Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: arbitration

Under the leadership of Mohamed Nour Shehata and construction arbitration specialist Ibrahim Shehata, Shehata & Partners Law Firm is well placed to advise on CRCICA, ICC, LCIA and DIAC arbitration proceedings.

Dispute resolution: arbitration in Egypt

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy’s arbitration practice houses a team of 'highly experienced lawyers who specialise in dispute resolution'. The group has an excellent track record in acting for clients in prominent arbitration proceedings concerning investment treaties, as well as commercial and sports law disputes. The department has extensive experience in handling DIAC, ADCCAC, CRCICA, ICC and LCIA arbitration proceedings. Firm founding partner John Matouk heads up the disputes practice, and has expertise in advising on complex cross-border arbitration work; head of arbitration Amr Abbas is a 'first-class lawyer' with 'unique expertise in investment arbitration matters'. Ahmed Abdelhakeem and Mohamed Sallam are singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

John Matouk; Amr Abbas


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Abdelhakeem; Mohamed Sallam


Testimonials

‘Matouk Bassiouny have been our trusted Egyptian legal advisors for several years, successfully navigating us through a difficult and long sale process of a large and complex manufacturing business located in Egypt. They have continuously gone above and beyond to bring us to the point of delivery.’

‘Ahmed Abdelhakeem has been instrumental in guiding us through a complicated sale process, advising on the possible disputes and litigious risks associated with each stage of the transaction. Ahmed has been our representative and voice in Arabic during the negotiations with the sellers and has remained consistently impressive in his field.’

‘The advice and support provided to us by Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy has been of a high quality, relevant to our requirements and more importantly helped us to make the appropriate decisions. I would strongly recommend MBH as a trusted partner for providing expert legal/regulatory advice and support on a wide range of legal and compliance matters. ’

‘They have exceptional lawyers. Amr Abbas and Ahmed Abdelhakeem are first class lawyers having unique experience in investment arbitration matters. Very knowledgeable, trustworthy, and articulate. Very transparent and able to handle complex issues.’

‘We were highly impressed with the team members’ high qualifications, exceptional professionalism, dedication, and ethics. They are very organized, attend to every detail, and prepare for all possible problems, even what would seem unlikely.’

‘MB team was formed of several impressive individuals. They were dedicated and worked with us for long hours, and they were always very organized and focused on details and how to preserve our interest throughout the dispute.’

‘Having had the distinct privilege of observing and interacting with the Dispute Resolution: Arbitration practice of Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (MBH), I am fully confident in rating their services a solid 10/10. This is not a score I give lightly, but after understanding their methods, expertise, and overall dedication to the field, it’s clear that MBH’s team stands out in the crowded legal landscape.

‘Each member of the team, from the most junior associate to the seasoned partners, exhibits a passion and dedication to their craft that is both rare and commendable.’

Key clients

GB Auto S.A.E.


Reliance Heavy Industries


Chengdu Design & Research Institute of Building Materials Industry Co. Ltd


International Holding Project Group and Other Kuwaiti Investors


Nogoom Football Club (“NFC”)


The Producers


Egyptian Resorts Company (“ERC”)


ZPEC Egypt LLC


Shahid Law Firm

At Shahid Law Firm, the team has an excellent reputation for handling complex arbitrations in a broad range of sectors, including energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and construction.  Investor-state disputes are another core area of strength for the group. Managing partner Girgis Abd El-Shahid heads up the practice, and has established expertise in appearing before multiple major arbitral institutions. Counsel Inji Fathalla is a highly regarded commercial arbitrator and regularly assists clients in the IP, energy, oil and gas, and transport sectors.

Practice head(s):

Girgis Abd El-Shahid


Other key lawyers:

Inji Fathalla


Testimonials

‘A well organized law firm. Very clear communication channels. Potential clients may wish to know about the firm’s capability in commercial law practice.’

‘Very knowledgeable, interest in details, on-time , co-operative and clear communication.’

