Interview with: Dr. Buraq al-Hamdy, Managing Partner

Managing Partner, Dr. Buraq al-Hamdy, shares his thoughts about the firm’s key differentiators, growth areas, client-focused strategies, and future vision

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Basrah Obelisk Law Firm from your competitors?

Basrah Obelisk Law Firm is distinguished by its position as a market-facing advisory firm that closely tracks regulatory, economic, and operational developments in Iraq, enabling us to provide timely and practical guidance to international clients and investors.

Our core strength lies in supporting clients throughout the full investment lifecycle, from pre-entry advisory and structuring to post-registration compliance and operational support. This end-to-end capability ensures continuity, risk mitigation, and strategic alignment at every stage.

Unlike traditional law firms, we provide on-the-ground, solution-driven advice, combining legal expertise with tax, accounting, and compliance services. This allows us to deliver not only legal opinions, but practical, business-oriented solutions tailored to the realities of operating in Iraq.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We expect continued growth in:

• Foreign investment and market entry advisory, as Iraq increasingly attracts regional and international investors.
• Corporate structuring and regulatory compliance, driven by evolving legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
• Employment, immigration, and social security advisory, particularly in light of stricter compliance requirements.
• Tax advisory and financial compliance, as authorities continue to enhance transparency and reporting standards.
• Dispute resolution, reflecting increased commercial activity and contractual complexity.

We also anticipate a growing demand for employment, labour law, and dispute resolution services in the context of business recovery and workforce stabilization after the current regional war comes to an end.

Our firm is actively positioning itself to support international clients in this phase by providing practical, on-the-ground advice on Iraqi labour law, social security obligations, and dispute management, ensuring that businesses can rebuild their operations in a compliant and sustainable manner while effectively mitigating employment-related risks.

These areas are primarily driven by Iraq’s economic expansion, infrastructure development, and the growing need for structured, compliant business operations, particularly for foreign entities entering the market.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

A key development has been the strengthening of our integrated advisory model, allowing us to deliver coordinated legal, tax, accounting, and compliance services under one platform. This enables clients to benefit from seamless execution, consistent advice, and faster response times, while significantly reducing regulatory and operational risks.

We have also enhanced our market intelligence and client advisory approach, ensuring that clients receive real-time, practical guidance aligned with developments on the ground, rather than purely theoretical legal analysis.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology is playing an important role in enhancing both client interaction and service delivery.

We utilize digital tools and internal systems to improve efficiency, compliance tracking, and communication, particularly in areas such as payroll, tax reporting, and regulatory filings.

More importantly, technology allows us to provide clients with timely updates, structured reporting, and greater transparency, supporting informed decision-making in a fast-evolving market.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We regularly assist international investors by providing comprehensive market entry and operational support in Iraq.

In a recent engagement, we advised a foreign client from the pre-investment stage, including market entry strategy, legal structuring, and regulatory planning, followed by full support during incorporation, licensing, and operational setup.

Post-establishment, we continued to support the client with employment structuring, social security compliance, tax advisory, and ongoing regulatory matters, ensuring full compliance and operational efficiency.

Our involvement enabled the client to navigate local challenges effectively, minimize risk, and focus on business growth, while relying on us for practical, on-the-ground solutions to issues arising in Iraq.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are increasingly seeking law firms that can act as long-term strategic partners, providing stability, foresight, and practical direction in complex and developing markets such as Iraq.

Over the next three years, we see Basrah Obelisk Law Firm further strengthening its position as a leading advisor to international investors, expanding its role beyond legal services to become a trusted partner in business decision-making and market strategy.

Our focus will remain on delivering practical, timely, and solution-oriented advice, while continuing to develop our integrated service offering and deepen our understanding of market dynamics to better serve our clients’ evolving needs.