Zahaf & Partners advises clients across corporate, tax, banking, and litigation matters, alongside a new focus on emerging areas in Libya including carbon capture and carbon credits. The practice is led by Saleh Zahaf, based in Tripoli, who is a specialist in commercial and investment law, and the firm also benefits from civil and commercial law specialist Zekri Ali Zekri.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Zahaf & Partners offers international standard legal services, while also understanding the intricacies of the legal scenario in Libya, which no international law firm would be able to provide. Their level of knowledge is unsurpassed.’
- ‘Mahmud Zahaf is incredibly knowledgeable and professional. There is nothing easy about Libya, and working with Mahmud, you feel that you have someone protecting your interests and guiding you through all the challenges you can face.’
- ‘Responsiveness, professionalism, reasonable fees, knowledge of the energy sector ’
- ‘They are not just legal experts; they are specialists in their clients' industries. They speak the language of our business. This allows them to provide advice that is not only legally sound but also commercially practical and relevant; their ultimate focus is on delivering favorable outcomes for their clients.'
- 'Their strategic foresight and proactive approach are designed not only to win cases but also to help clients avoid litigation and other costly disputes in the first place. The firm's communication is outstanding.'
Key clients
- Oilinvest
- BGN Energy
- SGS - Société Générale de Surveillance SA
- Eni North Africa
- Daewoo E&C
- Huawei
- Ericsson
- Boryung corporation
- WeBuild S.p.A
Work highlights
Representing OilInvest in a matter related to a dispute with an investment fund concerning one of the company’s strategic projects. The engagement involves legal issues surrounding project finance and contractual interpretation, requiring careful navigation of Libyan civil and commercial law.
Advised and handled SG`s liquidation of its Libyan branch, including restructuring and terminating employment contracts, claiming outstanding debts from Oil & Gas companies, and retrieving lost equipment. Successfully completed the debt recovery process and settled all claims with the involved companies.
Advised WeBuild S.p.A on restructuring a €1bn contract with the Libyan government for constructing a major 1700 km highway across Libya. This project is a crucial component of the North African highway, connecting Morocco to Egypt. Additionally, assisted in claiming unpaid debts owed by the Libyan government concerning other projects.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Saleh Zahaf; Zekri Zekri; Mahmud Zahaf