Dispute resolution in Algeria

Bennani & Associés

Bennani & Associés is a strong regional firm and its disputes offering in Algeria typically handles commercial, IP, tax, construction and energy matters. The team is led by managing partner Mourad Seghir and senior associate Zakaria Zereg, who specialises in contentious matters. The team is equipped to handle both litigation and arbitration cases, and has regularly acted for clients before the ICC.

Practice head(s):

Mourad Seghir; Zakaria Zereg

Testimonials

‘Mourad Seghir provides comprehensive and timely advice on very technical areas of Algerian law.’

‘I have worked with many other Algerian law firms in the past and Bennani is definitely my preferred one. Excellent communication.’

‘Mourad Seghir is a reliable lawyer who places great importance on client service. He is extremely professional. ‘

‘Mourad Seghir and. Zakaria Zereg provide accurate explanations and solid advice.’

Key clients

EVATHERM AG

Consortium: Centrotherm International AG / KineticsGermany GMBH

BP

Motion Picture Association, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Defended EVATHERM AG  against Enasel in the commercial courts in relation to a penalty claim in the execution of a turnkey salt production plant.

Gide Loyrette Nouel

Gide Loyrette Nouel’s Algiers office has a strong track record in ICC arbitrations, particularly in cases involving construction and public infrastructure. Managing partner Samy Laghouati is a generalist who often works on disputes, particularly those in the energy sector. Counsel Julien Gontier specialises in disputes and has handled contractual breaches involving EPC, O&M, supply contracts and power projects.

Practice head(s):

Samy Laghouati

Other key lawyers:

Julien Gontier

Testimonials

‘In depth knowledge of local practices and an ability to counsel foreign companies on the best way to get the required results.’

‘Julien Gontier has been exceptional to deal with. He has helped guide us through the Algerian bureaucracy with great ease. Mr. Gontier has also been incredibly available during the pandemic such that we have never been unable to reach him despite his travels between France and Algeria.’

Key clients

Daelim Industrial

Saur

ThyssenKrupp

Varian Inc

China Harbour Engineering Company

Work highlights

  • Acted for Sonatrach in an ICC arbitration against its foreign partner in a dispute over the purchase of the latter’s stake.
  • Representing a France-based company in the water treatment sector in an ICC arbitration against an Algerian public company involving a public procurement contract.

CMS

CMS’s contentious work has involved assisting international clients with investment, tax and foreign exchange issues.

LPA-CGR

A widely respected French firm, LPA-CGR’s Algiers offices is led by Fatima-Zohra Bouchemla , who handles arbitration cases. Rym Loucif left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Fatima-Zohra Bouchemla