Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm > Beirut, Lebanon > Firm Profile

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm Offices

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm
OMT BUILDING - 266 SAMI EL SOLH AVENUE
PO BOX 116-5079, BEIRUT MUSEUM 1106-2010
BEIRUT
Lebanon
Visit website +961 1 395 555

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm > The Legal 500 Rankings

Lebanon > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

A key port of call for both domestic and international banks, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and syndicated facilities. Carlos Abou Jaoude counts various financial institutions on his client roster, and he is well-regarded in the energy, media, and telecoms sectors. Souraya Machnouk is often engaged in cross-border transactions, while Ibrahim Barraj is another key team member.  

Practice head(s):

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk

 

Other key lawyers:

Ibrahim Barraj

Testimonials

‘Their high responsiveness, professional approach, and understanding makes them stand out.’

‘Abou Jaoude & Associates is our first-choice firm for complex banking and finance matters, driven by the quality of its partners Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk.’

‘The firm has a deep understanding of the market and the regulatory framework. They present their advice in straightforward terms, which we can rely on for decision-making at the bank.’

‘Carlos Abou Jaoude is excellent.’

‘Souraya Machnouk is exceptionally knowledgeable in cross-border financial offerings, complex credit facilities, and fintech issues.’

‘Ibrahim Barraj efficiently handles compliance and governance matters.’

‘This firm has a diversified team of experts with a client centered approach and a proven track record.’

‘The team is specialised, has a collaborative approach, and is accessible.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse (UBS Group)

Central Bank of Lebanon

Ernst & Young

New York Life Insurance

KPMG Citigroup

American Express (Amex)

First Abu Dhabi Bank Commercial International Bank Egypt

National Bank of Kuwait

Nomura International

I&C Bank

Fransabank Group

Intercontinental Bank of Lebanon (IBL)

Arab Finance Corporation (AFC)

The Luxury Fund (TLF)

Work highlights

  • Advised leading financial institution Credit Suisse Lebanon on its strategic exit from the Lebanese market amidst the global merger by absorption between the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups.
  • Advised Big Four audit firms Ernst & Young and KPMG acting for Swiss banks on the highly complex private banking manual relating to the cross-border offer of financial products and services into Lebanon under capital markets regulation.
  • Advised the lending arm of the National Bank of Kuwait, the largest Kuwaiti bank on a multi-million cross-border Islamic facility to the leading international telecoms group Monty Mobile, involving a complex multi-jurisdiction security structure.

Lebanon > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Noted for its capabilities in corporate structuring, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm’s recent caseload encompasses joint ventures involving dual-currencies. Often advising financial institutions, Carlos Abou Jaoude is knowledgeable of the energy, media, and telecoms sectors, while Souraya Machnouk is notably experienced in cross-border transactions. Simon El Kai is well-regarded in the pharmaceuticals sector, while Ibrahim Barraj often advises retail and investment banks.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk; Simon El Kai; Ibrahim Barraj

Testimonials

‘They are a professional team who are innovative and updated on the new laws and regulations.’

‘Availability, knowledge, professionalism, and efficiency.’

‘They are experts in M&A, and they have knowledge in a wide spectrum of business requirements.’

‘The team have demonstrated exceptional competence.’

‘They are prompt in their communication, ensuring that the client receives timely and accurate legal counsel.’

‘Souraya Machnouk keeps abreast of the latest legal developments, which allows her to provide cutting-edge advice that is both practical and effective.’

‘A knowledgeable and professional team.’

 

Key clients

Amazon

Adobe

Starbucks

Subway

PWC

Orange Telecoms

Richemont Group

Moderna

Laboratoires Pierre Fabre

The Body Shop

Elie Saab Group

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Fadaat Media Group

ALMAZA Group

Benta Group

AJA Group

Malia Group

Work highlights

  • Advised the NYSE-listed US technology company,  NCR Corporation on a highly complex multi-jurisdiction strategic corporate reorganisation pursuant to the split of the group’s ATM and commerce operations.
  • Advised American multinational coffee chain Starbucks, on the highly complex regulatory framework governing products packaging and food safety in Lebanon.
  • Advised renowned international luxury fashion house Elie Saab on a strategic joint venture with the leading regional luxury retail group ABA (Ali Bin Ali) for the expansion of the brand in Monaco.

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

Often handling renewables matters, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is a key port of call for regulatory compliance, project finance, and international energy contracts. The practice is jointly led by Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk, both of whom are particularly skilled at real estate transactions. Hachem El Housseini is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk

 

 

Other key lawyers:

Hachem El Housseini

Testimonials

‘Souraya Machnouk is very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and responsive.’

‘They are a highly professional team, with very good knowledge of the industry.’

‘Souraya Machnouk’s professionalism, attentiveness to client’s needs, and availability makes her stand out.’

‘They offer individualised and practical legal solutions. Their energy team is highly solicited in the market for their industry knowledge and successful record in solving complex legal issues. They have advised on many pioneer projects in the wind, solar, and oil & gas sectors.’

