The Legal 500 > Europe, Middle East & Africa > Mauritius > Leading firms

The Mauritius outpost of global offshore firm Appleby houses a full-service, on-the-ground offering, which combines local and international expertise in both transactional and contentious matters. Registered foreign lawyer Malcolm Moller, managing partner of the Mauritius, Seychelles and Shanghai offices, is a key contact for corporate and financial services work. Yahia Nazroo, who leads the disputes group, routinely handles civil, commercial and criminal litigation. Dushyant Ramdhur also specialises in litigation, including insurance, bankruptcy and trust disputes.

Local heavyweight Benoit Chambers has dominant offerings in litigation, corporate and finance law. The Ebene-based firm impresses with its first-class client base, which is composed of local and foreign corporations, financial institutions, utilities and regulators. A former state counsel and magistrate, Clarel Benoit is highly sought after for complex corporate and finance matters. Nadeem Lallmamode, whose practice spans funds, financial services, securities and IP, is also noted.

Dentons (Mauritius) LLP hit the ground running following the launch of its Mauritius offering in 2018 through the merger of legacy firms Mardemootoo Solicitors and Balgobin Chambers. The team, which handles a mix of transactional and contentious work, has a thriving financial services practice. Managing partner Sivakumaren Mardemootoo, who heads the banking and finance team for the Africa region, and senior partner Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul, who leads the financial institutions group in Africa, are both recognised specialists. Nawsheen Ahmine, who advises on banking and finance, corporate and M&A deals, is a talented counsel.

Independent firm Venture Law is consistently engaged on cross-border transactions, particularly involving Africa and Asia, with corporate, banking and finance key areas of expertise. Sameer Tegally, who counts multinational corporations and banks among his clients, is highly regarded for finance and trusts matters.

Best known for its litigation expertise, Basset Chambers has solid experience in the banking and finance, corporate, telecoms and real estate sectors. It also handles advisory work. High-profile litigator Désiré Basset is the name to note.

Uteem Chambers houses a thriving tax practice. It also has significant experience in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, public law and trusts. Head of chambers Muhammad Uteem, who is also a member of parliament, is recognised for his expertise in tax, trusts and finance matters.

Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC, sits within the wider Temple Group, which combines a capable legal offering with complementary compliance, training and publishing services. Firm founder Urmila Boolell has broad experience of civil and commercial litigation.

A popular choice for disputes, Chambers of A.R.M.A. Peeroo SC GOSK is mainly active in finance and insurance litigation and arbitration cases. It also handles transactional matters. Head of chambers Abdool Razack Peeroo and arbitration specialist Jamsheed Peeroo are the key contacts.

Erriah Chambers handles a broad range of contentious and transactional matters, with tax, trusts, finance and M&A all key pillars of the practice. The firm’s membership of the LEX Africa network is a notable asset for multinational clients. Dev Erriah, head of chambers, is the name to note.

IPvocate Africa Law Firm Cabinet d’Avocats Ltd’s exclusive focus on IP law translates into a broad spread of trade mark, patent and design matters, including a dominant anti-counterfeiting practice. Firm founder Marius Schneider specialises in advising clients from Europe and Africa.

Imtihaz Mamoojee Chambers has a multi-disciplinary practice and is increasingly prominent in the market, with a strong record in insurance and commercial litigation. Head of chambers Imtihaz Mamoojee is noted for insurance and banking-related matters.

Traditionally known for civil and criminal law, MC LAW OFFICES continues to expand its commercial experience. Firm founder Yousuf Mohamed is the key contact.

PwC Legal (Mauritius) Ltd, which opened its doors in 2019, handles a mix of transactional, advisory and contentious matters, with tax disputes standing out as a key strength. Managing partner Anne-Sophie Jullienne, who was formerly at Afralaw Chambers, is a practising barrister in both Mauritius, and England and Wales.