September 2022
For the twelfth consecutive year, Abou Jaoude & Associates earned a Top Tier Firm ranking in the respected IFLR1000, the Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms, covering the Financial & Corporate practice of law firms in Lebanon for 2022. Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude and partner Souraya Machnouk were distinguished with a Highly Regarded individual ranking.
The Guide commended the Firm’s work, stating:
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is one of the dominant market advisors in banking, finance and capital markets. The firm represents both local and foreign banks on matters of corporate governance and regulatory compliance in addition to having strong experience in acquisitions and mergers of banks and a plethora of domestic and international extensions of credit and syndicated facilities. In M&A, the firm has a notable record of working on complex and cross-border M&A, including private equity, transactions across all industries and has expertise in transaction structuring, pre-acquisition due diligence, licensing, compliance and post-acquisition integration. The firm also has a track record in projects and energy with major mandates in the electricity and oil and gas sectors.”
Clients praised the Firm's practice, with comments including:
“Remarkable creativity in finding solutions.” - Financial services regulatory
“The firm's lawyers are sharp, available 24/7 and ready to provide their support and contribute beyond the scope of the assigned mission.” - Financial services regulatory
“The partners at the firm have an edge over more traditional lawyers through their industry expertise. They really understand the market and the business. The key partners of the firm are a dream team.” - M&A
“Professionalism, excellent understanding of the topic, excellent service.” - Private Equity
“The firm has […] a very strong relationship with international firms and with regulators.” - Private Equity
“What differentiates the firm is their versatility and their outstanding capacity to analyze a situation from its different angles. They do not act as lawyers only, […] but also as financial, organizational, managerial and strategic advisers.” - Project Development (Energy)
“The law firm has the right people for each area, all with world-class excellence in their field.” - Project finance
Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude is recognized by clients with comments including:
“He is a genius within his field, with an extreme drive and a broad knowledge, and very well connected.”
“Outstanding qualifications with high level of business acumen.”
“Carlos is a real asset in both legal and financial structuring, he has a very good reputation across the industry and has built a strong relationship with Lebanese and foreign law firms and with regulators.”
“Creative in structuring deals and in problem-solving.”
Partner Souraya Machnouk is praised by clients with comments including:
“Souraya is an extremely bright lawyer. She always knows what to do and when to do it.”
“She has a wealth of legal knowledge.”
“She is very commercial-minded, innovative and provides the best service.”
“Outstanding lawyer.”
“Super-responsive and a pleasure to work with. Excellent communication skills.”
Partner Simon El Kai is commended by clients with comments including:
“The breadth of his legal knowledge is impressive. He has experience working with international law firms.”
“He's a straight-to-the-point lawyer, and is very reliable and trustworthy.”
“Smart with an 'out of the box' thinking.”
“Simon is very knowledgeable in the life sciences and pharma sector and provides high-quality work.”
Clients also noted partner Ibrahim Barraj and senior associate Chebl Atallah.
