April 2025
For the sixteenth consecutive year, The Legal 500 ranks Abou Jaoude & Associates in Tier 1, the highest ranking for law firms, for its work in four practice areas covered by the 2025 guide in Lebanon. Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude and partner Souraya Machnouk were distinguished as Leading Individuals, the highest ranking for individual lawyers, with a Hall of Fame status bestowed on lawyers ranked as Leading Individuals for at least seven consecutive years. Six lawyers are also Recommended by The Legal 500, namely partners Simon El Kai, Rania Khoury, Ibrahim Barraj, Grace Tamer, and Hachem El Housseini, and Senior Associate Chebl Atallah.
The Firm earned its top tier ranking in the categories of:
- Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
- Commercial, Corporate and M&A
- Real Estate and Construction (including Projects)
- Tax
The Firm also landed a Tier 2 ranking in Dispute Resolution, in recognition of the remarkable work performed by its litigation and arbitration teams.
The prestigious guide commended the Firm’s practice, stating:
The Legal 500 2025 - Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
“A key port of call for both domestic and international banks, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and syndicated facilities. Carlos Abou Jaoude counts various financial institutions on his client roster, and he is well-regarded in the energy, media, and telecoms sectors. Souraya Machnouk is often engaged in cross-border transactions, while Ibrahim Barraj is another key team member.”
The Legal 500 2025 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
“Noted for its capabilities in corporate structuring, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm’s recent caseload encompasses joint ventures involving dual-currencies. Often advising financial institutions, Carlos Abou Jaoude is knowledgeable of the energy, media, and telecoms sectors, while Souraya Machnouk is notably experienced in cross-border transactions. Simon El Kai is well-regarded in the pharmaceuticals sector, while Ibrahim Barraj often advises retail and investment banks.”
The Legal 500 2025 - Real Estate and Construction (including Projects)
“Often handling renewables matters, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is a key port of call for regulatory compliance, project finance, and international energy contracts. The practice is jointly led by Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk, both of whom are particularly skilled at real estate transactions. Hachem El Housseini is another key team member.”
The Legal 500 2025 - Tax
“With a focus on transactional tax structuring, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate reorganisations. Carlos Abou Jaoude is regarded for his transactional expertise, while Souraya Machnouk is a key contact for public sector entities. Ibrahim Barraj is noted for his strength in corporate matters.”
The Legal 500 2025 - Dispute Resolution
“With a strong track record in disputes across the Middle East and Europe, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is focused on arbitration disputes across the media, energy, and construction sectors. Carlos Abou Jaoude has a strong track record in international arbitration, while Simon El Kai is particularly active in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Rania Khoury is experienced in arbitration cases, while Grace Tamer handles civil litigation. Chebl Atallah is another key team member.”
