown.”
In fact, one of Nelson’s most intense times as a Gendarme was in November 2015, when he was asked to be on duty for over a week in the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks.
He says: “While that was a harrowing time for the country, I was proud to be part of the response and to help show a strong police presence on the streets.
“I applied to the Gendarmerie because I wanted to play an active role in my community and, if I wasn’t a Gendarme, I’d probably volunteer for something similar, where I could feel just as useful to others.”
Other dangerous moments have seen Nelson respond to an armed robbery and burglary in progress. He has arrested an offender in a train station and had to draw his gun during a routine traffic stop when the driver attempted to run over his colleagues.
While reservists like Nelson typically don’t assist in riot situations, he did police the recent Yellow Vest protests. He says: “It can be a dangerous job sometimes, but extremely rewarding.”
Nelson’s role as a Gendarme has also included being an instructor to new recruits since 2016.
He says: “When you get accepted into the Gendarmerie, the training can be tough physically and mentally. I’ve been through it myself, so it’s nice to give something back as an instructor.
“I really love my job in Arbitration at White & Case, and I’m lucky to be part of a great team who understand and support my role as a reservist.”
“Training involves learning about law enforcement, military ethics, criminal law, and instructions in combat and firearms use.”
He has also been decorated for his good service, having been awarded the Medal of National Defense in 2012 and the Medal for Volunteer Military Service in 2014. He received a Commendation Award from his brigade general when he arrested a criminal in 2017.
Nelson says: “I really love my job in Arbitration at White & Case, and I’m lucky to be part of a great team who understand and support my decision to be a reservist.”
Nelson also feels that his work for the Firm helps him in his role as a Gendarme.
“My legal training gives me confidence and peace of mind when it comes to criminal procedure and weapons law, and these are two subjects I regularly teach as an instructor,” he says.
“You cannot be a responsible law enforcement officer if you don’t know the law well, even when completing a simple traffic stop.
“My colleagues at White & Case often joke about how I can do this in addition to my full-time job as a lawyer, but it’s just a matter of organizing your time. Some people spend their free time fishing, doing karate or singing, but it just so happens that I spend mine being a Gendarme.
“I’m proud to be doing something that protects the public, serves the community and enforces the rule of law.”
