Egypt’s legal landscape is home to some of the Middle East and North Africa’s most prestigious and skilled law firms, known for their expertise in various legal domains, from corporate law and arbitration to intellectual property and finance. This article explores Egypt’s top law firms, recognized for excellence in client service and innovative legal solutions, and their contributions to Egypt’s evolving legal environment. If you’re seeking expert legal representation in Egypt, here are the standout law firms to consider.
Andersen Egypt (Maher Milad Iskander & Co.)
Headquarters:
Cairo – Egypt – Northern Africa – Africa
Overview:
Known as one of Egypt’s top tax and law advisory firms, Andersen Egypt (Maher Milad Iskander & Co.) is part of the Andersen Global network, providing clients with world-class legal and tax services. Specializing in corporate and commercial law and dispute resolution, this firm is highly regarded for its mergers and acquisitions, tax, and labor law expertise. Since its founding, Andersen Egypt has continuously led the legal field, establishing a stellar reputation as a premier law practice across numerous industries. Their 110-person team is renowned for their skill in domestic and international arbitration, and they are experts in various civil, business, and criminal disputes.
Furthermore, their team exhibits unparalleled skill and strategic understanding in structuring, financing, and managing acquisitions. Andersen Egypt’s dedication to quality in these areas makes them a reliable partner for local and international customers.
Notable Achievements:
The firm has been consistently recognized for its excellence in corporate restructuring, tax advisory, and litigation. Their client-centric approach and commitment to transparency and accuracy have helped them build long-term partnerships with clients across multiple industries.
Matouk Bassiouny
Headquarters:
Cairo, with regional offices in Dubai, Sudan, and Algeria, as well as desks for Libya and South Korea
Overview:
Matouk Bassiouny is one of Egypt’s leading corporate and commercial law firms. It specializes in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and project finance. The firm has been commended for its work with multinational corporations and high-profile cases, establishing itself as a critical player in cross-border transactions.
Notable Achievements:
Recognized for its excellence in arbitration, energy, and project finance, Matouk Bassiouny is frequently sought after for complex international disputes. The firm’s multilingual team and regional reach make it a strong choice for global clients.
Matouk Bassiouny has won numerous honors, including UAE’s Rising Star Law Firm of the Year in 2019 and Egypt’s National Firm of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017, and 2020) from the International Financial Law Review (IFLR). With Tier 1 rankings in M&A, Banking, and Capital Markets and Tier 2 rankings in Project Development and Project Finance, they were named a Top Tier Firm in 2022. According to IFLR1000, six of its attorneys are recognized as Leading Lawyers.
Shalakany Law Office
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
With over a century of service, Shalakany Law Office is one of Egypt’s oldest and most reputable law firms. Known for its deep expertise across multiple legal sectors, the firm has a well-regarded dispute resolution team and is known for corporate and M&A transactions, real estate, and labor law. Shalakany Law Office serves many clients, including individuals, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, banks, and international enterprises. The business’s practice areas are banking and finance, capital markets, commercial, corporate, and M&A, energy, projects and infrastructure, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, tax, and dispute resolution. The company employs more than 70 attorneys who blend worldwide standards of excellence with local understanding. Shalakany Law Office upholds the most significant ethical and professional standards while providing its clients with innovative, high-quality, and reasonably priced solutions.
Notable Achievements:
The International Bar Association, Lex Mundi, and Interlaw are just a few of the esteemed legal networks and groups that the Shalakany Law Office is a part of. Due to their exceptional performance and reputation, they have been continuously listed as a top-tier firm by several legal directories and magazines, including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and IFLR1000. The firm’s award-winning arbitration practice and long-standing experience make it a preferred partner for large-scale projects. Shalakany has earned numerous accolades for its work in real estate, energy, and infrastructure law, catering to domestic and international clients.
Helmy, Hamza & Partners (Baker McKenzie Egypt)
Headquarters:
Cairo, affiliated with Baker McKenzie
Overview:
As the Egyptian branch of Baker McKenzie, Helmy, Hamza & Partners provides access to a global network of resources and expertise. The firm excels in corporate, finance, and tax law and often advises on some of Egypt’s most complex business transactions.
Notable Achievements:
Known for its expertise in cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and tax advisory, the firm is regularly ranked among the top international firms in Egypt. Clients appreciate their well-rounded, global approach and deep understanding of local regulations.
Helmy, Hamza & Partners is a well-known leader in the legal sector. They have won numerous honors, including six times in the last ten years as IFLR Egypt’s Law Firm of the Year, Tier 1 ranking for banking and finance and M&A by Chambers & Partners, Legal500, and IFLR1000, The Middle East Legal Awards’ Banking & Finance Team of the Year, Chambers & Partners’ 2021 Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year in Egypt, and The 2020 IFN Awards’ Best Capital Markets Law Firm.
Shahid Law Firm
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
Shahid Law Firm is known for its extensive experience in banking, finance, dispute resolution, and intellectual property. Counselor Sarwat Abd El-Shahid, a former Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, established the renowned international law company Shahid Law Company in Egypt in 1987. Competition law, construction law, data protection, fin-tech, general corporate law, intellectual property, labor and social insurance, litigation, real estate, space law, and sports law are just a few of the practice areas in which the company is known for its quality and creativity.