‘Shahid’s team is well organized. The team is always providing coordination between all involved parties which supports a lot in a full understanding of the case.’

‘Great construction experience.’

Key clients

Abbott Laboratories


CTIP Oil & GAS UAE


Doosan Enerbility Limited Company


East Mediterranean Gas (“EMG”)


El Naba Contracting Enterprises


Gesenu S.p.A


GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”)


Global Consolidated Contractor (Egypt)


Heidelberg Cement AG


Highways Arabia FZ LLC


Highways International Offshore SAL


International Air Transport Association (“IATA”)


Joussour Holding


Libyan Foreign Bank


Marubeni Corporation


Mediterra Energy International (Cyprus)


Middle East Broadcasting Center (“MBC”)


Mohamed Abdel Raouf Bahgat


PTT Energy Resources Company Limited (“PTTER”)


Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company


Yomna Mohsen Mohamed Mohyeldine Farag


Work highlights


  • Acting for a leading Saudi investor in two arbitration cases filed before the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, against one of the major listed Egyptian conglomerates providing financial services in the region.

Shalakany Law Office

The arbitration practice at Shalakany Law Office is home to a deep bench of lawyers, who regularly handle complex cross-border arbitrations that span multiple jurisdictions. Managing partner Khaled El Shalakany has extensive experience in international arbitration and advises on IP, construction and corporate law disputes. Adam El Shalakany is a key name to note for cross-border construction disputes, while Muhammad Ussama is active in high-value CRCICA arbitrations. Nada Hesham is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Khaled El Shalakany; Adam El Shalakany; Muhammad Ussama; Taher Benany


Other key lawyers:

Nada Hesham


Youssef & Partners Attorneys

The ‘excellent’ dispute resolution team at Youssef & Partners Attorneys is ‘very knowledgeable’ in relation to high-value international arbitration proceedings. Practice head Karim A. Youssef is a highly respected practitioner in the Egyptian market, with established expertise in handling commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. César Ternieden is an ‘outstanding performer’ in the arbitration space, with a solid track record in representing clients from the construction, hotel and automobile sectors.

Practice head(s):

Karim A. Youssef


Other key lawyers:

César Ternieden


Testimonials

‘The team is excellent.’

‘Karim Youssef is an outstanding lawyer and a sharp legal mind.’

‘Karim Youssef was very articulate, intelligent, and provided excellent Egyptian law advice. He is an accomplished oral advocate.’

Key clients

Cementos La Union SA (and Aridos Jativa) (CLU)


Al-Kholoud for Touristic and Real Estate Development S.A.E.


DIPCO (Damietta International Ports Company)


CTIP Oil & Gas Ltd (CTIP)


British Columbia Canadian International School (BCCIS)


VEOLIA Proprete’ Group


Egypt Kuwait Holding Company (EKH)


INCOME – International Company for Petroleum & Industrial Services


KGL Supply Management Group


Adenium Energy Capital


El-Alfy Family


Triangle Group and GAMA Construction S.A.E.


Orascom Construction (OC) Group


Dulam EFZ


Duro Felguera S.A.


National Telecom Holding


Rentokil


Work highlights


  • Acting for a major Spanish conglomerate in court and arbitration proceedings in the UAE against a government entity.

Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law

Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law's team is highly regarded for its 'great knowledge' of domestic and international arbitration. The group continues to advise on multiple, complex disputes under SCC, LCIA, LMAA, SIAC and CRCICA rules. Mohamed Kamal heads up the practice, and has a solid track record in representing construction, aviation and oil and gas sector entities in international arbitration proceedings, often involving competition law matters. Sameh Khodeir leads the oil and gas team and regularly handles related disputes, as well as international commercial arbitration. Tamer Gamal’s practice focuses on telecoms, construction and banking arbitrations, while senior associate Dalia Hussein is active in disputes heard under CRCICA and ICC rules.

Practice head(s):

Sameh Khodeir; Mohamed Kamal


Other key lawyers:

Tamer Gamal; Dalia Hussein


Testimonials

‘Great knowledge and advice.’

