Karim A. Youssef > Youssef & Partners Attorneys > Giza, Egypt > Lawyer Profile

Karim A. Youssef

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Work Department

Dispute Resolution

Position

Founder & Managing Partner

Career

Karim A. Youssef is founder of Youssef & Partners, a Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 100 law firm based in Cairo and a regional leader in dispute resolution. His practice focuses on commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration, complex high value disputes and international law. Karim spends part of his time giving strategic advice to some of the region’s most significant corporations across a wide array of key industries and sectors, and he also heads the firm’s high net-worth individuals practice.

Karim has received some of the highest distinctions by peers and clients. Among others, he has been described as “a leading light in international arbitration” (Legal 500, 2018) and “a highly regarded arbitration specialist who is praised by peers for his high caliber practice. He has a vast range of arbitration experience, having acted as counsel in numerous commercial and investment treaty cases. One of his clients enthused: “He has an incredible knowledge of international law and his negotiation skills are also impressive.” (Chambers Global Guide, 2019). Karim’s distinctions also include earning the 2018 GAR Award for best global speech and being appointed to CRCICA’s Advisory Committee. He also wrote a well-known book on multi-party arbitration and consent issues prefaced by Jan Paulsson.

Karim’s docket of arbitrator and counsel work exceeds 116 international arbitrations across four continents, with focus on the MENA region and GCC countries, as well as major cosmopolitan seats, including Cairo, Dubai, Paris, London, New York. Karim’s ““sharp intellect” and “responsiveness as an arbitrator” makes him a favorite on the international arbitration circuit.” (Who’s Who Legal, 2018). He is “a respected figure in the arbitration arena, frequently representing clients from the construction and oil and gas industries. Market sources describe him as “super-smart, very much at the top of his game.” One client added: “He’ll be our first choice for any future matter.”” (Chambers Global Guide, 2018). Karim “is recognised in the market as a “top arbitration guy.” He has an impressive, region-spanning practice which sees him represent international companies in investment treaty disputes and other arbitration claims against state entities. With expertise in international law, he frequently represents clients in multibillion-dollar arbitrations seated around the world.” (Chambers Global Guide, 2020).

Languages

English, French, Arabic

Education

Karim has law degrees from Yale Law School (where he earned LL.M. and J.S.D. degrees), and Paris and Cairo Universities.