‘Carlos Abou Jaoude is very business-oriented and keeps his eye on the big picture. Souraya Machnouk is a brilliant transactional lawyer with international experience. In projects and energy, Souraya Machnouk is a top-class energy lawyer with a unique expertise in renewable energy projects.’

‘Carlos Abou Jaoude is well known and respected by energy regulators and key industry players.’

‘The individuals I work with stand out for their exceptional client focus, deep expertise, and ability to anticipate legal challenges. They excel in collaboration, responsiveness, and innovative problem-solving.’

‘I particularly value Souraya Machnouk and her team who shows very meticulous attention to detail.’

Key clients

TotalEnergies

Qatar Energy

CMA CGM Group

Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor A/S

Primesouth

Chevron

Debbas Group

Air Arabia

LibanPost

René Mouawad Foundation

Laceco Architects & Engineers

Plus Properties Group

Beit Misk

Ahlam Lands

Naas Springs

Work highlights

  • Advised the world’s largest shipping and logistics company, CMA CGM on the strategic acquisition of three generation licenses for the development of three first-of-their-kind grid-connected privately-owned photovoltaic solar power plants in Lebanon.
  • Advised the world’s largest shipping and logistics company CMA CGM on the strategic acquisition of three generation licenses for the development of three first-of-their-kind grid-connected privately-owned photovoltaic solar power plants in Lebanon.
  • Advised the French global energy conglomerate TotalEnergies on the strategic acquisition of a generation license for the development of the first grid-connected privately-owned photovoltaic solar power plant in Lebanon.

Lebanon > Tax Tier 1

With a focus on transactional tax structuring, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate reorganisations. Carlos Abou Jaoude is regarded for his transactional expertise, while Souraya Machnouk is a key contact for public sector entities. Ibrahim Barraj is noted for his strength in corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk; Ibrahim Barraj

Testimonials

‘Souraya Machnouk is an exceptional commercially minded operator with a deep understanding of the Lebanese legal framework.’

‘An excellent team, which is devoted to their work and knowledgeable of their files.’

‘The firm is able to service clients on cross-border matters involving several jurisdictions.’

‘Carlos Abou Jaoude’s experience in Lebanon and abroad in international finance and tax allow him to successfully handle the difficult legal challenges arising from the ever-changing business environment.’

‘Souraya Machnouk is constantly able to provide effective and realistic solutions to the clients’ complex legal problems.’

‘Souraya Machnouk is meticulous is her work and is always readily available to guide clients through any situation as she has abundant knowledge and experience in the finance field.’

 

Key clients

Amazon

UBS

NCR Corporation

Orange Telecoms

Fadaat Media Group

Qatar Energy

The Body Shop

Collège Protestant Français

Laceco Architects & Engineers

ALMAZA Group Benta Group

Work highlights

  • Advised leading French global telecoms group Orange, on the highly complex tax and corporate reorganisation of its legal presence in Lebanon, involving the conversion of a branch into a company and valuation issues related to the transfer of assets and goodwill.
  • Advised the largest global private bank UBS, on the highly complex tax regulatory framework governing the transfer of Credit Suisse Lebanon to UBS AG pursuant to the global merger by absorption between the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups, involving the transfer of assets and liabilities through universal succession.
  • Advised leading American global fast-food company, Subway on the complex tax regulatory framework governing its exit from the Lebanese market through the liquidation and de-registration of its branch.

Lebanon > Dispute resolution Tier 2

With a strong track record in disputes across the Middle East and Europe, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is focused on arbitration disputes across the media, energy, and construction sectors. Carlos Abou Jaoude has a strong track record in international arbitration, while Simon El Kai is particularly active in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Rania Khoury is experienced in arbitration cases, while Grace Tamer handles civil litigation. Chebl Atallah is another key team member.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Simon El Kai; Rania Khoury; Grace Tamer

 

 

Other key lawyers:

Chebl Atallah

Testimonials

‘Their quick understanding of the case makes it so easy to communicate.’

‘The team is very experienced, proactive, professional, and trustworthy. The team leverages extensive expertise to provide tailored advice that is both timely and effective.’

‘The team’s client-centred approach fosters strong relationships and builds trust, allowing the team to anticipate challenges and deliver innovative solutions.’

‘Simon El Kai has substantive knowledge of laws and legal procedures, combined with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. We relied extensively on his advice and analytical skills throughout all milestones, which have proven invaluable in navigating complex disputes.’

‘A knowledgeable, solution-oriented team.’

‘A team of qualified, capable, dedicated, and responsible professionals.’

‘Rania Khoury is professional, effective, and wise. She has shown a dedication above and beyond the call of duty.’

‘The team collaborates closely together. This is visible to me as a client.’

