Zahaf & Partners is adept in handling both large-scale projects and complex legal issues across corporate, tax and banking law. The firm is also highly competent in its dispute resolution practice and is developing its focus on environmental law. Saleh Zahaf and Mahmud Zahaf co-manage the firm, both with strong expertise in commercial matters. Mahmud Zahaf has led several M&A and project transactions and is notably knowledgeable on regulatory compliance. Zekri Ali Zekri has extensive experience in civil law, representing a number of foreign companies before the Libyan courts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The quality of partners and their knowledge of the complicated Libyan landscape. Strong contacts and knowledge in the banking and commercial space.’
‘Mahmoud Zahaf is pleasant, polite and accessible. His legal and commercial knowledge is excellent.’
‘Zahaf & Partners is an emerging firm and has a unique combination of expertise i.e. the senior and veteran partners as well as the young, foreign qualified staff. Compared to other contemporary firms in Libya, they have enough international exposure and understanding of domestic laws and international dispute resolutions with absolutely no problem of a communication hindrance.’
‘Mahmud Zahaf is a proactive and energetic individual, having a grasp on his work.’
- 'A strong focus on understanding clients' needs and providing tailored solutions. Proactive problem-solving and the use of cutting-edge legal strategies.'
‘Diverse team, with various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.'
‘Well-connected team with key stakeholders in Libya.’
‘Mahmud Zahaf is instrumental in the success of negotiations.'
Key clients
- Oilinvest
- SGS - Société Générale de Surveillance SA
- Eni North Africa
- Daewoo E&C
- Hashoo Group
- Salvo Grima Group
- UniCredit S.p.A
- Ferrero International S.A.
- EssilorLuxottica
- WeBuild S.p.A
Work highlights
- Advised Oilinvest on a multimillion-dollar project involving carbon capture, transfer of carbon assets and acquisition of carbon credits.
- Advised on 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.
- Advised WeBuild S.p.A on restructuring a €1bn contract with the Libyan government for the construction of a 1700km highway across Libya, connecting Morocco to Egypt.
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; Mahmud Saleh Zahaf
Other key lawyers
Zekri Ali Zekri; Issa Meka`sh