Alem & Associates > Beirut, Lebanon > Firm Profile

Alem & Associates
126 FOCH STREET
BEIRUT CENTRAL DISTRICT
BEIRUT 2012-6609
Lebanon

Lebanon > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

Alem & Associates is a key port of call for investment banks on restructuring, compliance, security offerings as well as Islamic finance. Mohamed Y Alem  is well-regarded in the capital markets sector, Omar El Assir is an expert in private equity, and Maya Tabet Chidiac handles transactional matters.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Y. Alem; Omar El Assir; Maya Tabet Chidiac

Other key lawyers:

Youmna Gharzouzi

Work highlights

Lebanon > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Alem & Associates is a key port of call for real estate, telecoms, and pharmaceutical clients on corporate structuring, M&A, and shareholder agreements, Founder Mohamed Y Alem has vast experience in handling commercial and investment transactions, Rola Tabsh is well-regarded in the real estate sector, whilst Rola Tabsh boasts strengths in IP, franchising, and media law. Leila Alem Hammoud handles managing tax issues that arise from M&A transactions, while other key team members include Omar El Assir, Maya Tabet Chidiac, and Dolly Choucair.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Y Alem; Rola Tabsh; Omar EL Assir; Leila Laila; Maya Tabet Chidiac; Leila Alem Hammoud; Dolly Choucair

Other key lawyers:

Youmna Gharzouzi

Testimonials

‘They are capable of analyzing any request and giving the right advice, direction, and legal support. The environment of the firm is very healthy and trusted. They have a strong network in Lebanon and on a regional basis as well. ’

‘They are always accessible and responsive, with a high standard of skills and legal knowledge.’

‘ They have specialized lawyers for different categories and are well synchronised.’

‘They are friendly yet straightforward and work by the book.’

‘We have dealt with Mohamed Alem, Youmna Gharzouzi, Leila Alem, Raymond Helou, and Rola Tabsh, they are all outstanding.’

‘What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to providing a comprehensive, client-centred approach. The team’s deep understanding of the regional market dynamics, combined with its global perspective, makes them a uniquely strong force in navigating complex corporate transactions.’

‘The individuals are not only exceptionally skilled but also approachable and collaborative.’

Key clients

Lucid Investment Bank

DIV Capital SAL

Schlumberger

Work highlights

Lebanon > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Alem & Associates remains a key firm in international arbitration proceedings, often working across the construction, banking, and telecoms sectors. Mohamed Alem is a key figure, while Raymond El Helou heads the white-collar defence and government investigations practice. Nader Obeid focuses on commercial litigation, while Nicholas Tse acts as the firm's head of international arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Alem; Nicholas Tse; Raymond Helou; Nader Obeid

Other key lawyers:

Mazen Ghosn; Rana Kahwagi

Testimonials

‘Professional and collaborating people. They provide quick answers.’

 

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in criminal, civil, and summary procedures against a local bank that refused to transfer funds.
  • Assisted a leading distributor of consumer electronics under the Samsung brand in filing a compensation claim for the abusive termination of their exclusive commercial representation contract established in 1991.
  • Represented a client in case surrounding the illegal retransmission of their encrypted TV channels via IPTV.

Lebanon > Real estate and construction (including projects) Tier 1

A key port of call for owners, developers, and lenders on a variety of real estate mandates, Alem & Associates is notably skilled at construction disputes.. Mohamed Y Alem  is an expert in transactional work, while  Rola Tabsh handles industrial and residential projects.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Y Alem; Rola Tabsh

Work highlights

Lebanon > Tax Tier 1

Jointly headed by Mohamed Y Alem and Nader Obeid, Alem & Associates is a key port of call for regulatory matters and tax issues within corporate transactions. Alem handles tax issues arising from M&A transactions, while Obeid is skilled at tax disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mohamed Y Alem; Nader Obeid

Other key lawyers:

Rabih El Chaer

Testimonials

‘I have had the pleasure of working with Alem & Associates and they are among the most professional and reliable legal firms I have encountered. From the moment you engage with them, it becomes clear that A & A is committed to delivering top-tier legal services, grounded in a deep understanding of their clients’ needs.

‘Every department within the firm operates with a high level of integrity, precision, and professionalism, ensuring that clients feel supported in every aspect of their legal requirements. Whether it’s complex litigation, advisory services, or contract negotiations, A & A consistently demonstrates a capacity to tackle challenges head-on with tailored solutions.’

