April 2020
For the eleventh 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 2020 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 2020 - Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is a key name in the market for project finance mandates, with additional expertise in handling capital market transactions. Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude leads the team; he advised Bank Audi Sal on the syndicated financing of Lebanon's first-ever wind energy project. Other key team members include partner Souraya Machnouk.”
The Legal 500 2020 - Commercial, Corporate and M&A
“Cross-border transactions are a key area of focus for Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm. Testament to its expertise in this space was its advice to luxury fashion company Elie Saab group on the multi-jurisdictional divestment of an equity stake to Chinese financial services group Fortune Fountain Capital. M&A specialist Souraya Machnouk leads the practice and is notably strong in the energy sector. Managing partner Carlos Abou Jaoude, who is highly skilled in cross-border transactions, is another key figure, as is senior associate Chebl Atallah.”
The Legal 500 2020 - Real Estate and Construction (including Projects)
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm has handled a number of big-ticket energy projects in the region. For example, practice co-head Souraya Machnouk recently advised Lebanon’s Dapp II Sal and J&P Avax on the development of a combined-cycle gas-turbine power project valued at $500M. Moreover, she also assisted Bank Audi with financing the first-ever wind energy project in Lebanon. Name partner and fellow co-head Carlos Abou Jaoude is particularly skilled in handling PPP projects.”
The Legal 500 2020 - Tax
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm's corporate team frequently advises on the tax elements of M&A, joint ventures, and project developments. The group is also strong in advising on tax planning issues pertaining to wealth management and inheritance tax. Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk are the names to note.”
