April 2019
For the tenth 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 2019 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. Two lawyers are also Recommended by The Legal 500, namely partner Simon El Kai 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 prestigious guide commended the Firm’s practice, stating:
The Legal 500 2019 - Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm has experience of structured finance and syndicated lending transactions, and also advises banks on corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Highlights included acting for a syndicate of lenders on the $300m financing of a first-of-its-kind wind power project in Lebanon, advising Saradar Bank on capital markets transactions, and assisting Sakson Petroleum Services with the rescheduling of several loans, which became necessary due to a drop in the price of oil. Key figures in the team include Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk.”
The Legal 500 2019 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
“The “exceptional” and “impressive” team at Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is noted for its “supportive” service and its “extremely ethical conduct, which is of utmost professionalism”. Highlights included advising Sioufi Group on its 50-50 merger with Établissements Antoine Massoud, which included advice on tax structuring, transactional due diligence and related document reviews and drafting. Carlos Abou Jaoude, Simon El Kai and Souraya Machnouk are key figures in the practice group, which has “extensive knowledge in the matters it tackles and an amazing network of partners”. Also recommended is senior associate Chebl Atallah.”
The Legal 500 2019 - Real Estate and Construction (including Projects)
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is regularly instructed to advise on lease agreements, assess risks related to real estate transactions, and assist with major development projects and project finance. The team advised real estate developer Natour Development on the construction of a tourist village in Anfeh, and assisted a joint venture consisting of several renewable energy companies with the process of obtaining licenses for the development of a 200MW wind farm. The team also assisted a joint venture led by renewable energy company CTC Sal with the pre-qualification process for the development of the first-ever photovoltaic project in Lebanon.”
The Legal 500 2019 - Tax
“The Firm handles strategic tax planning in the context of inheritance and wealth management, and also advised on the tax aspects of M&A, joint venture agreements and project development. Name partner Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk advised a joint venture led by Lebanon Wind Power on the tax aspects of a public tender for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a wind power project, which included negotiations for the first-ever power purchase agreement for wind energy entered into by the Lebanese government.”
