Known for its strength in varied commercial and investor-state arbitration matters, Shahid Law Firm‘s ’uniqueness lies in its combination of academic depth and practical experience’. Managing partner Girgis Abd El-Shahid heads up the arbitration practice, and is recommended for his expertise in complex multiparty arbitrations across different jurisdictions. Founding partner Sarwat Abd El-Shahid continues to bring his deep contentious know-how to the team, in particular focusing on the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. Counsel Inji Fathalla is another key practitioner, and regularly handles cases under prominent institutional rules, including the ICC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and CRCICA. The group is rounded out by a strong senior associate bench, which includes Salma Nasreldine and Georges Ghali.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Shahid Law Firm’s arbitration practice is one of the most established in Egypt, with a strong reputation regionally and internationally.'
- 'The team’s uniqueness lies in its combination of academic depth and practical experience, often advising on precedent-setting matters and representing clients in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes.'
- 'Potential clients would appreciate the firm’s strong track record before institutions such as ICSID, ICC, and CRCICA, as well as its bilingual capabilities (Arabic-English) which provide seamless cross-border representation.'
- 'Compared to other firms, Shahid Law Firm is often regarded as a “go-to” for high-stakes investor–state disputes. The firm has introduced innovations in team collaboration, including cross-practice integration, and has a strong focus on diversity and development of young practitioners, which enhances its bench strength and future sustainability.’
- ‘At Shahid Law Firm, Girgis Abd El-Shahid is highly regarded for deep expertise in investor–state arbitration and ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes disputes with authority.'
- 'Their combination of academic rigor and practical experience makes them stand out among competitors. I have valued the team’s ability to anticipate issues and provide solutions that align with long-term client strategy.'
Key clients
- Abbott Laboratories
- Arab Company for Touristic Project
- CTIP Oil & GAS UAE
- Doosan Enerbility Limited Company
- East Mediterranean Gas (EMG)
- Egyptian General Co. For Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH)
- El Naba Contracting Enterprises
- Gesenu S.p.A
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Global Consolidated Contractor (Egypt)
- Heidelberg Cement AG
- Highways Arabia FZ LLC (UAE)
Work highlights
Successfully represented a major South Korean construction company in the settlement of a long-running dispute arising from a port container facility project that resulted in three ICC arbitration cases, valued at $72m.
Representing a major financing company and its owner in an ICC arbitration involving a claim initiated by the other shareholder of the group of companies against the owner and his financing company.
Advising the EGOTH on its negotiation and eventual execution of a development and financing agreement with the Saudi Al-Sharif Group Holding for the development of the Shepheard Hotel after successfully settling a dispute with Shepheard’s former contracted management company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Inji Fathalla
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Salma Nasreldine
Practice head
Sarwat Abd El-Shahid; Girgis Abd El-Shahid
Other key lawyers
Inji Fathalla; Salma Nasreldine; Georges Ghali