Mauritius > Leading firms > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

Offshore giant Appleby is a popular choice for cross-border transactions, particularly banking and finance deals, but it also houses an increasingly prominent dispute resolution practice. Malcolm Moller, the managing partner of the Mauritius, Seychelles and Shanghai offices, is the key contact; he advised the creditors of PT Bumi Resources’ on Bumi’s $4.5bn global debt restructuring. Yahia Nazroo leads the local litigation practice.

‘Top-tier firm’ Benoit Chambers impresses with its ‘very strong transactional capability’, with particular firepower in banking and finance deals. Other areas of expertise include employment, IP, tax and commercial litigation. Clarel Benoit is a high-profile figure and has deep experience in corporate finance, banking and projects. Nadeem Lallmamode, who is noted for funds and securities matters, and litigator Rishi Pursem are also key contacts.

‘A leader in Mauritius’, BLC Robert & Associates earns praise for its ‘excellent legal skills’, ‘great response times’ and ‘strong client care’. Managing partner Iqbal Rajahbalee is a sought-after litigator and also handles transactional and regulatory matters; he advised Grit Real Estate Income Group on the local aspects of its listing on the LSE. Other recommended names include Jason Harel (‘commercially astute with strong legal understanding’), litigation specialist André Robert and Jean-Eric Sauzier.

ENSafrica finds favour for its ‘great knowledge and experience in pan-African markets’ and its ‘responsive and professional lawyers’. Thierry Koenig is a regular fixture on headline deals and recently advised sugar giant Alteo on its corporate restructuring. Litigation lead Maxime Sauzier is 'a fantastic lawyer’ and is representing a banking client in a cross-border financial services dispute. Martine de Fleuriot de la Colinière and Sébastien Thouvenot are also recommended.

Basset Chambers is best known for its litigation prowess. The firm also has significant expertise in the tourism and finance sectors. Désiré Basset’s group counts Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Air Mauritius among its clients.

In 2018, Dentons (Mauritius) LLP launched its Mauritius outpost through the merger of legacy firms Mardemootoo Solicitors and Balgobin Chambers. The combined entity has ‘broad experience across a range of practice areas’ and is ‘expanding its footprint across Africa’; its recent expertise spans banking, M&A, private equity and capital markets. Key contacts include Sivakumaren Mardemootoo, who advised SBM Bank (Mauritius) on a $200m syndicated loan to National Property Fund, and Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul, who counts India Growth Fund and Barclays Bank among her clients.

Eversheds (Mauritius) Ltd (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) fields a diverse practice in Mauritius, which spans banking, litigation, M&A, IP and general corporate matters. Key contact Michael Hough paired up with banking and finance specialist Jean-Francois Boisvenu to advise a multinational bank on regulatory issues.

Juristconsult Chambers, which is a member of the DLA Piper Africa Group, shines in cross-border transactions. Dispute resolution, corporate governance and employment are also active areas. Highlights included Nicolas Richard advising FirstRand Bank on a bridge facility to Trevo Capital. The group also includes ‘very good professional’ Abdool Rahim Salehmohamed, who joined in 2017 from Taylor Wessing LLP, and chairman Marc Hein.

Uteem Chambers, which has a strong focus on corporate and finance matters, is led by head of chambers Muhammad Uteem, who is also a member of parliament. Clients include government-linked agencies, multinational banks and aviation companies.

Venture Law recently ended its joint venture with Conyers Dill & Pearman. Sameer Tegally is recommended for corporate finance matters and advised NBK Capital Partners on an investment, by NBK Capital Equity partners Fund II LP, in Kaumeya Language Schools.

Erriah Chambers leverages its membership of the LEX Africa network to secure a steady stream of cross-border mandates, particularly relating to tax, trusts and offshore matters. Dev Erriah is the name to note.

YKJ Legal has a strong focus on finance and corporate matters, with extensive experience in Asian and African markets. Managing partner Yuvraj Juwaheer recently advised an Asia-based investment company on the establishment of a fund in Mauritius.

Among 5 St James Court’s key attributes, clients highlight its ‘outstanding professionalism’, ‘broad expertise’ and ‘great availability’. Ravindra Chetty (‘well-prepared and analytical’) is a seasoned litigator and is advising on a high-profile international arbitration case.

Banymandhub Boolell Chambers, which strikes a balance between transactional and contentious work, advised on several significant renewable energy deals over the past year — for both domestic and foreign clients. Urmila Boolell is a key contact.

The ‘always available’ Chambers of A.R.M.A. Peeroo SC GOSK ‘exceeds expectations’. Best known for its high-level capability in contentious matters, the team includes Jamsheed Peeroo (‘in-depth knowledge of arbitration procedures and local and international law’) and head of chambers Razack Peeroo. Clients include Airway Coffee and TUI France.

IP boutique IPvocate Africa Law Firm Cabinet d’Avocats Ltd distinguishes itself through its ‘great pan-African connections’, ‘strong litigation expertise’ and ‘great communication skills’. Marius Schneider (‘highly efficient and experienced’) is a market leader in IP law.

‘Client-oriented and flexible’, PLCJ Ltd attracts praise for its ‘excellent network of regional experts’. Founding partner Mathilde Parent Lagesse has ‘strong international expertise’ and provides ongoing commercial advice to Phoenix Beverages.

At Afralaw Chambers, Anne-Sophie Jullienne is noted for her record in complex cross-border disputes. Ashveen Gopee’s practice covers the full scope of offshore matters, including private equity and trusts.

MC LAW OFFICES has a broad practice focus, which spans tax, IP, employment law and commercial litigation. Yousuf Mohamed is the key figure.

At WORTELS LEXUS, founding partner Siv Potayya is highly regarded for his specialist expertise in banking and financial services. Clients include banks, global law firms and professional services companies.