Led by Khaled Saqqaf (Jordan) and Mohammed Norri (Iraq), the Iraq team at Al Tamimi & Company is widely known for its expertise in construction and project development. It regularly advises on residential and mixed-use developments and also handles work in the utilities, infrastructure, energy and leisure sectors. Much of its workload is international in scope and involves frequent interactions with the government in relation to the negotiation and implementation of deliverables. A recent highlight is its advice to the Export-Import Bank of China on a multimillion-dollar EPC contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity. Commercial banking specialist Jawad Khalaf is also noted. The firm maintains offices in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra.

The team at Confluent Law Group has been operational for nearly two decades and is recognised for its work in both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan. Led by the 'sensible, experienced and calm' Greg Englefield, it also includes the 'fantastic' Tom Calvert and senior associate Tom Nolda. The group handles domestic Chinese investment (notably the firm has Chinese language capacities) and oil matters for 'supermajor' companies. Clients include international corporate and local players.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is particularly well known for its role in advising international oil companies in Iraq. Led by Nick Oury in Dubai and Craig Shepherd in Tokyo, it handles substantial infrastructure projects and is particularly adept at helping clients navigate regulatory issues. In addition, it represents parties in disputes related to the power and water sectors, construction, oil and gas infrastructure, EPC contracts, off-take agreements and concessions for built assets.

The Iraq team at Baker Botts L.L.P. is known for assisting with upstream and downstream assets in the oil and gas sectors. London-based Mark Rowley advises clients on transactions and project development, areas in which he also covers LNG-related matters. Another key contact is senior counsel John Vincent Lonsberg, who is experienced in the negotiation of strategic alliances in the aerospace, petrochemical and high-technology industries.

Mena Associates in association with Amereller Rechtsanwälte handles notable mandates in the oil and gas sector. Energy expert Ahmed Al Janabi leads a practice which also advises on employment law and commercial matters. Hadeel Al Janabi is the name to note for cases cutting across multiple jurisdictions.

The Iraq team at Airut Law Offices advises on banking, insolvency, corporate, and tax-related matters. It handles M&A, financial structuring and project management, areas in which it acts for clients in the  hospitality, media, pharmaceutical and real estate sectors. Marie Antoinette Airut, Charles Airut, Tahseen Shekha and Serge Airut are key names.

Al Jad Law Firm (in association with CMS) has an established track record in domestic litigation and is known for advising a number of major energy companies in Iraq. Malek Takieddine leads the practice and assists with issues relating to energy, projects and consumer products (both domestically as well as in Lebanon). Matthew Culver  is an oil and gas expert and Randall Walker  handles disputes in sectors such as natural resources, construction and infrastructure. Senior associate Lama Abou Ali is another key contact.

Based in London, the team at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is led by Julian Nichol, an expert in global power generation project finance. The group is known for working on a broad spectrum of matters in Iraq and Kurdistan and has consolidated relationships with key government officials in Erbil, Baghdad and Basra. Defence and energy constitute are sector strengths. Hamish Lal (who splits his time between London and Abu Dhabi) is a key contact for arbitration and international disputes.

The team at AL-Muhamoon Al-Mutahidoon has recently handled banking ad finance matters, consultancy assignments for loan restructuring (notably those linked to Turkish investment) and work for the Ministry of Health. Its recent work includes advising China Energy on arbitration agreements. Hiba Basim Khaza’al and Muqdad Sami Alwan Al-Juboori are key contacts.