Orr, Dignam & Co. > Karachi, Pakistan > Firm Profile

Orr, Dignam & Co. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Pakistan > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Overseeing major domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, Orr, Dignam & Co.’s diverse clientele includes multinational corporations (operating within and outside Pakistan), foreign and local banks, and multilateral agencies. The team advised several international hotel chains on franchise agreements in Pakistan. Operating from the Islamabad office, co-heads Zahir Riaz and Shahid Raza leverage their respective years of practice in the field to advise on complex and high-value transactions. Umar Shahid is another key name.

Pakistan > Projects and energy Tier 1

Boasting an established energy practice in the oil and gas sector, Orr, Dignam & Co. has been central to the development of major industrial projects. Of late, the firm has played a leading role in power generation projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and acted on behalf of the Barrick Gold Corporation in one of the largest foreign direct investments in the country’s history. The practice is led by a cohort of Islamabad-based practitioners, Zahir Riaz, Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid, who collectively leverage their vast experience in the project, infrastructure, and energy sector.

Pakistan > Real estate and construction Tier 1

With offices in Karachi and Islamabad, Orr, Dignam & Co. caters to local and international clients on a variety of property transactions. Real estate investment trusts are an area of expertise for the firm and the team is well-equipped to assist clients with preparing the relevant contractual and legal documents. The practice is co-led by Zahir Riaz, who is based in Islamabad and brings over 40 years of litigation experience to the practice. In addition, Aliya Yusuf and Asim Nas operate from the Karachi office with Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid rounding off the leadership team.

Pakistan > Banking and finance Tier 2

The Karachi-based banking and financing team at Orr, Dignam & Co. is highly experienced in major transactions and regularly acts for banks, sponsors, export credit agencies, multilateral institutions, Islamic banks, and government agencies. The team is well-equipped to advise on project financing, working capital, and both conventional and Islamic credit facilities. Recently, the practice has assisted leading pharmaceutical companies and brands such as Uber with their financial restructuring within the territory. Well-regarded for their technical expertise, the team is experienced in high-end structured financing in the aviation and fintech industries, and is  jointly led by Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf, Asim Nasim, Shahid Raza, and Umar Shahid.

Pakistan > Dispute resolution Tier 2

With considerable expertise in arbitration and mediation, Orr, Dignam & Co. advises clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Taking advantage of the seamless interface with the corporate practice, the team is particularly well-equipped to advise on complex disputes with a commercial aspect. Industry veteran Sajid Zahid brings over 48 years of experience to the practice and co-leads the team alongside Taha Alizai. Syed Hassan Ali Raza heads the dispute resolution practice from the Islamabad office. Jawad Raja is another key name.

Pakistan > Insurance Tier 2

With offices in Karachi and Islamabad, Orr, Dignam & Co. boasts a full-service insurance offering, encompassing both advisory and litigation expertise. Recent highlights for the firm include successfully representing the Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd and advising a leading energy company on its insurance policy. The team is jointly led by Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf, Asim Nas, Shahid Raza, and Umar Shahid.

Pakistan > Capital markets Tier 3

With offices in Karachi and Islamabad, Orr, Dignam & Co. represents some of the country’s leading banks and is well-equipped to provide regulatory and compliance advice on Pakistan’s capital markets. The practice is jointly chaired by the experienced Aliya Yusuf and Asim Nasim.

Pakistan > Labour and employment Tier 3

Orr, Dignam & Co. is well-placed to advise on a range of employment matters, such as local laws, contracts, and registrations for international and local blue-chip companies. The practice is co-led by Islamabad-based practitioners Zahir Riaz and Aliya Yusuf. Asim Nasim, Shahid Raza, and Umar Shahid complete the leadership team.