Key clients

Accor Hotels


Abu Ghali Motors


Arabco for Petroleum Industries


Damac


Damietta International Port Company (DIPCO)


Egyptian German Automotive Co. EGA SAE


Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene (ELAB)


Egyptian Natural Gas Company (Gasco)


Gulf Egypt for Hotels & Tourism


Hebeish for Engineering Work


Hilton International Company


Landmark Gulf Group (Fun City Egypt SAE)


Mapei S.P.A.


Modern Global General Trading Company WLL


Orascom Construction Industries Co. SAE (OCI)


Petroleum Marine Services (PMS)


Solidere International Limited & Solidere Egypt Real Estate Investment and Development Company SAE


SUBEX – Serena Beach Hotel Company


United for Trading and Transport SAE


Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications SAE


Zulficar & Partners Law Firm

Zulficar & Partners Law Firm houses an 'excellent' team, which stands out for providing 'succinct and crisp advice on the most complex commercial and technical matters'. The group is well versed in handling CRCICA, DIAC, ICC, LCIA and SIAC arbitration proceedings, and has specialist expertise in international commercial and investment arbitrations. The ‘highly insightful and imaginativeMohamed Abdel Wahab heads up the practice. Youssef Al Saman acts for public and private sector clients on cross-border commercial disputes, and investment arbitration expert Moustafa Alameldin has been kept busy representing foreign clients in ICC and ICSID proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Abdel Wahab


Other key lawyers:

Youssef Al Saman; Moustafa Alameldin


Testimonials

‘It is a committed, hard working practice with dedicated leadership and staff able successfully through detailed investigation, testing, and analysis to identify and coordinate the legal theory of the case with the factual and expert evidence.’

‘They take individual dedicated responsibility in the formulation of the case, understanding, assembly, and presentation of the evidence including, crucially, and together with the experts the special areas of focus including preparation for and conduct of the hearing and the assembly of focused and effective post-hearing briefs.’

‘Excellent disputes team who manage to provide succinct, crisp advice on the most complex commercial and technical matters. Highly approachable and responsive. Great to work with.’

‘Mohamed Abdel Wahab is a true expert in every aspect of commercial disputes, highly insightful and imaginative and extremely personable to work with.

‘Responsiveness, depth of knowledge and an edge on strategic planning.’

‘Mohamed Abdel Wahab is very highly regarded by peers in the international arbitration community. He knows arbitration inside and out. He is smart, experienced, has great communication skills. His professionalism, integrity, moral values and work ethics are exceptional.’

‘Mohamed Abdel Wahab leads a large team of dispute resolution lawyers; and they are quite the force to be reckoned with. It is clear that he invests time in nurturing younger talent, and he gives them space to lead aspects of the transaction.’

Key clients

Amer Group


Apache


APM Terminals (Suez Canal Container Terminal)


Bawabet Al Kuwait Holding Co.


Cheiron Zaafarana petroleum company limited


Egyptian Fertilizers Company (EFC)/ Orascom Construction Industries (OCI)


E-Methanex


HZPC


Nile Douma Holding


Orange


Pico Petroleum


Sixth October development and investment company s.a.e. (Sodic)


Taqa


Total S.A


Work highlights


  • Represented a leading engineering company in a CRCICA dispute against a cement company in relation to a maintenance, operation and supply agreement.
  • Represented the client, an Egyptian state-owned entity, in a multi-million dollar ICC arbitration dispute involving a Slovenian pharmaceutical company.
  • Represented the client in CRCICA arbitration proceedings brought by the selling shareholder of Nile Badrawi Hospital S.A.E. against the Commercial International Bank S.A.E. and the client in relation to an escrow agreement.

Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company leverages the expertise of its broad regional presence to advise on high-value cross-border disputes, as well as complex commercial and investment arbitrations. Practice head Khaled Attia specialises in commercial disputes, and is experienced in handling PPP and competition law disputes.

