Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is home to a very experienced litigation and arbitration team, which handles complex commercial and cross-border disputes spanning an array of industries including construction and finance. Founding and managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude advises on domestic and international arbitration cases in the banking, media and energy sectors. Simon El Kai specialises in pharmaceutical, healthcare and commercial distributorship disputes, while Rania Khoury is equipped to handle media, construction, intellectual property and finance cases. Grace Tamer is adept in major civil, commercial and criminal litigation cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm's litigation practice has really set itself apart as a leader in the market in recent years thanks to the expert industry knowledge of the partners, whether in banking, pharmaceuticals, or FMCG, and an impressive track record of winning high-stake lawsuits. This is the second year I've used them to advise on lawsuits. The litigation team is resourceful and experienced, which allows them to steer disputes in the right direction for their clients. Their market knowledge, business acumen, and large network sets them apart from more traditional litigation firms.'
- 'The firm has excellent capabilities in handling matters involving multiple jurisdictions, given the international experience of the partners and the firm’s large network of top-tier correspondents abroad. They specialise in handling complex commercial and financial cases in the banking field. They quickly and effectively anticipate opposing positions.'
- 'The team has a great performance; it is motivated and sophisticated.'
- 'This practice stands out for its strong legal expertise, practical commercial insight, and modern approach to service delivery. Rather than relying solely on tradition, the team uses sector knowledge, data-driven thinking, and a client-focused mindset to provide clear, efficient, and business-aligned legal solutions.'
- 'The practice takes a strategic approach to every matter, not just answering legal questions, but helping clients understand the wider impact on risk, growth, and day-to-day operations.'
- 'The team's exceptional command of foreign laws and regulations is a direct reflection of Rania Khoury's leadership and vision. Under her astute direction, the legal team stands out for its intellectual rigour, strategic precision, teamwork and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to craft nuanced legal strategies, tailored to the specific demands of each case, is particularly impressive. She brings a rare combination of legal depth and commercial sensibility, ensuring that each matter is approached with both analytical sharpness and strategic foresight.'
Key clients
- Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor
- AJS
- Central Bank of Lebanon
- Ernst & Young
- Credit Suisse Lebanon Finance (UBS Group)
- LibanPost
- Fransabank Group
- Areeba
- Bankmed Group
- BENTA Group
- IBL Bank
- Bank of Beirut
Work highlights
Represented Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of the Renault-Nissan Group, on a US$1 billion high-profile lawsuit against Nissan in Lebanon.
Advised leading Lebanese financial institution Credit Suisse Lebanon Finance (UBS Group) on a case against regional Kuwaiti conglomerate ACC, arising amidst the global merger of the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups.
Represented the Central Bank of Lebanon in five lawsuits challenging the legality of a joint decision of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance on currency valuation amid Lebanon’s financial crisis.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Carlos Abou Jaoude; Simon El Kai; Grace Tamer; Rania Khoury