The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Lebanon > Dispute resolution

Alem & Associates handles high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration, as exemplified by its recent representation for Al Salam Development in a $1bn litigation case involving the fraudulent misappropriation of companies. Practice head Mohamed Alem was the lead partner on that matter and also acted for Golden Grain Sal in a debt recovery claim totalling $140m. Other key figures from the team include: Nader Obeid, who regularly supports Alem on major mandates, senior associate Rana Kahwagi, who is an expert in construction disputes; and Raymond Helou, who was recently made partner and specialises in white-collar criminal law.

El-Khoury & Partners Legal Counsel (EKP)'s disputes team has recently been strengthened by the arrival of Georges Okais, who brings a unique perspective when acting before government authorities having previously served as a judge in the Lebanese courts. The team is a key name for cross-border disputes, with Hadi Melki recently acting for China National Chemical Engineering in an $8m dispute involving the construction of a labour camp in Saudi Arabia. Also recommended is senior associate Bassem Chalhoub, who is very experienced in commercial and employment litigation.

Obeid Law Firm has a stellar reputation for representing international domestic clients in litigation, international arbitration and mediation. Its case portfolio includes high-stakes investment disputes, where it acts for major multinational companies. Ziad Obeid leads the team and is notably skilled in handling cross-border disputes. Other noteworthy names include Nayla Comair-Obeid and counsel Mona Tohmé.

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP has 'an excellent team' with 'unique knowledge and expertise'. Salim El Meouchi leads the practice and is highly skilled in disputes concerning the banking sector, with senior adviser Khalil Sarkis regularly supporting him in litigation. Managing partner Chadia El Meouchi is another notable name and has experience of contractual disputes and shareholder disagreements. Senior associate Elie Feghali is also recommended.

Law Offices of Naoum Farah's disputes team is a key name for clients in the media industry and is known for its 'strategic case assessment' and 'skillful implementation of litigation methodology'. Managing partner Naoum Farah leads the team and acted for The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International in a lawsuit brought against it by a Lebanese political party. Another key figure is Weygand Farhat, who is an expert in white-collar criminal law.

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well known in the market for its non-contentious work but also has a notable dispute resolution practice, with partners specialising in either commercial litigation or arbitration Rania Khoury heads the domestic and international arbitration practice; managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude is also highly skilled in handling cross-border arbitration cases; and Simon El Kai is a key name for litigation and has particular expertise in the pharmaceuticals and healthcare sectors.

Hamdan Law Firm represents international and domestic clients in shareholder disputes, major inheritance disputes and regulatory matters. Managing partner Abdel Ghani Hamdan is the key name to note.

Kabalan & Associates is notably skilled in commercial litigation and international arbitration. The team has previously acted in ICC and LCIA arbitration proceedings. Noureddine Kabalan is the key name.

SAAS Lawyers | Avocats is highly skilled in international arbitration and litigation, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as banking, construction and real estate. Co-founder Marwan Sakr is a key figure and is notably skilled in cross-border disputes, particularly cases involving banking, insurance and corporate law.