Practice head(s):

Khaled Attia


Testimonials

‘The arbitration team headed by Khaled Attia comes very well prepared to hearings. The fine-tempered individuals and their courtesy towards their opponents helps the tribunal to navigate smoothly during the proceedings.’

ALC Alieldean Weshahi & Partners

The arbitration practice at ALC Alieldean Weshahi & Partners houses a team of 'professionals in their field' - 'they listen carefully to the details and are good at teamwork'. Under the leadership of Yehia Shahine, the group regularly handles a high number of commercial and investment arbitrations; Shahine brings expertise in acting in proceedings under ICC, CRCICA, DIAC, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules. Founding partner Ahmed Weshahi is well regarded for his expertise in construction, oil and gas, media and sports disputes.

Practice head(s):

Yehia Shahine


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Weshashi


Testimonials

‘They can produce realistic solutions.’

Khodeir & Partners

Khodeir & Partners has a strong offering in the domestic and international arbitration space; the team brings extensive experience in handling proceedings under ICSID, ICC, UNCITRAL, CRCICA, CAS and DIFC rules. Ahmed Kotb heads up the dispute resolution practice and has an excellent track record in advising on financial, construction and employment disputes. He is ably supported by Sherif Elatafy, who is well versed in assisting with international arbitration proceedings concerning investment, commercial and sports law issues.

Practice head(s):

Ahmed Kotb; Sherif Elatafy; Hazem Hussein


Testimonials

‘Ahmed Kotb is a top disputes practitioner, with great focus. He brings massive added value and is a real pleasure to work with. ’

‘Through my experience with Khodeir & Partners, I really feel that with them I am getting a service at a reasonable cost but with much value than other competitors in the same market. ’

‘They are always available to support our needs with a high quality of legal advice or services. Despite the number of customers they have, I feel that they are dedicated only to me and my legal requirements. ’

Rizkana & Partners

Rizkana & Partners' disputes practice is well versed in handling complex arbitrations in the oil and gas, construction, hospitality and financial sectors. Practice head and managing partner Hazim Rizkana is sought after for his expertise in international commercial and investment disputes by banks and state entities. Counsel Salma El Baz is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Hazim Rizkana


Other key lawyers:

Salma El Baz


MENA Associates in association with Amereller Rechtsanwälte

MENA Associates in association with Amereller Rechtsanwälte provides support on arbitration proceedings arising from alleged breaches of commercial contracts, among other areas. Sherif El Saadani is very experienced in advising on complex cross-border disputes concerning M&A and joint ventures, construction and real estate development issues, and is well versed in handling award enforcement matters under ICSID, ICC and CRCICA rules.

Practice head(s):

Sherif El Saadani


Riad & Riad

With established strength in handling labour-related arbitration proceedings, Riad & Riad’s dispute resolution team is also recognised for its capabilities in advising on arbitration proceedings under ICC, ICSID, DIAC and CRCIRA rules. Practice co-head Fatma Salah represents clients in the construction, energy and pharmaceutical sectors, and practice co-head Eman Riad has a strong track record in assisting with employment disputes.

Practice head(s):

Fatma Salah; Eman Riad


Testimonials

‘A team of competent local lawyers fully specialised in local law and dispute resolution process.’

‘They are all fully experienced and specialised in dispute resolutions of all magnitude and therefore first choice of ours when considering local law firms. They provide full details of each and every step of the process with strategic solutions in a timely and professional manner, which enable us to make critical decisions to safeguard our interests.’

Key clients

FAS Energy


GS E&C


Acciona


Kellogg Tolaram


SEDCO


British Airways


Brilliance


SEDCO


Work highlights


  • Representing GS E&C, a well-known Korean architecture and engineering company, in a dispute with a local subcontractor before the CRCICA.
  • Advising Acciona, the Spanish multinational conglomerate in a dispute with the main contractor under the subcontract agreement in relation to the Grand Egyptian Museum project.