The more than 40 attorneys of Shahid Law Firm are Western-trained and Egyptian, with various educational backgrounds and linguistic abilities. The company upholds the most significant ethical and professional standards while offering its clients creative, high-quality, reasonably priced solutions.
Notable Achievements:
Awarded for excellence in IP law, commercial law, and arbitration, Shahid Law Firm has a strong track record with multinational clients, particularly in energy, healthcare, and telecommunications. Their forward-thinking approach makes them particularly suited to dynamic industries.
Zulficar & Partners Law Firm
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
Founded by former leading partners of Shalakany, Zulficar & Partners has quickly established itself as one of Egypt’s premier law firms, especially in dispute resolution and capital markets. The firm is renowned for excellence in high-stakes international arbitration and investment disputes.
Notable Achievements:
Zulficar & Partners has won multiple awards for its arbitration practice, representing clients in complex, high-profile cases. Its mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring expertise have also garnered significant attention, making it a leading firm for corporate law matters.
Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
With over 60 years of experience, Zaki Hashem & Partners is renowned for its diverse legal services, especially in telecommunications, oil and gas, and banking. The firm has built a reputation for handling complex regulatory and compliance issues as well as corporate and commercial matters.
Notable Achievements:
Known for its regulatory expertise, the firm has advised numerous international clients on compliance in regulated sectors. Zaki Hashem & Partners is often praised for its solutions-oriented approach and dedication to upholding the highest professional standards. The firm belongs to several prominent legal bodies and networks, including the International Bar Association, Interlaw, and Lex Mundi. In the Egyptian legal industry, Zaki Hashem & Partners is a well-known law practice with a long tradition of excellence and innovation.
Eldib & Co
Headquarters:
Alexandria and Cairo
Overview:
Eldib & Co. has a legacy dating back to the 1870s, making it one of Egypt’s oldest law firms. This firm is mainly known for its intellectual property, maritime, and commercial law services, strongly emphasizing protecting IP rights and handling shipping disputes.
Notable Achievements:
Eldib & Co has been lauded for its intellectual property and maritime law work. With a broad portfolio of international clients, the firm is a respected name in trademark registration, copyright law, and IP litigation. Eldib & Co. is part of several global associations and networks, including the International Bar Association, Interlaw, and Lex Mundi. For its exceptional performance and reputation, the company has received recognition from several legal directories and publications, including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal. A prominent player in the regional legal industry, Eldib & Co. is a multinational law company with Egyptian roots.
Ibrachy & Dermarkar Law Firm
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
Known for its banking, finance, and corporate law expertise, Ibrachy & Dermarkar has established itself as a prominent firm that handles complex transactions and financial matters. The firm also offers substantial expertise in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
Notable Achievements:
Ibrachy & Dermarkar is frequently recognized for its work in corporate finance and mergers, with notable clients in the banking and finance sectors. The firm is also praised for its reliability in high-stakes commercial disputes. The International Bar Association, Lexology, and The Law Firm Network are just a few of the esteemed legal networks and groups Ibrachy & Dermarkar Law Firm is a part of. Clients and colleagues have commended the firm for its professionalism, promptness, and high caliber of service. One of the top international law firms with a long history of success in the Egyptian legal industry is Ibrachy & Dermarkar Law Firm.
ADSERO (Ragy Soliman & Partners)
Headquarters:
Cairo
Overview:
ADSERO (Ragy Soliman & Partners) is a progressive firm specializing in corporate, commercial, and real estate law. Known for its modern approach, it serves a range of industries, including banking, construction, and telecommunications. The firm stands out for its strong local expertise and innovative mindset.
Notable Achievements:
ADSERO has gained recognition for its forward-thinking approach. It often works with fast-paced industries like technology and telecoms. Their real estate and corporate governance expertise makes them popular among international clients seeking to navigate Egypt’s business landscape. Some of Egypt’s most essential and intricate deals and controversies have included the business. For instance, The Suez Canal Economic Zone’s USD 1.5 billion financing, The New Administrative Capital’s USD 3 billion financing, The largest solar park in the world, Benban Solar Park, was financed with USD 1.8 billion, Orange’s purchase of the majority of the Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (MobiNil), Orascom Telecom Media and Technology’s purchase of the majority of LINKdotNET, and NileSat, Egypt’s first private satellite operator.
These award-winning law firms represent the best of Egypt’s legal talent and expertise, each offering unique specializations and services that meet the needs of local and international clients. Whether you’re looking for top-notch arbitration, expert tax advisory, or regulatory guidance, these firms bring professionalism, experience, and dedication to every case they handle. Selecting the right legal partner is essential, and these firms have earned their reputation by delivering consistent, high-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right law firm for my business in Egypt?
Identify your business’s specific legal needs, such as regulatory compliance, intellectual property, or dispute resolution, and choose a firm with expertise.
Are these firms suitable for international clients?
Many of these law firms have experience working with international clients, and several are affiliated with global networks, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of cross-border legal issues.
What are the top areas of expertise for law firms in Egypt?
Egyptian law firms excel in corporate law, arbitration, intellectual property, finance, and regulatory compliance, especially in telecommunications, real estate, and banking.
These top law firms bring valuable expertise to Egypt’s legal scene, ensuring clients receive the best guidance and representation possible.