Key clients

Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor

AJS

Central Bank of Lebanon

Ernst & Young

Smeg

LibanPost

Fransabank Group

Areeba

Bankmed Group

BENTA Group

IBL Bank

Bank of Beirut

I&C Bank

Arab Finance Corporation

Capstone Investment Group

Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International Group

G. Vincenti & Sons Group

Laceco Architects & Engineers

Work highlights

  • Represented the leading pharmaceutical group BENTA, on winning a high-profile multi-million complex competition lawsuit against global French pharmaceutical group Hoffman-La Roche.
  • Represented the Bank of Beirut, on a critical highly complex LAMC arbitration case against another major Lebanese bank, BSL Bank, involving complex banking and capital markets regulations amidst Lebanon’s unprecedented banking crisis.
  • Advised Carlos Ghosn, the notorious former CEO of the Renault-Nissan Group, on a US$1 Billion highly mediatized lawsuit against Nissan in Lebanon.

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm > Firm Profile

Firm overview: Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is the largest multi-practice law firm in Lebanon, with a primary market position leading on complex first-of-their-kind transactions across all practice areas and industries, and a significant record acting on high-profile arbitration and litigation cases with an international reach. In addition to their thorough knowledge of the law, the firm’s diverse team of attorneys is distinguished by an in-depth specialization, a sharp understanding of its clients’ businesses and the industries they operate in, and a strategic pragmatic approach to legal advice.

The firm works closely with a number of top-tier legal correspondents in all key jurisdictions, allowing the firm to offer businesses in need of legal assistance in any country easy access to global advice. Many of the firm’s senior lawyers have international experience working with prominent global law firms and are admitted to practice outside Lebanon. The firm is a member of the International Bar Association, and has consistently been recognized as a tier-one market leader by prominent international legal directories, including Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, and IFLR1000.

Representative experience: The firm handles major local and cross-border deals, and its unparalleled representative transactional experience includes advising on a wide spectrum of landmark transactions, namely, the largest-ever US$200m asset-backed issuance in Lebanon through the securitization of a major real estate portfolio, the acquisition of a listed bank in Europe, the US$150m cross-border syndicated facility led by a global bank to a telecoms group, the first-ever US$300m international syndicated financing of a renewable energy project in Lebanon, multi-million issuances of preferred shares and structured products by Lebanese banks, the first-ever Power Purchase Agreement with the Government of Lebanon, two EPC contracts for €270m reciprocating engines power projects in Lebanon, Lebanon’s first EPA for the exploration of offshore petroleum resources, the development of a major real estate project financed through the issuance of convertible profit-sharing bonds, the ground-breaking multi-bank private placement to finance the launch of a TV station, the largest private debt restructuring in Lebanon, and multi-million acquisitions and private equity transactions across all industry sectors.

The firm’s impressive record includes several high-profile mediatized international arbitration cases, namely representing a renowned TV station in winning an ICC against the largest production and media group in the Arab world, a major Danish/German EPC consortium in the ICC arbitration case against the Republic of Lebanon, several arbitration cases related to major real estate projects and investment funds, and major complex litigations cases in the FMCG, pharmaceutical and energy sectors. The firm is consistently solicited to participate in public policy and legislation reforms in collaboration with local and international governmental bodies.

Clients: Clients include major groups who contribute vitally to the country’s economic growth, and some of the world’s leading multinationals, namely commercial and investment banks, governmental agencies, investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups, insurance companies, trade companies, service providers, consultants, distributors, real estate developers, charitable organisations and private clients. Many of the firm’s clients maintain a strong international presence throughout the MENA region, the UK, Europe and the US.

Publications and speaking engagements: The firm regularly contributes editorial pieces to prominent publications and many of the firm’s attorneys are invited to speak at conferences on topics of interest. Recent conferences and editorial contributions include:

  • The Lebanon chapter of the Banking Regulation guide, published by Getting the Deal Through and edited by Wachtell, Lipton, Rose and Katz USA;
  • The Lebanon chapter of the Energy Regulation & Markets Review, published by The Law Reviews and edited by Latham & Watkins USA;
  • The Lebanon chapter of the Inward Investment & International Taxation Review, published by The Law Reviews and edited by Latham & Watkins USA;
  • The Lebanon chapter of the Data Protection in the Financial Sector guide published by One Trust Data Guidance;
  • The Beirut Energy Week;
  • The Annual Harvard Arab World Conference (HAWC).

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate Law
Mergers & Acquisitions
Banking
Finance
Capital Markets
Energy
Project Development & Finance
Real Estate & Construction
Media
Financial Restructuring & Insolvency
Government Relations & Public Policy
Arbitration
Litigation
Tax
Telecommunications and Technology
Data and Privacy
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Intellectual Property
Licensing, Agency & Distributorships
Franchising
Private Wealth and Family Offices
Employment and Benefits
Entertainment Law
Aviation

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers : 40

Languages

Arabic
English
French

Memberships

Geneva Group International (GGI) Global Network
International Bar Association
Loan Market Association (LMA)
American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)
International Chamber of Commerce (Lebanon Chapter)
Lebanese Franchise Association

Doing Business In

Lebanon