‘The firm are an embodiment of professionalism, attentiveness, and care. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking comprehensive legal support, whether in corporate matters or any other legal field. Their level of service and commitment is truly unmatched. ’

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Intellectual property Tier 4

Alem & Associates is well-equipped to handle national and international copyright, trademark, and tradename disputes. Leila Laila oversees the department and is a key port of call for various media entities on copyright and trademark development, licensing, and protection. Mohamed Abu Al-Ela is principally focused on intellectual property enforcement and Omar Moussally is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Leila Laila

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘At Alem & Associates, the intellectual property practice stands out for its deep expertise in navigating IP landscapes while focusing on delivering tailored solutions that meet our specific needs. I value their strategic approach, which combines legal precision with business insight—setting them apart from other firms.’

‘Leila Laila stands out for her exceptional commitment to her work, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and practical business acumen that is rare to find. Her precision and ability to anticipate challenges have been invaluable. What I appreciate most is her collaborative approach—she always makes me feel like a partner in the process, rather than just a client. This level of personalised attention and dedication is truly unmatched.’

Key clients

Alnajma Film Productions

Kababji Group

Famous Brands Limited

Charisma Group

Say N’ See

Work highlights

  • Represented a leading architecture firm on an architectural work copyright infringement claim.  
  • Advised Famous Brands on licensing trademarks and franchising out its restaurant concepts in the UAE.

The firm: Alem & Associates was founded in 1953 as a general practice and has earned its reputation as one of Lebanon’s most prestigious and leading law firms on account of its commitment to excellence. It offers a wide range of legal services through its offices in Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh, and its associated offices throughout the Middle East.

With more than 60 practitioners in its three offices, Alem & Associates represents and advises clients throughout the world, with a focus on the Middle East. The firm’s team is multicultural and has the experience and ability to operate in both the common and civil law legal systems and is familiar with the intricacies and challenges of regional regulations.

The firm gives particular attention to the processes through which legal services are provided. The firm works under well-defined quality standards, ensuring effectiveness and client satisfaction. It operates a relationship-based service, with close client/firm communication.

Areas of practice: The administrative and tax practice group represents individuals, business organisations, and other entities before municipal, state, and administrative agencies, seeking permits and licenses, defending enforcement and disciplinary proceedings, contesting tax decisions, and pursuing governmental approvals.

The aviation practice group of Alem & Associates provides advice and representation on the sale, purchase and leasing of aircraft as well as mortgages, aircraft finance and tax.

The arbitration and ADR practice group acts for clients from many different business sectors, including construction, real estate, public concessions, telecommunications and financial institutions. With an impressive legal team with international experience, the firm can assist at any stage, from strategic preliminary work to the enforcement of arbitral awards.

The banking and finance group has a growing reputation in the sector driven by its outstanding expertise in structuring complex financings in domestic and international markets, including Islamic finance.

The real estate and construction practice group advises on all issues relating to planning, construction and engineering, investment, development, property finance and dispute resolution.

The corporate, mergers and acquisitions practice group provides expert advice on many of the largest and most complex transactions, with a cross-border perspective. The firm applies its experience to a range of corporate and commercial deals and corporate transactions, including joint ventures, equity structures, corporate restructurings, cross-border acquisitions, strategic alliances, equity investments and leverage buyouts.

The employment and social security practice group works with clients from a wide range of industry sectors, assisting not only local businesses but also medium and smaller enterprises to tackle local, international and cross-border employment issues.

Alem & Associates’ intellectual property practice has gained a substantial reputation since its inception. Its lawyers have handled complex transactions deals in Lebanon and the Middle East region.

The franchising, media and entertainment practice, one of the most reputable in the region, provides full-service legal assistance for franchisors and franchisees, also providing legal advice on all aspects of the converging media industries, including media, advertising, radio and television, motion picture and TV production, publishing and new media.

Alem & Associates has a dynamic litigation practice group, with expertise in a wide range of dispute resolution issues, such as commercial litigation, finance, real estate, construction, employment, IP, media, and administrative disputes.

The firm has one of the most reputable energy and environment practices in the region and provides specialised services to public and private clients. The firm also covers oil and gas exploitation in Lebanon, representing global leaders in the industry.

The white-collar defense and government investigations practice group offers clients the extensive experience in dealing with official and government investigations, defense, enforcement and asset recovery matters.

Department Name Email Telephone
Administrative and tax
Arbitration and ADR
Aviation
Banking, capital markets and finance
Construction
Corporate, mergers and acquisitions
Employment and social security
Energy and environment
Franchising, media and entertainment
Intellectual property
Litigation
Real estate
Telecommunication and technology
White-collar defense and government investigations
Photo Name Position Profile
Mohamed Y Alem photo Mr Mohamed Y Alem Mohamed Alem is the founder and senior partner of Alem & Associates…
Number of lawyers : 60
Arabic
English
French
Portuguese
Spanish
Other offices : Dubai
Other offices : Riyadh