Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Matouk Bassiouny in association with SH-Avocats was established in 2017 and is led by Houda Sahri, who has experience in litigation as well as non-contentious advisory.

Dispute resolution in Algeria

Bennani & Associés LLP

Bennani & Associés LLP offers assistance in a broad range of disputes, particularly those concerning construction and tax matters. The firm has significant experience acting before the Algerian courts and in ICC arbitrations for global companies. The team is led by Zakaria Zereg, who is admitted to the Algiers bar and has acted in matters concerning oil and gas and infrastructure projects as well as intellectual property and commercial litigation. Managing partner Mourad Seghir also leads on many matters. Senior associate Mohamed Debbouche is another key lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Mourad Seghir; Zakaria Zereg


Other key lawyers:

Mohamed Debbocuhe


Testimonials

‘Incredible and thorough knowledge of the regulatory and national legislative context makes the firm’s contribution particularly appreciated.’

‘Good reachability of the Managing Partner, Mourad Seghir, allowed for good support and evaluation during the disputes process.’ 

‘Reliable, responsive and to the point. An experienced team that is able to grasp a number of issues and is very nice to work with.’ 

‘Mourad Seghir is excellent for handling cases and providing strategic advice as well as Zakaria Zereg for litigation.’

‘The team showed good team spirit and understanding of the matters in the case and a keen effort to protect its client’s interests.’

‘Mourad Seghir demonstrated excellent communication skills and availability.’

‘Mourad Seghir and Mohammed Debouche are extremely reliable and competent.’

‘The firm offers the best well-rounded international arbitration professionals in Algeria. The team is responsive, understands its client’s needs and offers excellent legal advice.’ 

Key clients

Azadea


BP


EVATHERM AG


Consortium (Centrotherm International AG / Kinetics Germany GMBH)


Gucci


Ital Consult


Motion Picture Association, Inc.


SG E&C


Zagope


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended EVATHERM against Enasel in the commercial courts in relation to an indemnity claim in the execution of a turnkey salt production plant.
  • Advised Bristol-Myers Squibb on its disinvestment in Algeria, including advice on the lay-off of employees and subsequent labour litigation.
  • Represented multinationals in three unprecedented cases against Algerian authorities.

Gide Loyrette Nouel

Gide Loyrette Nouel is known for its expertise in ICC arbitration and litigation involving oil and gas, construction and retail clients. Recent disputes work for the team has covered an array of matters, including termination and performance of contract matters as well as labour and criminal litigation. Managing partner Samy Laghouati leads the team. Counsel Julien Gontier has been developing the firm’s disputes activity; he specialises in litigation and arbitration and regularly advises major overseas and Algerian entities.

Practice head(s):

Samy Laghouati


Other key lawyers:

Julien Gontier


Key clients

Daelim Industrial


Saur


Varian Inc


CHINA HABOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY


Groupe Industriel des Ciments d’Algérie (GICA)


Asmidal Spa


OVIVO


Portuguese Affiliate of Thyssenkrupp


Work highlights


  • Represented a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sonatrach in an ICC arbitration against its foreign partner in a corporate dispute over the purchase of the shares of the subsidiary.
  • Advised and represented OVIVO, a Canada-based engineering company, in an ICC arbitration against an Algerian public company.
  • Representing and advising a France-based company in the water treatment sector in an ICC arbitration against an Algerian public company.

ADNA

ADNA provides support in labour and commercial litigation, with expertise covering financial crime disputes as well as international arbitration. The firm’s clients include national and international companies operating across a range of sectors, including energy and financial services. Head of Litigation Abderrahmane Lassakeur is registered at the Algiers bar and specialises in business litigation. Lassakeur co-heads the team alongside managing partners Foued Bourabiat, who offers his expertise in arbitration and cross-border disputes, and Valérie Veaux-Muller, who focuses on labour disputes. Mokhtar Lakhdari joined the team.

Practice head(s):

Abderrahmane Lassakeur; Foued Bourabiat; Valérie Veaux Muller


LPA-CGR

LPA-CGR offers clients assistance with litigation and arbitration matters. The firm has experience in ICC arbitration and other disputes spanning the telecoms, manufacturing and energy industries relating to tax, competition, debt recovery and economic crime. Partner Fatima-Zohra Bouchemla, who is accredited to the Supreme Court and State Council, leads the team, offering expertise in commercial disputes. Samir Sayah, who recently joined the firm from CMS, is another name to note. Rym Loucif left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Fatima-Zohra Bouchemla; Samir Sayah


Testimonials

‘A well-established practice with a particular focus on commercial litigation. The team offers a high level of expertise in shareholder disputes, particularly in mixed capital companies. The firm’s new capabilities brought by Samir Sayah and his team include post-acquisition litigation and disputes concerning enforcement procedures and regulatory matters.’

‘I am happy to work with Samir Sayah. He is extremely bright, analytical and accessible. He understands very quickly what is at stake.’